A OLD ENGLAND PARIS single raglan wool balmacaan coat, estimated from the 1990s.
A special arrival.
OLD ENGLAND PARIS is a select shop brand founded in 1867 in Paris, France by Alexandre Henriquet, a former salesman at Bon Marché.
In 1916, he bequeathed the company to his son, Edouard Henriquet, and in 1934, his nephew Julien Henriquet joined. At that time, the company employed approximately 350 people and was known for manufacturing and selling bespoke clothing, while also offering numerous imported goods. OLD ENGLAND PARIS operated on the principle of "quality first, integrity, and confidence," offering a curated selection that coordinated not merely fashion but life in its entirety—reportedly the only establishment of its kind in Paris and indeed the world.
OLD ENGLAND PARIS made its first arrival in Japan in 1990. Their offerings embody a refined blend of British heritage with French restraint—simple, impeccably tailored pieces that sit naturally within the cultivated wardrobe of the discerning adult. Timeless French traditional style, unburdened by fleeting trends.
We present a balmacaan coat from OLD ENGLAND PARIS, distinguished by a fundamental and scarce detail: the single raglan sleeve.
In conventional coats, the distinction lies between a set-in sleeve and a raglan sleeve (two-piece construction). A raglan requires precise sizing; worn loose, the shoulder becomes unnaturally bulbous, as though padded. The single raglan sleeve, by contrast, is praised for its elegant shoulder line. In standard two-piece raglan construction, seams appear at two points—the top of the sleeve and the underarm. A single raglan, however, wraps the arm in one continuous piece of fabric, placing the seam at only one point: the underarm.
Though subtle, this distinction profoundly affects silhouette. The single sleeve's fabric falls perpendicular to gravity, yielding a dropped shoulder and an inherently refined line. It permits oversized wear while maintaining contemporary ease and proportion.
Among renowned British coat makers such as Burberrys, single raglan construction is extraordinarily rare—found in approximately one of every thousand pieces, or roughly one percent of total production. In wool, the rarity intensifies further. Such pieces remain highly sought.
This specimen is constructed from wool of 100 percent content—a rare luxury. The fabric possesses a substantial weight comparable to Burberrys coats, with the textured character of tweed. Being pure wool, it offers exceptional thermal properties and is suitable for the depths of winter. Its elegance transcends era; the silhouette embodies the understated sophistication for which British tailoring is regarded. The pronounced A-line that develops toward the hem creates a graceful and refined form.
The color is a gentle mocha brown, suitable for autumn and winter months. As a foundational tone, it serves equally in casual and formal contexts.
Though no size label remains visible, the piece corresponds approximately to Japanese sizes M to L. The measurements suggest a golden proportion suited to Japanese proportions, accommodating a range of builds. Given the single raglan construction, even oversized wear maintains its refined silhouette.
Signs of use are present—minor soil, rubbing, small tears, and repair marks—yet no damage prohibits wear. The coat remains serviceable.
OLD ENGLAND PARIS, essential to French traditional style, represents British heritage realized through French restraint. Though not made in France, this piece embodies the authentic expression of British formal dress. As coat season approaches, seekers of single raglan construction are numerous, and availability diminishes. This is a foundational piece, certain to serve through autumn and winter. Those with interest should not overlook this opportunity.
