It was the colourful statement that made the finale of Dries Van Noten's autumn/winter 2018 runway show. 56 printed raincoats were worn over each look, and each more different than the next. If there was any doubt at all that Van Noten is the master of prints in fashion, the finale was a solid conviction.
The prints are not just mere digital prints. To achieve the design, Van Noten made use of the Ebru technique—a marbling painting process that uses dyes and a water-based solution—that's normally used on paper. A master in the art of Ebru was enlisted to produce a similar effect on textiles, and he then created three hundred different variations for the collection.
Knowing all that, SGD2,030 for a uniquely printed raincoat is rather justifiable. In fact, as part of Dries Van Noten's 'The Raincoats Project 2018', ten limited edition colourways have each been made available at ten different stockists around the world. Club 21 Men is the only store in Singapore (and the world) that stocks the exclusive lime green-and-blue hybrid in limited pieces. And really, it's too beautiful to resist; easily makes a gloomy, rainy day better.
But if you're not inclined to spend SGD2,030 on this beautiful piece of wearable art, here are five other rain-proof fashion that will keep you dry all monsoon season.
Three Baker PVC totes by Acne Studios (approximately SGD515 each via MATCHESFASHION.com)
What's more fash-un than dressing in fashion? It's carrying an accessory that's plastered with the cover of an actual art magazine. It's also made out of PVC so that's one less precious accessory to worry about during a downpour.
Four umbrella hats by Fendi (SGD490 each)
It's a curious design for a fashion house but think of how useful it could be, especially when you have to protect your Fendi fur friends from the rain. So, comical or underrated genius?
11 pairs of rubber Wellington boots by Hunter Original (approximately SGD183 via Mr Porter)
Truth be told, this is quite possibly the only kind of footwear that makes perfect sense in order to keep your feet dry.
40 pocketable parkas by Uniqlo (SGD49.90 each)
It's no Dries Van Noten Ebru marble printed raincoat but Uniqlo's pocketable parka functions similarly and has the added advantage of being thin and compact enough to pack in a tiny bag. If function (over unique beauty) is of greater importance, this is for you.
70 markable umbrellas by Muji (SGD29 each)
Because you've just spent SGD2,030 on a Dries Van Noten raincoat and for some reason, you don't really want to get it wet.
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