In 1997, The X-Files star David Duchovny appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Although they were among the bright lights of New York City, the topic of Vancouver, where the show filmed, was up for discussion. “Vancouver is a very nice place,” Duchovny told O’Brien, “if you like 400 inches of rainfall a day.”
Although many were upset with Duchovny’s blunt statement, it’s hard to deny its truth: in Vancouver, it rains quite a bit. And though those who come to film in Hollywood North may find our climate awfully lousy, we Vancouverites pride ourselves on living in what many call Raincouver.
So while the drops keep falling and the days continue get darker, we might as well take advantage. Shouldn’t we look the part of the urban dweller who isn’t afraid of some water? While the raincoat is a wardrobe essential, it does have the tendency to rub off as boring, unflattering, and minimal, making many in the fashion world turn a blind eye to it. But now, luxury brands are celebrating the rain, designing coats with personalities and a flair for the dramatic.
Burberry Laminated Tartan Wool Trench Coat
Although Vancouverites may feel as if we handle the rain better than anyone else, a Brit will argue with that. When it comes to biblical rainfall, Great Britain keeps calm and carries on. Quintessentially English, Burberry’s trench coats have been a sartorial staple for over 130 years. The brand’s latest, a high-gloss laminated wool trench in distinctive Modern Stewart Royal tartan, offers the best of both worlds: a shield against the rain, and the warmth of an autumn jacket. The hook-and-eye collar closure and D-ring belt aren’t the only details to be noted; the garment can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, making it a key storm accessory.
Proenza Schouler PSWL Raincoat
Shine bright on Vancouver’s rainiest of days in this pink transparent anorak raincoat from Proenza Schouler’s debut PSWL collection. The New York-based womenswear brand has crafted a casual mid-length silhouette featuring large side pockets and a drawstring fastening, making it the perfect addition to the urban street style closet. In a sea of black raincoats, a millennial pink waterproof jacket will do just the trick when it comes to making a fashion statement.
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Faux Fur Yellow Coat
A true standout design by CALVIN KLEIN’s fairly new chief creative officer Raf Simons, this faux fur creation is layered with a removable transparent overlay, taking the look from winter chic to rain-ready. Said to have been inspired by retro plastic couch covers, the playful, well-tailored silhouette promises to bring a bit of glam to the rainy streets. This 205W39NYC coat offers both protection and preservation, which is exactly what is wanted in an outerwear garment.
S Max Mara Giulia Coat
With a gorgeous detachable black bead-embellished round collar, S Max Mara’s Giulia coat is remarkably feminine. Its delicate shape and bracelet-length sleeves may be its most distinguished features, but the garment is notably functional as well, as it is crafted from technical cotton-blend twill. This might just be the idea piece to throw on before leaving the house on a crisp rainy morning.
Cloudy days eventually turn into blue skies, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress for the rain. After all, here in Vancouver, it never really stops.
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