…………..By profession……..I am a Designer. I have been a designer since before I graduated Parsons School of Design, and had my first position at Teal Traina in 1969………Doing the math, I am approaching my 50th year designing clothes. I approach designing today as I always have. I design things I love and hope there is an audience for it. I design clothes for women who have the same sensibility and taste level I have. I don’t claim to design for everyone, nor would I want to…………….The total outfit above is something I have designed this year, but I could have very well designed it 50 years ago. It would have been as relevant then as it is now. This could walk on any runway, and be the hit of the show!
……………………..The CARAMEL TRENCH COAT, A343460 for the reg. and A343462 for the petite is a superb piece. A coat like this does not come around often, not even from Burberry! For those of you who are new to Linea, and may not know the origin of the Trench coat….a short story. During WW1, the British government commissioned a men’s company named Burberry to design an all purpose coat for the soldiers in “The Trenches”, hence the name “Trench Coat”. Burberry was a very staid classic men’s company specializing in outerwear. It was far from the company it is today. First they branched out into women’s raincoats, recognizing how many women were buying the men’s coats. As a company it kept growing, and evolving until the Fashion powerhouse company it has come to be. Every trench coat you see from every designer and manufacturer has its’ origins with that first coat made for “the soldiers in the trenches”.
……………………The Trench Coat above is exactly the same as the trench coat I did two years ago, which has sold out. The only difference is this new version is longer, approx. 50 1/2 inches for the size 4, and is ever so slightly A-d out for walking comfort. When it’s on the “A” isn’t noticeable. Everything else is the same….the fabric, the lining, the classic trench collar with the metal hook and eye closure, the epaulets [from which the shoulders hung their rifles when not in use, so they wouldn’t be in the mud], the button down flaps, front and back, used to let the rain fall away from their bodies, adjustable sleeve straps to prevent the wind in, the double breasted style to give the body extra warmth and protection, the deep pockets. Originally, the trench coat had a button out solid flannel liner that was also used as a bath robe. This coat, as my original, has two sets of belt loops [photo at lower left], to provide you with the correct placement for the belt. The original trench had metal loops attached to the belt where shoulders hung canteens, shovels etc. Every thing had a function.
I love mixing textures, and every piece that I have put together to create this outfit adds something exciting. The WK Caramel TN, A72448, the faux Shetland long open front Caramel cardi, A343439 [shown belted], the faux suede Caramel pull-on stretch pant, A343444, and the Trench…..all add up to one fabulous, timeless, sophisticated, and forever chic outfit…………………………………………………….enjoy…………………………much Love…………………..Louis
“Looks cool! I like this img :D”
I purchased this year’s version in red, size 18 regular. I’m watching for a second shipment to order the black. I regret not ordering both at the same time. Thanks for your hard work Louis, I appreciate you very much.
Dear Andrea….there isn’t a second shipment? If QVC does reorder it it will be next year at this time that they will arrive.
I LOVE the caramel trench coat, but it sold out before I saw it! Please bring it back!!!!! Have many of your sweaters, love them and receive many compliments! Thank you for your great designs!
This is such a pretty color and neutral as well. Staying up to midnight before the show to snag my trench coats and pants!
Absolutely STUNNING, Louis! If I saw this in a magazine, I would immediately think of you. Have been buying your designs for years….back as far as your Anne Klein days. I am buying this entire ensemble. All the best to you. Kathe
Is there enough material to lengthen the sleeves. I am tall!
Dear Louis,
I remember my first Linea purchase- as I was changing channels on TV I saw one of the models in the caramel knit tunic with band pockets, A92299, with the aubergine turtleneck. I fell in love! I just received the caramel (such a rich color) turtleneck, held it up to the tunic, and was stunned at how beautifully the tunic had kept its color (what has it been…ten years?) I also received the caramel necklace. I’m in heaven.
Needless to say, I will order the caramel trench, in petite!
Thank you,Louis
Anonymous, in this case, is me, Celia!
Thank you so much for making this coat in the same size as the prior trench. I am buying the red and caramel and thankfully do not have to buy multiple sizes which prompts returns and reduces the inventory for others. Now I know exactly what to do the minute they post. I have one question. Is the petite coat just shorter in length or are the measurements proportioned for petites?
Dear Jackie I believe it is just the length of the coat and sleeve….but remember it has a higher belt look for short waist women and petites.
Oh, Louis! This is by far your best Fall Collection. It only goes to prove why you were a three time Coty Award Winner and in the Coty Hall of Fame! To be able to give us these exquisite designs at QVC’s price point without sacrificing style or design is a tribute to your talent. All your designs have beautiful, clean lines and are made for a woman to feel attractive, smart, well dressed and good about herself. You design to enhance women and present them in the best light. The Caramel and the Red Coats are gorgeous! Oh, how I wish I lived in cooler weather, it’s breaking my heart. You are the only true designer that QVC has. When I am dressed in Linea, I am a New York woman who no longer lives in NY. Thank you, thank you, thank you! All your presentations on QVC are runway ready, top to bottom. oxoxoxo Cat
Louis-
Absolutely stunning!!! I think I NEED the caramel as well as the black. Simply gorgeous! I’ve already bought the T-neck and, the caramel necklace in anticipation.
I have a question for you….what is the length of the petite?
I normally wear a regular, but when I measured a long robe I wear it was over 50″.
I will wear the coats with boots, but I don’t wear very high heels any more. Therefore I think the petite may be a better length for me.
Thank you so much-
Dear Judi…I don’t know the actual length. The rule is usually 3 to 4 inches shorter for petite. I’m sure it will work fine. What you have to consider is the sleeve length which i don’t know.
Thank you! The petite sounds perfect! My arm length is normal so it shouldn’t be a problem. If it’s a drop shorter than I like, caramel gloves will take care of any gap (yes, I bought new gloves and boots also!)
This is the most outstanding Fall collection I can remember. You are a designer’s designer, and we are the oh, so lucky recipients! I know Jac is so proud!
I appreciate your quick reply-
I think I will want the caramel trench. You stated the length of the Regular. What is the length of the petite? I own the trench coats you have done in the past black/black, navy/black and tan/black. I am assuming the sizing will be numerical and will the only difference between the regular and petite will be the length.
The caramel sweater looks great also.
That’s correct Joanne…the difference is the length of the coat and the sleeve. I don’t have lengths of the petite
You are giving me Stendahl Syndrome, LDO. Truly. I have lost the ability to string words into sentences when looking at things this beautiful. I will be scooping up the red and caramel. Amazing.
Carol so beautifully and completely expressed much of what most of your Linea Ladies hold true about you and your designs, Louis.
About this exceptional trench coat and all the pieces that enhance its look, all I can add is: Classic and therefore timeless. This sort of creation is what makes you a classic designer.
I agree that Jac managed to continue to be your gracious muse from above.
Always Goldie….always
Louis, The Trench is GORGEOUS! Love all 3 colours!
Is there a vent on the back? Can you describe the back side of the Coat please.
Seka.
Seka….the back is exactly like the short trench with the back top flap, and yes there is a vent
Louis-Stop it-You’re killing me! I want everything..notice I said want, not need. You
keep outdoing yourself. Thank you for all your truly beautiful designs.
We’re about the same age, and I have been dressing in the kind of clothes you design since I left graduate school in 1978. It was always hit and miss until I discovered Linea a decade or so ago. I call this look a strong woman with a feminine flair. I only wish I could have had Linea 40 years ago (heaven knows I couldn’t afford AK right out of school!) I have three of your shorter trench, and will be adding the caramel in the longer length to my collection. These are lifetime coats. The caramel is a must have for me, but when my budget cools down from the Big Deal bonanza, I’m hoping there is a black trench still waiting for me. I rarely buy black, but in this trench, it’s sooo rich.
You’ve made a world a lovelier place for us all, Louis. I look forward to your future collections. For me, the 2018 collection is the the best you’ve brought since I started buying Linea. Just outstanding. I don’t know how you did it, but I’m sure Jac is so proud right now.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️