Story of the Style – Rainwear
Next in our ‘Story of the Style’ series we are spotlighting our Rainwear collection. Meshing practical performance seamlessly with style, our take on the classic bonded raincoat is anything but traditional. Fully reversible, from the classic, minimal side to the modern, geometric side, this iconic, special edition style is two very different coats in one. We recently launched a shorter, a-line version of the original Rain Coat, offering even more versatility and individuality within this best-selling story.
Read what founder and designer Georgia Dant has to say about this unique sell-out style.
What was your inspiration?
My objective from the start of the design process was to create a modern version of the well-loved, traditional raincoat, a staple in so many people’s wardrobes. With my background at Burberry, a brand famed for its classic and traditional rainwear styles, I was able to build on the fundamentals, combining style and function to construct something innovative yet practical.
This design, like many Marfa Stance styles, is also informed by the availability of deadstock materials, encouraging a striking contrast of fabrics, textures and colours, which is most evident on the graphic colourblock side of the Rain Coats. The reverse is more minimal and pays homage to the traditional Rain Coat, giving you the best of both; classic and modern all in one reversible piece.
Our Rain Hood takes inspiration from the WW2 military parka hoods for their practicality, and the 1930’s bonnet styles for a touch of femininity. This amalgamation and twist of modernism makes the design feel truly unique and its structural peak and oversized storm guard provides an excellent shield against inclement weather.
How long does it take to make?
Our rainwear is amongst the most time consuming of our styles to make as every piece is bonded and welded, while each seam undergoes a meticulous taping process to ensure it reliably faces the elements. For the Rain Hood the wire trim used to retain a full shape and create a protective barricade against the elements is created by experts in their field who specialise in this particular technique. The complete procedure totals 26 hours per Rain Coat, and five hours per Rain Hood.
How many artisans work on it and who are they?
We have two separate factories in Florence, Italy who specialise in the different practices required to make our Rain Coats. One is dedicated to welding and seaming, and the other to quilting and stitching. These sister factories are well versed in creating the rainwear of other renowned high-end brands, and employ specialists who unite their expert efforts throughout the complicated process of manufacturing our reversible rainwear.
What are the key design elements?
In this collection function and style elevate one another to produce a high performing piece of wearable art. The reversible nature allows the classic Rain Coat to be updated and injected with modernity, giving the wearer two very different coats in one, while the technical construction needed for waterproofing ensures both sides are fully operational, not just visually effective. The collection has been purposefully designed for layering, as the Rain Coat operates like a light waterproof outer shell with the added quilted panel on the back for warmth, comfort and protection when sitting down. Rainwear can typically feel stiff and uncomfortable for the wearer, but our bonded cotton is soft and light, and the ruched sleeve detail aids movement and flexibility.
I am always asked why this collection is a special edition, and this is because of our conscious decision to design responsibly and use surplus and deadstock fabrics. This naturally dictates how many we can make, with an inevitable limitation on the quantities available to us. However, when we run out of one colour of fabric, a new one is selected, which creates a renewed iteration of a piece that still retains its core design, quality, and consideration. The creative contrasting colours mixed with the high performance elements gives our Rainwear a unique and original design aesthetic. This collection fully incorporates our values as a brand, merging function, style, individualism, renewability, modernity and sustainability.
What are the modular elements?
Aligning with the brand's mission to update and renew, the Rain Coat fits not only the matching Rain Hoods, but all of our buildable accessories. Add a collar for both style and for function or add a hood for extra protection against the elements. The Rain Coat can be worn alone as a water-resistant shell or can be layered over any of our Liners, Quilts or even the Wool Parka to add a protective waterproof layer.
