The London Museum caption reads

Moss crepe Evening coat, 1931-1934 Designed by Stella Mary Pearce Stella Mary Pearce is best known under her married name, Newton, as a pioneering dress historian who founded the History of dress MA course at the Courtauld Institute. Previous to this she began her career in costume design in the late 1920s as an assistant to the leading London theatre designer George Sheringham. Working for Sheringham she created many celebrated costumes for West End productions and developed her interest in historic dress. In 1931 she moved into couture design, setting up her business at 36 New Bond street and later at 115a Park Street, where she was based until she closed her business at the outbreak of war. Stella Mary Pearce designs were unique and innovative. This evening coat, with its dramatic, voluminous sleeves and interweaving waves of fabric, references medieval 'dagging'. This was a decorative method of finishing the edges of garments by cutting the fabric into ribbon-like hanging sections. While this is a dramatic garment, the simple clean lines and close fitting shape reflect a sophisticated elegance.