Vancouver’s weather is as unpredictable as my mood of late. It might seem sunny at the start, but any given day in June has a 30 per cent chance of rain, while I have a 30 per cent chance of cleaning my out my closet instead of hiding in it.
So, if historical weather patterns are any indication, it’s best to be prepared this month. Here are a few waterproof jackets that serve as both excellent rain picks and pick-me-ups for all of our upcoming Junuary showers.
Canada Goose
Image courtesy of Canada Goose.
When COVID-19 struck, some big companies rolled down their store shutters, while others rolled up their sleeves and got to work fighting the virus. Canada Goose was among the companies to immediately pitch in. In early April, it pivoted its factories (which happen to all be in Canada) to produce personal protective equipment for frontline health-care workers across our country. Soon, it reopened all eight of its factories to keep 900 employees working on 60,000 gowns per week to donate to the cause at no charge.
Meanwhile, Canada Goose’s new spring 2020 Branta collection is thoughtful design writ large. In partnership with Brooklyn-based light and technology artist James Clar, the five-piece capsule dovetails light, art, and function in a collection that looks to lighter, brighter days and the positivity that comes with letting light in. Details abound: the lengths between the reflective stripes is inspired by the distance between the troughs on the wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum of light, while all styles are either reversible, unisex, or transform themselves into a useful crossbody bag or backpack. Because there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Lululemon
Image courtesy of Lululemon.
The percentage of athleisure worn globally over the past couple of months likely rivals the GDP of a small Baltic country—Lululemon’s sold-out Align pants are the perfect case in point.
This year, Global Running Day lands on June 3, and Lululemon plans to join in via its virtual 5K Strava Challenge (sign up until June 3). Based on local time zones, each participant can complete the one-day challenge—outdoor runs and treadmills both work.
Meanwhile, its Pack It Up water-repellent jacket keeps you in Vancouver fighting form in Incognito Camo Multi Grey. Made of 80 per cent recycled polyester, the shell offers light drizzle protection (with a back vent perfect for running airflow), then efficiently packs into itself when the sun comes out.
Rain or shine, join runners around the world at the same digital starting line—because we’re all in this together.
Club Monaco
Image courtesy of Club Monaco.
Any ’80s teen worth their leg warmers could tell you Club Monaco first started in 1985 as a classic Canadian clothing line heavy on black and white, its monochromatic colour scheme and clean tailoring a far cry from the outsized shoulder pads of the day.
Founded by Alfred Sung and Joe Mimran (of Joe Fresh fame), the store’s first outpost on Toronto’s Queen Street West has since grown to more than 140 locations worldwide (which are now owned by Ralph Lauren).
Weathering many changes along the way (including no longer being focused on that black and white), Club Monaco still delivers elegant, upscale casualwear today. This bonded-seam white raincoat with classic design details channels the brand’s original fresh, modern take—and is still perfect for our Canadian climes.
Balenciaga
Image courtesy of Balenciaga.
Christian Dior once referred to Cristóbal Balenciaga as “the master of us all” for his uncompromising standards and inventiveness. This windbreaker in leopard print is a master class in design with its classic shirt collar, gathered cuffs, and draw-cord hem. It is particularly well suited to those of us who are feeling a bit feral having been cooped up for so long.
Thom Browne
Image courtesy of Thom Browne.
A classic trench is a staple in any basic Vancouver sartorial repertoire, but classic doesn’t have to mean boring. Designer Thom Browne, known for reimagining basic uniforms, lends his signature modern twist to this double-breasted Stripe Sleeve waterproof raincoat.
The American designer isn’t resting on these coattails, however: he recently signed an open letter spearheaded by Belgian designer Dries Van Noten calling for wholesale reform to the fashion industry. In a bid to slow the hands of time, Browne—who’s heavy on craftsmanship and tailoring—is using COVID-19 as an opportunity to reimagine the unrelenting demands of the fashion cycle so he can continue to thoughtfully, and beautifully, create.
Moncler x Poldo Dog Couture
Image courtesy of Moncler
Because we’re all saving a lot of money these days (less driving, less eating out, less latte), we can either put it into savings for a rainy day—or we can bust it out for a rainy day right now to buy Spot some rain gear.
It’s true, we’ve all been spending an inordinate amount of time with our furry friends who have been here for us every step of the way through our lockdown. Serving as hug boxes, playmates, and trusted confidantes, our pets have shown us the true meaning of resilience. This polyurethane Moncler Genius dog coat in pale blue comes with a detachable hood to keep your canine dry and dressy through the rest of the dog days of COVID.
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