1980s Umberto Ginocchietti Angora Blend Cardigan with Parrot Appliqué

This 1980s novelty applique cardigan was designed by Italian fashion house Umberto Ginocchietti. The eponymous designer and businessman first found success in the 1960s importing Angora wool and manufacturing knitting yarn from which this jumper is made. He owned large factories, licencing and manufacturing ready-to-wear garments for many of the greatest Italian and French designers including Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Thierry Mugler and Guy Laroche in the 1970s and 1980s. During the early part of their careers, Domenico Dolce, Stefano Gabbana and Franco Moschino all held Creative Director positions within Ginocchietti’s own brand, and it is highly likely that this garment was designed by one of them. We have included some images from Umberto Ginocchietti's 1982 campaign that features very similar pieces.

Crafted from the softest angora wool, the top is tailored to a low-key bomber jacket style with rounded shoulders, a cocooning cut and a ribbed collar and cuffs. It fastens at the front with flat silver buttons that look like snap closures from the outside. There are two slanted welt pockets at the waist. The back of the arms are detailed with metallic silver braid. The rear of this playful cardigan is adorned with a delightful cream, olive and white silk parrot edged in metallic silver thread and detailed with metal eyelets and rivets.

This cardigan is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note. It is 70% Angora, 18% Nylon, 10% Lambswool, 2% Silk. There are no size labels so please check the measurements below; the fabric has some stretch. It has an oversized style and will fit a variety of sizes up to a UK 12 or US 8.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 44 in. (112 cm)

WAIST - 40 in. (102 cm)

HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)

LENGTH - 26 in. (66 cm)

SHOULDERS - 17 in. (43 cm)