LOT.411 M-1918 RAIN COAT

This raincoat, stemming from the poncho worn by the army cavalry, was designed in 1918 as part of the urgent demand due to the New Deal policy.

Features cutting-edge waterproof technology, originally utilizing rubberized specifications, yet now comparable to modern waterproof fabrics like Gore-Tex. The coat includes ventilation under the arms to prevent moisture buildup, showcasing details nearly identical to contemporary raincoats.

Serving as rain gear during the late stages of World War I, this coat re-emerged during the Great Depression. While plain cotton fabric was used then, T.T adopts a fabric woven from linen and washi (Japanese paper).

In Japan, traditional methods of applying persimmon tannin, oil, or lacquer to paper have enhanced waterproofing and durability, often used in rain gear fabrics. T.T's fundamental approach to reviving Western clothing from 100 years ago through Japanese techniques inspired the idea of utilizing washi dyed with persimmon tannin, leading to the creation of this coat.

The garment is garment-dyed with persimmon tannin, featuring a unique marbling pattern that mimics tree rings—each coat is dyed one by one, capturing the pattern from the surface of the water. Marbling originates from a Heian period pastime, originally a technique to transfer ink from the water surface onto washi and similar materials. By slowly dropping ink in the center, irregular concentric circles akin to tree rings form on the water's surface. Each coat is placed on the water, capturing these concentric circles. Due to subtle movements in the wind, the same pattern will never appear again. By entrusting the final touch to nature, the design encompasses the beauty and the time of creating rhythms that cannot be controlled by human hands.