From the army trenches in WW1 to Hollywood runways, the trench coat, as we know it today has a history far beyond the catwalk. Maybe the most underrated cover up of all times, the Trench Coat has been around since the very beginning of fashion. Come rain or shine, these styles are versatile and here to stay. For more than 100 years it has been the staple outerwear, for army officers trickling down to men and women giving them a utilitarian structure and a stylish armour against the winters. The eponymous trench coat as claimed is an invention of two British fashion houses, Burberry and Aquascutum, though the myth still remains unresolved on who came up with the idea first.
The buttoned Burberry trench coat is known to be the first of its kind and is still a luxury to own today. Worn in some of the most Iconic scenes in cinema in Casablanca,Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Marlene Dietrich in A Foreign Affair, Meryl Streep in Kramer vs. Kramer – the trench became synonymous with intrepid men and smart women. The designs since then have been revisited by Martin Margiela, Jean Paul Gaultier and Rei Kawakubo.
Playing around with different styles they have not changed the functional portions of the trench coat. It’s lightweight and waterproof qualities are what make it a must-have investment all year round. The long double breasted jacket, traverses through the test of time in terms of functionality and durability.
Arlington
Available in various combinations and colors the trench coat can be styled with just about anything. The Arlington coat is one of the styles with double breasted flaps, and a back flap to protect from the rain, deep pockets to keep the hands warm with buttons on the front for a firm closure.
Themoire
Meiteis
Gaining popular momentum because of its environmental friendly qualities is the Themoire coat. Themoire is a faux leather coat for those who prefer sustainable clothing. It is long trench coat characterized by its single breasted flap and belted waist. It’s signature style adds an extra layer of elegance to the classic trench coat. Self tie cuffs and a front button closure are the minimal details that make all the difference, they aren’t seen at first but only felt when worn.
The Meiteis coat has reimagined the classic styles such as of the Trench coat, a straight silhouette as opposed to the slightly fluid trench coat that tends to take the shape of the wearer, The Meiteis comes with a belted waist and a lot of colour blocking patterns rather than the plain colorued ones. A refreshing take on the original design.
Written by Bijuri Shah
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