Why would an antique cape have label "Otto Kahn"??

Discussion in 'Textiles, Needle Arts, Clothing' started by scoutshouse, Nov 18, 2015.

  1. scoutshouse

    scoutshouse Well-Known Member

    OttoKahnCape-2.jpg OttoKahnCape-3.jpg OttoKahnCape-4.jpg OttoKahnCape.jpg I knew Otto Kahn was a extremely wealthy financier, philanthropist and collector in the 20s - along the lines of the Vanderbilts, etc. - about the same time these crazy antique pieces were made, but couldn't find any useful information... The woman who wore them certainly may have mingled in his circle - she dressed exquisitely and they traveled extensively.

    (he was also supposedly the model for the guy on the monopoly board game)

    Thanks, all - !!
     
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  2. Messilane

    Messilane Well-Known Member

    It could well have his - made specially for him for some Fancy Dress ball?

    Perhaps he went as Poseidon?
     
  3. scoutshouse

    scoutshouse Well-Known Member

    Inscrutable mogul - maybe he was on the down low? haha
     
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  4. morgen94

    morgen94 Well-Known Member

    There are references to the Otto Kahn collection in THIS 1922 publication...including this (partial) OttoKahnCapes1922.jpg article...
     
  5. morgen94

    morgen94 Well-Known Member

    From that same publication...
    OttoKahnLeasesLoft1922.jpg
     
  6. morgen94

    morgen94 Well-Known Member

  7. morgen94

    morgen94 Well-Known Member

    I found a 1928 reference to Otto Kahn, Inc. that noted: "Application of Carl Kahn to dissolve Otto Kahn, Inc. (Petition received and application granted.)"
     
  8. GaleriaGila

    GaleriaGila Hola, y'all!

    Morgen, you are so informational!
    Is that a word in English, hopefully...?
     
  9. johnnycb09

    johnnycb09 Well-Known Member

    I think you are looking for " informative " but your word sounds cuter . :)
     
  10. scoutshouse

    scoutshouse Well-Known Member

    THANK YOU!!! I did see something out of the corner of my eye on my very first google, and never saw it again - thought I was imagining it. That is really very cool!

    Nowhere on his Wiki does it state that he was involved in the fur trade, so somewhat hazy on how he became such a genius at designing such snazzy clothes except he was around lots of snazzy people - but one article mentions "Comincia Fagiani, Otto Kahn's designer, was also present and assisted..." I'm only scanning bits and pieces here.

    Too bad it's got some condition issues - mostly just the fabric. The spangled sequins, which I think are the standouts are basically fine.
     
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  11. GaleriaGila

    GaleriaGila Hola, y'all!

    Like I said... informative!

    Thanks, Johnny!
     
  12. all_fakes

    all_fakes Well-Known Member

    Although known as a financier, Mr. Kahn appears to have had other interests; he is listed in IMDb as the producer of a number of movies in the 1930s, and as an actor in several prior to that.
    He is also listed as costume designer for one film:
    http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0434900/#costume_designer

    One might almost believe there were two different individuals by that name; but the IMDb bio lists the financier's dates of birth and death (1867-1934). One odd thing is that two movies were released, in 1979 and 1998 using footage shot in the 1930s. At first I was pretty sure that no one who died in 1934 could be the producer of a film released in 1998.....but it appears that is indeed the case.
     
  13. scoutshouse

    scoutshouse Well-Known Member

    I agree!

    But I could also see where his experience in the railroad industry and others might give him access and exposure to a wild array of opportunity, which he apparently made good use of!
     
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  14. all_fakes

    all_fakes Well-Known Member

    Yes; and he played several musical instruments; was a patron of the arts, the Metropolitan Opera and others; and was apparently "smitten with Hollywood."
    A multifaceted individual for sure.
     
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  15. springfld.arsenal

    springfld.arsenal Store: http://www.springfieldarsenal.net/

    Some suspected that O.K. was in fact the infamous "Times Square Flasher" who approached women from behind wearing a black mask, various colors of capes, red moccasins, and that's all. Unfortunately he was never caught so his identity will probably remain unknown. Multifaceted indeed.
     
  16. scoutshouse

    scoutshouse Well-Known Member

    Magnate, mogul, dandy, actor, designer, Bolshevik, Illuminati - and flasher. What a resume!
     
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  17. KingofThings

    KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

    Oh my... You know what that really means?
     
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  18. KingofThings

    KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

    WOW!
    Might have a score there!
     
  19. MissDanielle

    MissDanielle New Member

    family made would be my guess
     
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  20. MissDanielle

    MissDanielle New Member

    should be shocka kahn
     
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