Winter is when you can enjoy the warmth of those coats and jackets that are usually shunned. This year several designers have brought out designs that are longer than last year, now falling around the ankle. Though the trend was not embraced by all, there was a handful who made the term “the longer the better” a new motto for the season. We take a look at those who dared to bring back the style that has been languishing in the back of the wardrobe all these years.
We start with Nina Ricci who brought out coats in various fabrics such as fur and vinyl and an array of colors. In khaki, brown, plum, anthracite and gray, the coats were completed in various patterns. Another designer who chose to feature vinyl coats was Isabel Marant. The long coats were seen in red and black, as well as chunky knits and more classic pieces finished with geometric prints.
Where some favored the unexpected and loud, other designers chose to feature the long coats in a more refined and sophisticated style. At Giambattista Valli the style was crafted in a way that blended seamlessly over the dresses they covered, still providing evening wear with the elegance it required. Chanel went with a more refined style, that featured a loose quilted coat, complete with a matching scarf. Over at Dolce & Gabbana, the long coat was seen in flamboyant gold. The brand went on to embrace a more feminine feel by cinching coats of all lengths with belts for a more accentuated waistline. This trend was spotted at Lanvin, with a lamé coat, and with Fendi’s fur coat.
For the more masculine designs, some fashion houses chose loose and baggy designs in both heavy and light fabrics. With the help of large shoulders, and oversized necks, the long coats such as those seen at Isabel Marant achieved the desired look. The designer chose to combine both vibes by wearing the masculine coats over feminine ensembles and vice versa. Another brand that favoured a masculine feel, was Céline with long coats that were cut loose and straight and worn with baggy pants. With Prada, the long coats were seen in khaki in a military style.