Many people may think of “Burberry,” “Aquascutum,” and “Mackintosh” as the three major coat brands. There is no doubt that all brands have traditions and are trustworthy, but Mackintosh has the longest history among them, and has been using unique materials that other brands do not have since its establishment. In this issue, we will introduce the unknown history and charm of Mackintosh!
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What is Macintosh?
Mackintosh is a long-established brand founded by Charles Mackintosh in Glasgow, England in 1823, who invented a waterproof fabric made by applying natural rubber between two layers of fabric and crimping them together. The invention of this material led to the creation of the rubberized coat that is synonymous with Mackintosh. The invention of this new material was revolutionary because at that time, in London, where it rained and winded frequently, only waterproof coats were available by soaking the cloth in oil. Today, all rubberized fabrics are called “Mackintosh (cloth).
Meaning of Mackintosh
Today, Mackintosh has numerous meanings. Originally a Scottish surname. It is also used to refer to raincoats made of rubberized material.
McIntosh” as an apple variety also exists, but with a different spelling. Apple’s “Macintosh” computer was inspired by the apple variety.
Mackintosh was a wartime brand.
The rubberized coat quickly spread throughout Britain as a riding coat and raincoat. Because of its high functionality, it was also used as a raincoat by the British army during the Great War. Coats produced during the Great War were characterized by tougher reinforced details than ordinary coats, such as leather lining on the cuffs and additional fabric reinforcement on the shoulders. British Railways, the predecessor of the British Railways, which existed until 1997, also supplied the coat as a cloak uniform in the 1940s.
100 people talk about how good Mackintosh is.
On the official website, patrons from all over the world talk about Mackintosh. This will be a good opportunity to learn about the “appeal of Mackintosh” from a wide range of perspectives, from those in the apparel industry to models. The video of Ryo Sano, attached below, talks about the process of Mackintosh’s development in Tokyo .
What is a Mackintosh rubberized coat?
A rubberized coat is a raincoat manufactured from a waterproof fabric made by applying natural rubber between two pieces of fabric and crimping them together. Mackintosh patented this fabric. Although the early rubberized coats were groundbreaking, the smell and hardness characteristic of rubber were problematic. Today, the smell is lessened due to improvements in quality, but on the contrary, many fans of the past buy them because of the subtle Mackintosh-like fragrance. Still respecting the innovative inventions of the time when the company was founded, the company has developed collections in line with the times while keeping the base unchanged.
Features of Mackintosh’s Rubberized Coat 1 ” Masking tape to prevent water from seeping through the seams
One of the problems that always comes up in the production of waterproof clothing is ” flooding through the seams. In addition to the waterproofing function of the fabric itself, McIntosh’s rubberized coat is covered with masking tape on the reverse side to prevent water from seeping in through the seams. Craftsmen apply the adhesive by hand, lay down the tape, and then apply it with a roller to all the seams. The unique McIntosh design can be seen even from the back side, which is one of the charms of this product.
Feature of Mackintosh’s rubberized coat 2 ” 5 ventilation holes
The five ventilation holes (air vents) on the underarms are a symbolic detail of the rubberized coat. Because the fabric is made of rubber, these ventilation holes are indispensable for improving breathability. Masking tape is also used as a reinforcing fabric in the area where this hole is made. Many other brands have only two ventilation holes or use zippers.
Feature of mackintosh’s rubberized coat 3 ” Sophisticated and simple design
While providing functionality not found in other brands, the appearance is extremely simple and tailored. While the fabrics are available in a wide variety of colors, the specifications are basically the standard A-line coat with a stainless collar, button fly, box pockets, and back vent. It can be said that one of the characteristics of Mackintosh’s nearly 200-year history is that it is able to produce high quality clothes with such a low level of waste and shining functionality.
Mackintosh is chosen by high brands
In the 2000s, Mackintosh began to actively collaborate with other brands. Many people have come to know Mackintosh from other brands and become fans. Recently, collaborations with HYKE, VETEMENTS, and others have attracted worldwide attention.
Mackintosh × HYKE
Since 2016, a collaborative model between McIntosh and HYKE (HYKE) has been developed. The brand ” HYKE ” is famous for its emphasis on past backgrounds and for making quality basic clothing. The brand presents designs inspired by the British Army coats that Mackintosh used to work on and the historical coats supplied to the British National Railways. The brand has achieved a classic yet modern design with a simple yet well executed military taste.
Introduction of Mackintosh’s representative models
Mackintosh’s representative model ” rubberized coat
This model is a symbol of Mackintosh. It is available in a wide range of colors, and even comes with a liner. This is a universal model that only Mackintosh, which places importance on preserving tradition, can produce. ▶︎Click here for details and purchase of “Rubberized Coat
Mackintosh’s representative model “down jacket
This is one of the items that Mackintosh is currently focusing on in order to increase item variations. The sophisticated design of Mackintosh has been incorporated directly into the down jacket. ▶︎Click here for details and purchase of “down jackets”.
Other lines developed by Mackintosh
Traditional weather wear
A daily-wear line by Mackintosh; it was offered until the 1990s and has been revived since 2006. It mainly offers traditional British outerwear, as well as raincoats and umbrellas. Although women’s wear accounts for a high percentage of the line, a men’s assortment also exists. It is one of the features that you can see the development of items other than Mackintosh’s rubberized coats.
Mackintosh Philosophy
Mackintosh Philosophy” is the second line of Mackintosh, and is developed under license by SANYO. Philosophy ” means “philosophy” or “a way of thinking,” and the line is characterized by the wide range of items manufactured in accordance with Mackintosh’s philosophy. The prices are set lower than those of the main line.
Mackintosh London
This is a licensed label that offers products targeting “45-year-olds who know tradition and quality.” SANYO Shokai started this label in 2016. It is considered the prestige zone of Mackintosh’s licensed labels, and the sewing is ” Made in Japan. The coats are manufactured at SANYO Sewing, SANYO Shokai’s factory in Aomori, Japan. The company boasts an annual production of 60,000 coats, and its skills are so good that they would make British craftsmen gasp, so visitors can experience Mackintosh with Japanese craftsmanship.
Mackintosh Stores
Despite its nearly 200-year history, Mackintosh’s first flagship store opened only recently, in 2011. Masamichi Katayama of Wonderwall, who worked on the Parisian boutique Colette, was in charge of the interior design. The following year, a flagship store was opened in Tokyo, a structure that further embodies Mackintosh’s image as a luxury brand.
Address: 5-3-20 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00~20:00
TEL: 03-6418-5711