One more rainwear post before we resume back to spring sunshine gear....
Partnering with the renowned originator of the Mackintosh coat, J.Crew brings you the "Mackintosh® Coat for J.Crew." I have yet to see it in person, but I must admit it looks gorgeous in these photos.
Named after the Scottish inventor Charles Macintosh (without the "k") and made from his patented rubberized waterproof cloth, the first Mackintosh coats were manufactured in his family's textile factory in Glasgow and debuted in 1824.
While the name "Mackintosh" or "Mac," is now popularly used to refer to any coat that resembles the Mackintosh style, an authentic Mackintosh should be made from waterproof or water-resistant fabric. In a word: raincoat.
Considering that this J.Crew Mac comes from authentic pedigree, is handmade in Scotland from water-resistant cotton, and provides the added functionality of underarm grommets for ventilation, it bears, as to be expected, a respectable price tag of $800. Granted the coat has all the qualifications of a first-rate genuine Mackintosh, is beautiful to behold as I'm sure, to be in, I'm left a little unsure of the ultimate perceived value that a label like J.Crew can provide for its out-of-character asking price. For the same amount of cash, you can either buy a real Mackintosh (below) or go for the other rainwear giant, Burberry.
I'll let you decide what it's worth for you, but as I've mentioned, I think this coat is a beauty. If you fall for it, I guarantee it'll be a white-hot romance for years to come. It's simple yet elegant, luxurious yet relaxed - a perfect marriage of classicism and modernity.
Being such a damned good-looking piece of rain gear, I don't blame you for wanting to get one (offered in black and khaki). So get it now to wear for what's left of the cooler mornings and nights before summer, but get ready to unleash it full-throttle come post-Labor Day!
