A rare, complete three-piece ensemble by British knitwear designer John Ashpool: a floor-sweeping duster, matching skirt, and long wrap belt, knit in Italy from a luxurious wool and cashmere blend.
The duster is the showpiece. Its yoke is worked in an intarsia panel of soft lilac florals framed by bands of sky blue, sand, and rose, and every edge is trimmed in a woven-look geometric border piped in brick red. Full balloon sleeves gather into patterned cuffs, and the hem carries a deep band of diamond motifs that echoes across the matching skirt. Worn together, the pieces read as one sweeping, dress-like silhouette. Worn apart, the duster layers beautifully over denim or a slip dress.
About the designer: John Ashpool designed knitwear in England in the 1970s, producing his pieces in Italy. His work is held in the collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute and London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Individual Ashpool sweaters surface from time to time, but a complete matching three-piece set like this is exceptionally rare.
Details
- Designer: John Ashpool (original woven label)
- Era: 1970s
- Fabric: 70% wool, 30% cashmere
- Made in Italy
- Skirt has an elastic waist
- Care: dry clean only
Size: Tagged S, but fits like a modern M/L thanks to the relaxed cut and elastic waist. Modeled on a modern size 8 with a 29" waist. Please check measurements below.
Measurements (taken flat)
Duster
- Shoulder to shoulder: 15"
- Pit to pit: 16"
- Sleeve length: 25"
- Length: 45"
Skirt
- Waist: 14" flat, elastic with stretch (fits a 29" waist)
- Hips: free
- Length: 32"
Belt
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No snags or pulls, and freshly dry cleaned.
Only one. Always was.
