If your idea of a raincoat is a basic waterproof trench coat, let me introduce you to Iris Mansard. Calling herself the Raincoat Lady, Iris Mansand designs raincoats that don't have to wait for rain. Made from a fabric that she calls futuristic, Iris Mansard designs are really wear-anytime-you-want-to coats. Which makes them perfect for practical types like me who always figured the only people who need to invest in a raincoat are those who live in the Pacific Northwest. (That's before I moved from California to Memphis.)
Iris Mansard raincoats are soft, light-weight, breathable, machine washable, and non-wrinkling. You can roll them up and keep them with an umbrella in the trunk of your car. She designs capes, jackets, and coats in knee, calf and ankle length. And many of her designs include a nice roomy hood. While predominently black, brown, navy, dark green, gray, or beige, Iris Mansard's abstract geometric shapes, bat wings, draped fronts, and brightly colored trims make sure her designs are anything but ho-hum. And you can get looks-like-leather and looks-like-cashmere finishes.
Mansard lives and creates in the U.S. Her collaborator, Denise Machiot, takes care of the European customers. Iris Mansard is a regular on the better crafts show circuit, but you can order her coats without leaving home because she's a thoroughly modern internet retailer too.
Prices range from $275.00 to $355.00.
Introducing Iris Mansard and Denise Machicot
Iris Mansard
332 Bleeker Street, # K133
New York, NY 10014
Phone: 212-330-6523
irismansard@yahoo.fr
