As the unseasonably warm weather continues to grace our presence here on the East Coast, it looks like I may be able to break out some of recently acquired foul weather gear. With rain on the forecast and temperatures likely to reach 60 degrees, it seems like the perfect time to try out my new Duncan raincoat, made for J. Crew by Mackintosh.
A nice collaboration.
The brown horn buttons are nice to look at.
J. Crew's recent collaborations have involved some of the more prestigious names in men's clothing, most notably Alden, Barracuta, and, of course, Mackintosh.
While Burberry and Aquascutum are names more commonly associated with rain or trench coats, Charles Macintosh actually patented his rubberised waterproof cloth in 1823 and began manufacturing the first Mackintosh coats in the family's textile factory, Charles Macintosh and Co. of Glasgow.
Partially tartan-lined: a little bit of Scotland . . .
Almost 200 years later, J. Crew partnered with the celebrated company to create this classically simple, yet elegant, coat. Made from water resistant cotton, the coat is partially lined which probably limits its utility to the fall and spring seasons, although it has been said that the coat retains warmth quite well.
Underarm grommets for added comfort.
Interior patch pockets and interior insulation on the fabric seams to enhance the waterproofing.
Interestingly, when I dropped into the J. Crew Men's Shop at 79th Street and Madison Avenue in New York City, I asked about the Mackintosh coats but none were available. I was told by a sales associate that the rumor was that the coats were being phased out because customers were not fond of the roomy fit of the coat. While I have no reason to discount the veracity of that statement, I thought it strange that, if the aim was to unload the remaining supply, the Mackintosh coats were excluded from the seasonal sales and were still selling on J. Crew's website for the full $800 retail price.
In any event, forewarned is forearmed. Coupled with my navy blue Swims and Briggs umbrella, I look forward to the coming deluge.
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