2012 Heavy Coated Nylon Storm Parka

IT 46 (oversized): Best for any size between an IT 46 - 36 Chest - S and a slim IT 54  - 44 Chest - XL.

Burberry Prorsum weatherproof parka from S/S 2012. In brand new condition with tags. Made in Italy. RRP: £1695

For S/S 2012, Christopher Bailey sought to highlight the handmade and artisanal aspects of Burberry's heritage. Classic streetwear and workwear pieces were deconstructed for warmer weather and realised in colourful textured fabrics. Tim Blanks explains:

'There was instantly more texture, more color, more general waywardness as opposed to the strong, single-minded statements the designer has opted for of late. Woven raffia bobble caps and cork-soled woven suede mocs topped and tailed the collection. Parkas, coats, and jackets were revamped with raffia trim or crocheted, beaded collars, almost as though some nimble-fingered hippie mum had got it into her head to customize her son's outerwear, in the process giving old favorites a new personality. That was kind of the picture Bailey was painting, of handcrafters in the north of England keeping tradition alive.' (our emphasis)

This parka was one of the collection's key pieces, appearing in both men's and women's runways. Constructed to withstand the harshest weather conditions, it exhibits an abundance of well thought-out technical features. The front has a concealed double zip closure reinforced with panels of thick velcro, leading up to an architectural funnel collar with double-layered chin straps and a large protective hood. The straps' exaggerated geometrical shape creates a unique point of interest, while the intricately-constructed hood has a tipped shape that increases its protective function. The oversize elongated silhouette of the body can be adjusted with drawstrings on the waist, while the back has a fishtail hem inspired by traditional military parkas. The fabric is a heavy duty densely woven nylon that has been coated on the interior to create an exceptionally hardwearing material that is abrasion-resistant and water repellent. All drawstrings secure with the season's iconic hand-carved wooden toggles that lend a playful element to the performance-oriented piece.

Like all Burberry Prorsum outerwear, the finishing of this piece is of a very high standard. The sleeves are cut from the same piece of fabric as the body, allowing for easy movement. The underarms have diamond-shaped gussets decorated with multiple metal eyelets that add a subtly aggressive edge, while the elbows are darted to create a three-dimensional shape. The cuffs are finished with reverse buttoned tabs. The heavyweight zippers on the front have a luxurious matte finish, with engravings of the Prorsum logo appearing on the front and back. The large waist pockets secure with velcro and are constructed with a fold-over flap to ensure that their contents are never exposed to the elements. A hanging strap reinforced with branded studs is found on the upper back. The unlined interior is finished with a large buttoned patch pocket, while Prorsum's signature hanging loop chain is found on the neck. 

This piece combines a highly utilitarian construction with a unique retro-futuristic design that is quintessentially Prorsum. While staying true to Burberry's outerwear heritage, it remains a rather stylish option when facing British showers.