There is one item of dress that lends itself to this notion of “classic” more than any other. A woman’s winter coat — if it is well made and beautifully designed — makes little concession to the vagaries of fashion. It is arguably the pivotal piece in a woman’s wardrobe, and many dream of finding that one perfect example that can be worn, day in, day out, for winters on end. And they are often willing to cough up more cash for this sartorial ideal than they are for almost any other piece of clothing.
The classic MaxMara coat, known only by its design number, 101801, is one such coat. Created by Anne-Marie Beretta in 1981, it has never even been tweaked, let alone changed. Yet it has been a consistent bestseller.
What gives it this almost unique longevity? It’s quite simple, really: fitness of purpose and fidelity to materials make a design classic in any field. And, just like the Burberry trench coat, design 101801 is so perfect that there is no room for tinkering. Any attempt to do so would destroy the purity of the concept.
Even now, whenever sophisticated women think of buying a winter coat, they immediately turn to the 101801. They know that it will last for ever, look classy in town or country, work for day and night and be flattering, whatever your age. Few other fashion items can make these claims.