I purveyed this blazer at an estate sale in Dallas, TX. The jacket has the name Preston Love sewn into it. It is believed to have been crafted around 1981 by Riviera Fashions Hong Kong. The one thing that really sticks out, beyond the sewn label, is what looks like spittle that collected on the front buttons, possibly from a sax spit-valve.
Sizing Shoulders: 19” Chest: 40” Waist: 38” Length: 30” Sleeve: 22.5”
Hi Rolf,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Riviera Fashions (Hong Kong) was a garment manufacturing company that operated during the mid to late 20th century, particularly active in the 1960s through the 1980s, during the height of Hong Kong's global dominance in textile and apparel manufacturing.
Preston Love (1921–2004) was a significant figure in American music and civil rights history, especially known for his work as a jazz and rhythm & blues saxophonist, bandleader, and advocate. His notable collaborations include the Count Basie Orchestra, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, and Fats Domino and he worked as a session musician for the Motown label in the 1960s, helping to shape the iconic Motown sound.
It's certainly possible - even likely that he owned this bespoke jacket. While some collectors might be turned off by the stains of a spit valve(!), if this were sold in an auction of entertainment clothing, it would have a fair-market value of $150-250 (without the celebrity association, this has a value of less than $50).
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A vintage bespoke Riviera Fashions navy blazer
made specifically for Preston Love (nd)
Shoulders: 19”
Chest: 40”
Waist: 38”
Length: 30”
Sleeve: 22.5”
CONDITION: Staining near the top button but otherwise this appears to bein generally good condition
PROVENANCE: Acquired at a garage/yard sale; probably owned and worn by musician Preston Love.
$ 150-250*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia