Aquascutum

Now a luxury retailer that carries all the authority of a Victorian brand, Aquascutum was once a Mayfair tailor that invented waterproof clothing. Famous for its outerwear – in particular, its trench coat – Aquascutum is a ready-to-wear brand with myriad pieces under its belt.

John Emary founded the brand in 1851 as a Mayfair tailor. By 1853, he had invented and patented the world’s first waterproof textile. The brand’s name, which means “water shield” in Latin, came from this extraordinary discovery.

King Edward VII promoted the label, becoming the first of many royal clients when he ordered a coat in the Prince of Wales Check. By 1897, the brand had acquired a royal warrant, and after moving into womenswear in 1900, became popular with the suffragettes for their functionality.

Aquascutum trench coats were developed for and worn during the World Wars I and II. In 1953, the label developed Wyncol fabric, which Edmund Hilary wore on their first ascent of Mount Everest.

The Queen awarded the brand for export achievement in 1966, while 1976 saw a feature in Vogue Magazine to celebrate 125 years of Aquascutum.

More iconic outerwear you will not find: shop the world’s finest, most famous trench coats and ready-to-wear at BrandAlley in the sale.