Vanessa Bruno

I have selected 6 of the best coats to see you through this chilly winter. I think the prerequisites for a good coat are cut, style and comfort. It has to fit and flatter, see you through many seasons, be in versatile shade and keep you warm. And it still has to look gorgeous! The images are curtesy of the ultimate online designer destination: Net-a-porter. These coats have stood the test and I hope they or their inspired-versions keep you warm in style this winter.

A classic with a twist. This is the most covetable Burberry trench in the trimmest cut and the twist is in the material: beige washed-leather! On ya, Christopher Bailey! It is highly versatile. The shade flatters any skin tone and the cut slims every figure. Its butter-soft leather means ultimate comfort but you will need to befriend a good leather dry-cleaner. With an astronomical price tag, you would want this coat to last forever…

Here is a grey cashmere Magaschoni coat. The brand is synonymous with luxury. I am sure that all cashmere-addicts would agree that wearing this material is like experiencing a little bit of heaven. At first glance, this coat may look like an over sized cardigan with a really long collar. However when you take a second look, you will notice that it has some rather unique and intricate details in its darts and seams. There is much attention to detail. I like. This coat is  ’free’ size but due to its cut and structure, this deceivingly light-weight coat looks more stylish than frumpy. I love the large pockets which are really just ‘attached gloves’ and you do not need to reach for a scarf.  You could wear it open with skinnies or leggings and urbanite attitude for a sharp look . Frankly, I would be happy to fall asleep in this coat or wake up in it.

Charles Anastase, a French-Armenian fashion designer is responsible for this vintage-inspired, wool velvet-trimmed coat. His clothes are described as ethereal and nostalgic and it’s not difficult to see why this coat, in particular, has stood the test of time. I am sure that it is qualified for an heirloom. Anastase is a big fan of the 19th Century Victorian silhouette. His garments embrace the femininity of the era and each piece illustrate his mastery of exquisite tailoring. I must admit, I am a lover of chic and conservative style as what is covered up can sometimes be even more demure and sexy. We could modernise the look with skin-tight jeans and tousled hair. This warm coat will beautifully suit the slender figure of  one of Anastase’s celebrity admirers : Keira Knightley.

I can see the First Lady in this heavenly number. If  See-by-Chloe was around a couple of decades ago, Jackie Onassis and Grace Kelly may have fought over a size 8 version of this wool coat. A classic cut, this coat is sure to polish up any lady’s wardrobe. I am pleasantly surprised by the sophisticated look of the coat, even though it is from the daughter label of Chloe. I love the scalloped pockets and the matching collar. How chic, how Parisian, how Chloe! Add an embellished brooch and some Chanel flats and you could be the next Audrey!

I absolutely adore this black Mayle wool coat. The one-time English-born model, Jane Mayle is a designer virtuoso. Despite her little designing training, her first collection was sold-out within 3 weeks in New York. The label,  favoured by the likes of the quirky cutie Kirsten Dunst, Danish supermodel Helena Christensen and the talented screen royalty Sofia Coppola, can be found in and drooled on at Christensen Copenhagen, in the Melbourne QV. I love the metallic square buttons, very reminiscent of the Givenchy studded coats (Fall 2007).  This military-inspired pea coat allows extra layers to be worn underneath for added warmth. It is so cute, it could even dress up my wardrobe.

And finally, a black Vanessa Bruno fringed silk coat. No birds were harmed during making the garment. Some silk worms lost their cocoons though. This feathery number is the coat of choice on any chilly evening- whether you are off to the opera, to dinner or to a great night out. You know you are going to stand out from the crowd in this belted trench. You only need to throw on some sparkly jewels, a pair of sexy stilettos  and a silky slip underneath to look a million bucks. It is simply stunning, but I would not save it to wear only at night! I would wear it open with some grey skinnies and Repetto flats. It would be the ultimate window shopping outfit. I could pay Cactus Jam International a visit and check out their other luxurious Vanessa Bruno garments. Trust another French designer to show us how to work the effortlessly chic look.

Just remember, look after your coats by storing them well- think draft-free environment, stream/dry-cleaning sessions and cedar balls, and your coats will keep you warm and well. And if they stand the wear and tear of time, they’re priceless.