says the appeal of the trench lies in its evolution from exclusive to egalitarian. “Originally it was a very elite garment – it was only the officers in the army who were allowed to wear it,” she says. “For a long time, it was seen as something that gave off a gentrified air.”
Nevertheless, the style remains synonymous with luxury brand Burberry, which paved the way for the modern iteration of the garment in the late 1800s .Whatever the material, or the designer, Edwards says the shape has overtones of mystique, eroticism and power. “It’s that age-old thing of leaving things to the imagination.”
Speaking of feeling protected, it’s no wonder designers are embracing the trench as a symbol of our post-pandemic way of life. It’s super versatile, whether you’re throwing it over activewear on the way to pre-dawn Pilates, doing the school run, or for an impromptu walking meeting, one of the healthiest work-from-home trends of 2020.
And sales of trenches, both new and vintage, are booming. According to resale website Vestiaire Collective, Burberry remains top dog, accounting for nearly one in every two trench coats sold through the platform in 2020. But new brands such as Totême, Rejina Pyo and Stand Studio are also starting to attract interest.
Just further justification for my SMH subscription. 🙄
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