Topman Trench Coat Project: Not Befitting for the Ball but…

March 8, 2010
The next four weeks will see me contend with four fat essays, two major balls (the formal kind…), and the rather pressing problem of zero tuxedos. This may seem over-dramatic to many of you, but, firstly, you have no idea how important these essays are, and secondly, if I’m essay-researching I can’t find the requisite time to source a bitchin’ tux for the Film, Music and Drama dept.’s Film Noir ball.
Granted a tux is a wardrobe staple but, resigned to the thought the Dublin market wouldn’t proffer much choice for my taste, I’ve kept putting the prospect of purchasing one to the back of my mind. You know what would be so much more convenient? If I could pull off one of the trench coats from the latest (and, brace yourselves, last!) Topman collaborative project. I mean, what film noir detective sans trench is worth his salt?
In the vein of previous designer collaborations (the white shirt and trousers projects) Topman have enlisted some of some smaller-scale menswear designers to re-create the classic coat. For a noir nut and self-professed outerwear-obsessive, this is for me perhaps the most exciting project. Miharayasuhiro (J-designers really understand the importance of a well-designed site, check it out), Tim Soar, stylist Alister Mackie, B Blessing, and Topman Design (naturally) have all lent their respective visionary touches to the trench with covetable results.
157cc topmantrenchtimsoar
^ Tim Soar. Love the loose cut and no-fuss aesthetic of this one but it deviates too much from the original trench for me.

42ca4 topmantrenchbblessing
^ B Blessing.

3e46f topmantopmandesign
^ Topman Design. The hands-down winner as regards innovation, esp. love the way it’s belted.

0d210 topmanmiharayasuhiro
^ Miharayasuhiro. Classic and perhaps even conservative. Still, the slightly darker than beige hue had me from the get-go.

af994 topmanalistairmackie
^ Alistair Mackie. V. reminiscent of Burberry Prorsum for me. Still, love the shade, not so sure about the too-slim fit and short length.

Favourites?

Images from Ftape
  • Mat March 8, 2010 at 10:56 am

    it has to be the topman design one, stands out head and shoulders above the rest in terms of design. i'd like to see the tim soar one close up, the fabric looks quite interesting. shame it's the last offering

  • Michael March 9, 2010 at 12:15 am

    La beige. Keep it classic!

  • Jennie March 10, 2010 at 9:41 am

    my vote is with the topshop design. it's almost unisex and very directional. will see you well outside of the ball i thinks.jenniewhatwilliweartoday.wordpress.com

  • SAMISONI PENISINI March 10, 2010 at 10:53 pm

    i need a navy trench…..i dont know why i dont have one already!! lol:)x

  • Stef March 13, 2010 at 1:37 pm

    Ah! Another irish fashion blogger!I have to say I love the Topman one., it's gorgeous, I'd actually wear it myself.:]tiaras-and-tulle.blogspot.com