Just how special was not readily apparent to those who saw him, in his old Beethoven frock-coat or his shapeless orange cardigan.

ECONOMIST: Karlheinz Stockhausen

For her parade costume, Ms. Kule chose a bowler hat in a purple velvet that matches a velvet frock-like coat custom-made by New York designer Dara Lamb.

WSJ: On Thanksgiving, She Reigns in This Parade

The morning coat, a pared-down frock coat, though still very fitted, set the trend for smaller coats.

ECONOMIST: Men's clothing

The suit's W-collar seems to have developed from turning down the stand-up collar of a frock coat, which in turn derived from army and naval wear.

ECONOMIST: Men's clothing