Witzchoura Explained

A witzchoura (sometimes witz-chouras) was a type of mantle, pelisse, or sleeved cloak, with a large collar and, sometimes, a hood, that was particularly fashionable in the early 19th century.^[1] The term derives from the Polish word wilczura, meaning 'wolf fur coat'.^[2] It was inspired by Polish styles, hence sometimes being described as a la Polonaise,^[3] although it is not the same as the gown called a polonaise. Like the original hussar's pelisse, it was typically lined with fur.

The witzchoura is said to have emerged about 1808, soon after Napoleon met with his Polish mistress, Marie Walewska,^[1] and was worn throughout the first half of the 19th century. Versions of the witzchoura were still being worn for travelling in 1849.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Book: Joannis. Claudette. L'élégance sous l'Empire : Joséphine à Malmaison : Musée national des châteaux de Bois-Préau et Malmaison. 2007. Réunion des Musées nationaux. Paris. 9782711851232.
2. Web site: wilczura . sjp.pwn.pl . pl . 2018-01-25 .
3. Book: La Belle Assemblée: Or, Court and Fashionable Magazine; Containing Interesting and Original Literature, and Records of the Beau-monde. January 1827. J. Bell. https://books.google.com/books?id=rsERAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA30. Cabinet of Taste: Costume of Paris. A woman of fashion well wrapped up in a Witzchoura pelisse, with sleeves á la Polonaise, ought to wear black velvet boots....
4. Book: Cunnington . C. Willett . English women's clothing in the nineteenth century . 1990 . Dover Publications. New York . 9780486319636 . 154 .