When you think of it, could there be an item of clothing that says “star power” any more unequivocally than a camel coat?
To be fair though, the camel coat – which was originally practical and utilitarian, beginning with British brand Jaeger introducing coats made from camel hair in 1919, when wool was hard to come by post World War I – has always been an elegantly understated piece.
Even a high street one in a good fabric – if not wool or cashmere, then a very considered blend – will make you look expensive. For both men and women it brings instant polish – especially so with an ankle-skimming one – and can be thrown over practically anything to achieve this effect.
Max Mara has been synonymous with the camel coat since the brand’s founder, Achille Maramotti, introduced a take on a long-time menswear staple in the 50s – subverting notions of power and masculinity, and redefining chicness in the process.
In 1981 designer Anne-Marie Beretta introduced what would become the brand’s iconic 101801 coat. The instantly recognisable take on a men’s Ulster coat – oversized, double breasted with kimono-style sleeves in wool and cashmere – has remained a constant, and covetable, piece in the brand’s history.
Long-time Max Mara creative director Ian Griffiths is tasked with reinterpreting the Italian fashion house’s famous coat each season.
