I just finished this reverse bolero, from a 50s pattern by Oscar-winning costume designer Edith Head, in time to wear it to an event at the Motion Picture Academy’s “Hollywood Costume” exhibit.
Here’s the pattern I used:
I made it from raw silk, and lined it with rayon challis. The rolled neckline was very tricky to figure out:
I used vintage Bakelite buttons to fasten the back.
You can find more construction details on my blog: JetSetSewing.com.