Behind the Craft: The Making of the Mr Cramer Rouge Coat
Be part of its journey From Blanket to Beauty —scroll down to explore its making and see how it was brought to life
Made to Last
To preserve the beauty of your jacket, dry clean or gently hand wash at a maximum of 20°C. Iron on low heat. .
Sustainability in Focus
At Fitol Collections, we celebrate sustainability by giving forgotten textiles a new life. Slight imperfections in the material reflect its history and unique charm. If you value craftsmanship and authenticity, this coat is made for you. Learn more about our pricing philosophy [here]
Details:
Color: Riuge Pink with salmon hues (rouge pink lining)
Composition: 100% Recycled Wool
Button Closure: 4 Vintage Buttons in a pink and Beige shades
Hanger Loop
Tailored techniques
Fusing sensitive areas: Reinforces the wool fabric for enhanced durability.(shoulders, fronts and collars etc)
Precision cutting: Maximizes the blanket's patterns, textures, and details (trims or special characteristics).
Hand finishing: Pockets, lining, buttons and button holes or loops, and trims are all meticulously crafted.
Unique Patterns: Each blanket coat has its own design, so you'll see slight variations in length or pockets sizes belts and collars across coats of the same size.
Note:
Each vintage textile is pre-washed before deconstruction. Due to its pre-loved nature, slight imperfections or color variations may occur, making each piece unique. If you're not familiar with the charm and imperfections of vintage textiles, this collection may not be the best fit for you.
Final Sale
Each Fitol Collection piece is one-of-a-kind, so we kindly ask you to check the measurements carefully before purchasing. We’re happy to provide additional photos, videos, or assistance—just email us at info@fitolcollections.com. or message us on Instagram.
We want you to love your Fitol Collection piece. While returns are accepted within 5 working days of delivery, we also offer exchanges for another design of similar value (±10%) or a made-to-order piece crafted from our available materials.
Made-to-order pieces will follow our production schedule and be ready within 2–4 weeks, depending on availability. Please note that all shipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
The full Story & Journey behind your coat:
This blanket has a lot of surprises! It first came to us thanks to Mr. Bras, our kind neighbor, who wanted to support our work. As we began cutting into it, we uncovered three intriguing discoveries:
A paper card, possibly a receipt or dry-cleaning tag, dated 14-07-1992, from Javastraat no. 368. Javastraat is a Ams street described as “It’s a whole world in one street”—perhaps fellow Amsterdamers might know more about this find.
A tiny hand-sewn label with the name "G. Cramer," which was a common practice for soldiers in the past, whether Army or Navy.
Zaalberg historical blankets "The Zaalberg company started a woollen blanket factory in Leiden in 1814 - the factory was closed in 1976.
These small discoveries only added to the character and meaning of the transformation we were about to undertake.
Mr. Bras’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond this blanket. He’s also dedicated to preserving his own home, the Polderhuis, a building dating back to 1865. Though it had seen better days, Mr. Bras lovingly restored it using reclaimed materials, breathing new life into its historic bones.
We’re incredibly grateful for his support, and it’s amazing how his sustainable mindset aligns with ours. This coat is not just about the materials—it’s about the stories, the craftsmanship, and the respect for what came before us.
After a careful wash, the transformation began on October 17th and 18th, 2024, with the design and cutting process. By October 18th and 19th, the blanket had become a one-of-a-kind jacket. The final touches were completed by November 5th, 2024. A small photoshoot captured the timeless flow and craftsmanship of the piece.
This jacket now carries over 40 years of history, warmth, and creativity. Designed and crafted by Katerina, the transformation included hand-mending, custom design, cutting, and quilting a bespoke lining. Yasar, in our partner atelier, added the buttonholes, while Katerina personally hand-sewed the buttons, ensuring each detail was finished with care and precision.
A wearable work of art, this jacket stands out for its originality and is built to last. Wear it with pride, knowing it was made to be cherished and passed on as a true treasure.
With love (and flowers),
The Fitol Collections team
P.S. A little surprise will accompany your order as a heartfelt thank-you for supporting our small business and appreciating our craft.