Good Monday Morning, Everyone. How were your weekends? Full of Petits-Fours and Rosehip Tea? I trust they were.
Anyhow, One of the things I am really enthralled by is the history of things we take for granted. And, since the post on Kent Combs was such a success (to my surprise-- and how much do I love that you wonderful readers get excited over combs and hairbrushes?!) I thought I'd explore another classic item which I've been wanting to post about for a while: The Trench Coat.
A: Adjustable Wrist Cuff (keeps water from going up sleeves)
B: Capelet / Back ( an extra layer to keep precipitation from entering through fabric or seams)
C: Epaulets (keeps bags strapped on and other equipment in place)
D: Capelets / Front (similar to back capelet- protects the chest and keeps out wind)
Not shown: D ring attachment for hand grenades and such.
On my way back to Boston from Heathrow once, I stopped by the duty-free Burberry store just for something to do. I promptly fell in head over heels for a perfectly shaped British trenchcoat. Loathe to spend the pounds sterling, but long in need of a reliable (and stylish) raincoat, I thought I'd try to save up and perhaps buy same at Burberry in Boston. (Ha! I didn't know then how much they cost).
So, about 4 or 5 months later, it's off to Bbry Bostonia. I'm looking tor the trenchcoat of my heart's desire, but rather than buying one, I got into a discussion with a salesman about them. He informed me that the trenchcoat, which we see as a wardrobe basic, was, at one time, a military innovation...the latest, most cutting edge design to protect English soldiers in inclement conditions. Invented by Thomas Burberry in 1901 (he also invented gabardine fyi), the Trench Coat was given it's name by the WWI soldiers who wore them. As a shoppers-beware aside, he also informed me that the fabric used for Bbry in the USA is lower grade than what you get in the UK. Believe me, that's true- that's why I didn't buy one-- you can feel the difference.
So. It's interesting to see how a military item evolved into a fashion classic-- today's trenchcoat is a businessman's essential, like a necktie. Women's versions are versatile and fresh, with a classic essence and sometimes, a hint of smart irony. In my opinion, it's just so much better to spend a little more and get one of higher quality. Because a cheap trenchcoat looks... well, it looks like a sham, frankly.
A versatile staple, an historical asset. From Humphrey Bogart to Lloyd Dobbler and all the way back around.
Read More about the Trenchcoat > here
Wonderful vintage articles about Trenchcoats (seriously fun to browse!) > here
Bookish? Assouline's take on the Trench > here
