Luxurious green, black, yellow, purple, and pink double breasted silk coat by Ronald Amey. The coat is knee length, has long sleeves, a loose turtleneck collar, and a high, fitted bodice with two columns of four glossy, black buttons. The print of the coat resembles a check print made abstract, or even a Nam June Paik glitch art piece! Based on the innovative print, we assume the coat is a collaboration between Amey and famed renowned textile designer Tzaims Luksus. Fabulous vintage coat ahead of its time!

Ronald Amey was best known for his bold, dramatic evening wear and coats. His use of textiles was unparalleled, combining bold prints and bright colors in innovative ways. Amey often collaborate with renowned textile designer Tzaims Luksus, who in 1965 became the first person to win a Coty Award for fabric design.

Amey began his fashion career in California, designing a dress for Gisele MacKenzie; she was to appear on the Jack Benny Show. He started out small, working on his craft at night, and holding a day job as a delivery man. At one point Amey tried to deliver dress sketches along with some groceries to Lucille Ball. Desi caught him and tossed him out on the sidewalk.

Amey joined the airfare during the Korean War, soon befriending and designing for the officers’ wives. After his service, Amey went on to study at the Parsons School of Design in New York.

After graduating, Amey went on to work for a number of design houses, including Arnold Scaasi. In 1959 Amey partnered up with Joseph Burke; the two had met while in the military. The Burke Amey clothing line was successful, lasting until the 1970s, and was sold in department stores across the United States. Amey later went on to design for Aurora Ruffolo.

Amey had a hand in establishing a fashion course at Mount Mary College (now University) in Milwaukee.