Anatomy of a Classic: Trench Coat

From Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn to Lucy Liu and Amber Valletta. Trench Coat has been conquerred Hollywood and fashion industries for more than a century.
It started as a practical weatherproof overcoat. But over the time, the trench has outlasted every trend and won over ever new generation. With their high collars, snug belts and plentiful straps and buckles; Burberry's gabardine topcoats were standard issue for British officers in World War I. Since then Trench coat underwent a metamorphosis by many designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Karl Lagerfeld. Deconstruction never looked so good.

The Secret COAT

Here are 6 options for you to pick out new coats for Fall:

1. The Trench (Burberry Prorsum) - is a must-have in every man's closet. It looks good whether you’re in jeans (tie the trench’s belt in back) or a suit (buckle the belt in front.)


2. The Parka (GAP) - pair with a boldly colored sweater underneath or a pair of slim navy chinos.


3. The Car Coat (D&G) - is less cumbersome than a traditional overcoat but just as sophisticated. It should be fit through the waist and cropped to about four inches above the knee.


4. The Quilted Jacket (Brunello Cucinelli) - transforms the classic quilted jacket from just another casual layer into a stylish statement.


5. The Windowpane Coat (Z Zegna) - is an effortless way to break up a monochrome ensemble.


6. The Toggle Coat (Michael Bastian) - is cropped in length and light in weight, mixed between grown up and preppy.


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Black & Blue

The trench coat comes a long way since it was developed as an alternative to the heavy serge greatcoats worn by British and French soldiers in the First World War. If you can't decide which one, just get both. (Above) - $2,150 Burberry Prorsum blue neoprene trench and (below) - $1,695 Burberry black trenchcoat.

The Interpretation of Trench

Short, long, print, colors...you named it. Trench coat is never be out of style and it's one of the MUST HAVE item that has to be in your closet. SOURCE

Burberry Prorsum
Christian Dior
Comme des Garçons
Dries Van Noten
Hermès

Fall Fashion Recap

Since the designers showed their Fall collections back in February; by now, Everybody already forgot what to wear today. Here are some highlights of this season to remind yourself.
Skull print...check
Trench coat...check
Cardigan...check
Fur...mmm...not yet

World Premiere: Jennifer Lopez - "Doing It Well"

Jennifer's dancing in Burberry studded-trench and, seems to be, Prada skirt; directed by David LaChapelle.

Which First Lady Are You ?

When it comes to style, are you in line with Michelle, Carla, or Sonsoles? Mine is the First Lady of Spain - Sonsoles Espinosa.

"A well-done blend of tasteful elegance and funky cool, you know how to take risks and break the fashion mold in the most graceful, tasteful way. The key is in the way you keep the core of your outfit classic—a pantsuit, a trench coat—and then make it interesting with unusual fabrics (leather, textured silk) and by adding statement-making accessories. Unlike others who shy away from seeming too "styled," you show your wardrobe off to the maximum—belting, accessorizing, and cuffing like a pro."

Animal Instinct

Top designers bring womenwear back closer to the nature, but not the price tag. You sure can look like a wild sexy beast on Madison Avenue...
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière chiffon-and-felt "chèche" dress, $25,595.

Fendi nappa-leather jacket, $3,650, merino-wool turtleneck with rabbit and mink sleeves, $4,450, and nappa-leather pencil skirt, $4,740.

Burberry Prorsum wool-cashmere studded trench coat, $2,572

Louis Vuitton silk-radzimir dress with feather hem, $12,875

Dior by John Galliano dyed python jacket with foxfur sleeves, $17,490, calfskin skirt with crocodile-effect detailing, $6,920.

Put the Fun in Couture

It's Couture doesn't mean it's boring. Jean Paul Gaultier puts some twists in his Fall 2009 Couture collection. For some young, rich and famous who love the amazing clothes but don't want to lose their edges. Which one is your favorite; the trench-inspired one-piece or alligator overall ? SOURCE

Acne by Alber Elbaz

Alber Elbaz, the Lanvin designer unveiled his new collection for Acne Jeans, which will hit stores like Barneys New York and Bergdorf Goodman at the end of November. Elbaz fashioned the iconic fabric into a dress, tuxedo jacket, belted trench, blouson and, naturally, jeans. The accessories are equally as enchanting, with everything from denim bags, stilettos, earrings and even medallion necklaces offered. The jeans line will range from $550 to $650, while coats will run $1,200 to $1,500. Jewelry and handbags are expected to be priced north of $1,500. SOURCE

Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week, October 1 until October 8, is the one I'm looking forward to. The shows start with the new generation of trench coats; from A.F. Vandevorst, Viktor & Rolf and Junya Watanabe.

PLAID MEN

NYT Fashion & Style section said 'Plaid is back' but I think it's never been out of style.

Polo Ralph Lauren windowpane-check wool blazer, $1,295; PRADA checked cotton shirt, $415; glen plaid wool topcoat, $350, and fedora, $59, both at Banana Republic. Amicale cashmere scarf, $190.

Balenciaga wool sweater, $765, and Band of Outsiders black-watch plaid hooded cotton trench coat with raccoon collar, $1,750; Burberry wool pants, $350.

Duckie Brown wool-cotton shirt, $425, and matching jacket, $1,100; Thom Browne oxford cotton shirt, $425; houndstooth silk bow tie, $89.50 at Paul Stuart; Polo Ralph Lauren wool-cashmere pants, $395.

Dries Van Noten down-filled jacket, $1,280; Rockmount cotton shirt, $70; Club Monaco wool pants, $149; wool-cashmere cap, $187.50 at Paul Stuart.

John Bartlett Tartan wool shirt, $220; Phineas Cole pants, $484 at Paul Stuart; Yuketea leather and wool bag, $450; striped woven scarf, $59 at Banana Republic.

Spring's Layers

The earth is getting warmer but how come New York designers put many layers in their Spring 2009 collections ? Trench coat, seriously ?? (Z ZEGNA, Tim Hamilton, DKNY.)

trench Alert

Burburry Prorsum updated their trenches for Spring/Summer 2009 collection to fit the 21st century.