HERMINE GRÜNWALD Antique Opera Coat, Vienna, ca. 1918

This elegant early 20th-century black silk coat, dating to around 1918, is a rare and beautifully preserved example of Viennese fashion design from the final years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Labeled Robes Hermine Grünwald, Wien, the garment reflects the refined craftsmanship and luxurious detailing associated with Hermine Grünwald, a prominent figure in Vienna’s couture scene before World War II.

The coat features bead decoration, wing sleeves, and a softly gathered ruffle neck, combining fluid silhouette with ornamental richness. Despite its age, the piece is in excellent condition, with only minimal bead loss and a small seam separation on the left sleeve. Such garments were typically worn for formal occasions opera or evening outings, and this example showcases the understated glamour and artisanal quality of 1910s women's outerwear.

Hermine Grünwald operated the Modes, Robes and Confection Maison in Vienna, a respected fashion house known for its elegant robes and tailored garments. As a Jewish designer, Grünwald’s life and career were tragically cut short - she was deported to Treblinka in 1942, where she perished during the Holocaust. Her surviving work, such as this coat, stands as a poignant testament to her talent and the vibrant cultural life of pre-war Vienna.