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That tried-and-true weapon of the style wars, the classic trench, has appropriately militaristic roots. Developed during World War I to protect British officers on the front lines from the elements, two names stand out in particular: Aquascutum & Burberry.
In the early 1850s, one John Emary patented the first water-resistant fabric and then collaborated with the British military to turn it into a functional, military-friendly garment. By combining the Latin for water and shield, he created his company's name, Aquascutum.
Slightly later, in 1879, Thomas Burberry patented water-repellant gabardine and fashioned it into an item inspired by the waterproof smocks sported by English farmers and shepards. The Tielocken coat was quickly nicknamed the Burberry - and obviously the more casual moniker stuck. (image)
Winston Churchill favored Aquascutum, as did Cary Grant, Lauren Bacall, Michael Caine and the Pink Panther's bumblingly-fabulous Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers). Audrey Hepburn, however, breakfasted at Tiffany in Burberry as did Humphrey Bogart...just in a different city, Casablanca, plus for slightly different reasons: anti-Nazi subterfuge as opposed to ogling bling (and rich men).
For Resort 2015, Burberry's Creative Director, Christopher Bailey, seemed to be channeling glamorous movie femmes from the 30s and 40s, set amongst the intrigue and glamour of wartime spying, agitating and rendezvous'ing. The modern minx on a mission will definitely love stepping out in one of these timelessly chic trenches.
Be sure to check out this podcast I recorded about this & the Apocalytical fashion tribe.
Music: Kevin MacLeod, Incompetech.com
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