Waterproof ensemble (duffle coat, trousers, work boots, duffle bag); PVC, polyurethane, neoprene, waxed cotton, vulcanised rubber; Great Britain; Hunter, A/W 2014

Men's waterproof ensemble, consisting of duffle coat, trousers, work boots and duffle bag.

Given by Hunter Boot Ltd

This ensemble was shown on the catwalk in February 2014 as part of Hunter's contribution to London Fashion Week. It was given to the V&A in 2015 (RF 2015/75)

The boot-making company Hunter originated in 1856 as the North British Rubber Company, formed by the American entrepreneur Henry Lee Norris. In Britain, the boots soon became associated with upper-class countryside living and royal patronage. However, since 2005, when high-profile fashion model Kate Moss wore Hunter boots at Glastonbury Festival, they have become highly desirable as a fashionable accessory, and they are now indispensable accessories for young, fashion conscious, city dwellers in the UK.

Hunter'’s heritage is referenced in this outfit, as in many other pieces in the collection, by the inclusion of the ‘moustache’ detail. This is a small moulded pointed ridge found across the toe of a pair of traditional Hunter wellies. It is found on the duffle coat’s pocket-edges, on the front of the bag and, on the toes of the boots. The coat is particularly interesting as it combines all the features of a duffle coat: toggle-fastenings, buttoning neck-flap, patch pockets and large hood. It is however made of a blend of PVC (74%), polyurethene (17%) and polyester (9%) instead of the traditional thick woollen duffel fabric. The use of synthetic materials for a coat of this style is unusual and references the deep sea diving theme of the wider collection, which is further reinforced by the use of neoprene for the bag – a fabric used for scuba-divers’ wetsuits.

When creating their debut Autumn/Winter 2014 collection for London Fashion Week, Hunter aimed to celebrate the brand’s 150 year heritage. They also wanted to create a look inspired by expeditions into extreme environments, namely outer space and the ocean floor. This men's ensemble consisting of coat, trousers, bag and boots encapsulates this approach, developing classic British styles, combined with materials inspired by scuba diving. The ‘moustache’ detail on the pockets of the coat is found on the toe of the traditional Hunter wellington boot.

T.3:1 to 5-2015