Coat, raincoat

This 'wet-look' raincoat, with matching sou'wester hat, was called 'Christopher Robin' after the boy in A.A. Milne's children's story Winnie the Pooh. It has a turn-down collar similar to the style worn by Christopher Robin, cuffed sleeves and deep flap pockets. The coat fastens at the back with nine gilt-metal buttons. White topstitching on the collar, cuffs, pockets and belt contrasts with the shiny black PVC. The coat is lined throughout in black and white check gingham.

Quant's design transformed the traditional raincoat in to a fun fashion item. Its references to children's clothing are typical of her work, which promoted a youthful, carefree look. She was the first fashion designer to experiment with PVC. It took almost two years to overcome the technical problems of mass-production.

The coat was remade by Mary Quant Ltd for the exhibition 'Mary Quant's London', which was held at the London Museum, Kensington Palace, between 29 November 1973 and 30 June 1974.