Mackintosh

A legacy of innovation spanning two centuries ties Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh, often cited as creator of the first truly waterproof material, to Mackintosh, contemporary avatar of the same time-tested fabrication techniques used to handcraft bonded cotton outerwear. The brand underwent a revival in the mid-90s as fashion houses including the likes of Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, and Comme Des Garçons looked to Mackintosh to produce their rainwear designs. The now Japanese-owned label continues to incorporate new design motifs while retaining an emphasis on craftsmanship, lending a contemporary minimalist aesthetic to classic styles grounded in its profoundly British heritage. The line’s range of men’s ready-to-wear favors the simple cuts, clean volumes, and restrained silhouettes typical of the military and public agency use-cases that became synonymous with the prototypical mackintosh coat over the course of the 20th century. Offerings beyond the core rainwear include lightweight wool jackets, duffel coats, quilted insulated parkas, and oversized ponchos featuring subtle utilitarian touches. By combining thoughtful product diversification with an open attitude to collaborating with both established and upcoming designers, Mackintosh easily transcends any threat of genericide.