TECHNICOLOUR TRENCH COATS
The weather may be miserable, but at least fashion’s looking on the bright side . . .
When it comes to wardrobe classics, it doesn’t get much more iconic than a trench coat. As a true fashion geek, I revel in its patriotic backstory and its nerdishly functional details — hello storm flaps to keep out driving rain.
Thanks to Burberry designer Riccardo Tisci, who joined the British brand last spring, the trench has had a fashion renaissance, with celebrities including Rihanna and Madonna wearing his updated versions. And now, the trench has gone
rainbow-coloured. designs in Crayola hues were all over the runways last month, from lipstick red at Coach in new York and blush pink at moschino in milan, to a chic powder-blue style at Junya Watanabe in Paris.
Both Burberry and Aquascutum, another British stalwart, profess to being its creator: Aquascutum’s claim dates back to the 1850s, while thomas Burberry invented the water-resistant fabric gabardine in 1879 and submitted a design for an Army officer’s raincoat to the UK’s War office in 1901.
Its crisp style is its secret; it’s versatile and suits everyone. of all my coats, the one I reach for time and again is what I call my ‘trench with a twist’. From topshop, it’s made of thick, camel cotton drill with a stiff belt at the waist. It has every bell and whistle in terms of storm flaps and buttons, plus a patent tortoiseshell collar. It’s definitely more Belle de Jour than Inspector Clouseau.
Luckily, we don’t have to wait until spring for the colourful versions — they’re in the high Street now. one word of warning, however: unlike classic camel styles, a paintbox bright trench needs more outfit coordination.
If you’re feeling brave, try tonal colour-blocking: a baby pink trench with darker pinks underneath, say, or an apple-green style with shades of bottle green. otherwise, tomato red or bright blue work over most colours and are perfect for brightening up grey, navy or black officewear.
I’ll be splashing out on a joyous banana yellow one from Alexa Chung to wear with a mustard jumper and my dark denim jeans. Bring on the muddy puddles!