When Alexa Chung steps out in public in a new outfit, we listen up. And when it comes to outerwear, in particular, the British icon is always one step ahead with knowing what will be the next It item. It was only last week we were telling you about how her vinyl M&S jacket from 2016 is back, and before that, how she was wearing a Mango khaki trenchthat of course sold out within record speed. Now, Alexa has been seen out and about in the most iconic coat style of them all: the duffle coat. And it's not just any coat, it's the brainchild between Parisian label Longchamp, and legendary British outerwear brand Gloverall– who are, of course, best-known for its timeless duffle coat designs since 1951.
We know what you're thinking: it's too early in the year to buy a new winter coat, right? But you'll stand correctly when this new collaboration inevitably sells out – especially now Alexa has been seen styling it effortlessly with a white vest, light-wash blue jeans and ballet flats.
Shop: Longchamp Coat
Longchampwww.longchamp.com
The wool-blend duffle coat in navy with bamboo toggles, funnel neck and hood is one you'll never tire of. And with both British and Parisian craftsmanship used to create this beauty, you can expect the highest quality piece that'll last for decades.
Longchampwww.longchamp.com
If classic navy isn't your thing, you'll want to look to the nutmeg rich ochre shade that'll be the center of attention all season – we love when a coat makes not have to even care about what's worn underneath. It's that good.
While we took a small break from admiring Alexa's enviable wardrobe, we got in touch with the creative director of Longchamp,Sophie Delafontaine, to get the lowdown on how this impeccable collaboration between two much-loved brands was formed. And it turns out, it was a natural match made in sartorial heaven, 'I would say that we [Longchamp and Gloverall] share the same respect for heritage and artisanship with a strong emphasis on quality. The alignment of values and vision made it both creatively fulfilling and deeply authentic,' Sophie told us.
And when it comes to why the toggle is the detail that joins both brands, she continued, 'back in 1993, the emblematic fastenings of duffle-coats, synonymous with British style and function, inspired the signature bamboo toggle of Longchamp’s iconic Le Roseau bag. Today, this toggle, crafted from maple-wood, puts the finishing touch on the Longchamp x Gloverall duffle coat, thereby fusing heritage and modernity.' And simultaneously makes this partnership even more perfect.
With the duffle coat style being worn by everyone from Brigitte Bardot to Paddington Bear, we wanted to know how Sophie feels about Alexa Chung wearing the new design, 'the list of celebrities who have worn this iconic duffle-coat over the years is just incredible, but I have a soft spot for Alexa Chung wearing it because she is part of the Longchamp Family and looks like a modern Parisian girl wearing an iconic British coat with style.' Of course we hard agree, considering she's the poster girl for British style, with that Parisian flare we all hope to achieve in our wardrobes.
When it comes to how to style it, what else would you want to wear with a duffle coat than a matching toggle-detail tote? Which is why the French label also decided to create two exclusive designs of its iconic Le Roseau L bag as part of the carefully curated edit with Gloverall.
Shop: Longchamp Bag
Longchampwww.longchamp.com
Sophie on the bag we predict will sell out: 'for the Le Roseau bag, we revisited the spacious, avant-garde design of the bag, one of Longchamp’s most emblematic bags and combined it with the woolen cloth from the iconic Gloverall duffle-coat,' and voilà the perfect, day, weekend and work bag is formed.
Longchampwww.longchamp.com
To match the nutmeg coloured coat, there's also a nutmeg Le Roseau L tote to go with. And considering monochromatic styling never fails, we'll happily wear the matchy-matchy duo.
'I thought it was the right time to tell the fabulous story of our Le Roseau bag, which was inspired over 30 years ago by “made in Britain” duffle-coat toggles,' Sophie told us about why the brand's iconic bag has been reimagined. And of course duffle brand Gloverall were the only ones suitable to take it back to its roots, 'working with Gloverall, manufacturers and true artisans in London since 1951, was the perfect choice to go back to the beginning,' she added.
With attention to detail, design and a made-to-last ethos, we expect this collaboration is going to be a firm favourite with more celebrities, fashion editors and insiders in the near future. Don't sit on this one, it's the coat of the season, and remember you heard it here first.
Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor and stylist, contributing to many titles including Vogue, Stylist, Glamour, Who What Wear and of course, Grazia. Always finding high street buys that look expensive, and the designer items to elevate them further, she’s constantly on the lookout for lesser-known brands and mini street style trends. This, and searching for her next holiday destination where she’ll be showing them off on Instagram at @harriet.davey, along with travel tips on TikTok @harriet.davey.