Ralph Lauren c. 1980s Wool Cardigan with Pouf Sleeves in Bordeaux | M

Ralph Lauren, c. 1980s. A fine-gauge wool cardigan in deep Bordeaux, executed with the kind of construction discipline that distinguishes Ralph Lauren's 1980s knitwear at its strongest — pouf sleeves with the volume gathered into the shoulder cap, subtle cable-knit detail at the yoke, natural horn buttons in soft warm tones. The sleeve construction is a design move worth naming. The pouf is shaped in the leg-of-mutton-influenced tradition, the upper sleeve carrying substantial volume that tapers to a fitted ribbed cuff. Leg-of-mutton sleeves had their first major moment in 1830s Victorian dress, retreated through mid-century, and returned in a more refined register through the 1890s aesthetic movement revival. The cardigan is in mint condition. The wool retains its full hand, the cable-knit detail at the yoke is intact and crisp, the buttons and buttonholes show no stress, and the ribbed cuffs and hem hold their elasticity. Details: · Ribbed crewneck · Front button placket · Natural horn buttons · Pouf sleeves with leg-of-mutton-influenced construction with ribbed cuffs · Subtle cable-knit detail at shoulder yoke · 100% wool Measurements: · 38" bust · 24" length Care: Hand wash cold in wool wash, lay flat to dry. Dry clean preferred.