In his Fall 1953 collection, which became known as “Cupola” (or Dome), Christian Dior introduced coats and jackets with a wide, rounded barrel shape. This elegant Norell coat reflects the popularity of the Dior style, which was widely copied around the world. Made from Indian brocade of silk and metallic thread, the coat has threequarters- length raglan sleeves and is decorated with jewel-like buttons. The barrel style was short-lived, and by the mid-1950s prominent waistlines were again a strong design feature of dresses and coats.