Withnail's Coat

[MisterCairo]

One of my few "what was I thinking" purchases that I nevertheless regret not one bit, was my purchase of a bespoke "Withnail" coat from designer Andrea Galer.

http://news.nationalpost.com/life/c...-the-true-aficionados-know-withnails-wardrobe

(The first photo that pops up is unrelated).

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms Galer in London at her (now "our") Saville Row tailors Davies and Son for the fittings, and having lunch with her. This National Post article focussed on iconic coats, Sherlock's modern yet elegant jacket, and the infamous 1930s inspired Harris Tween long coat worn by Richard E. Grant in Withnail & I.

Two recent purchasers are interviewed here. I'm NOT the drug user...

 

[Worf]

"Withnail and I" was/is one of my fave English comedies.... absolutely hilarious at times...

Worf

 

[Edward]

This looks fantastic! Shame there's no sizechart on the website.

 

[Smithy]

One of my very, very favourite films - in my top 5 easily, and one of the few films I still roar with laughter after seeing umpteen times since I first saw it in 1988.

I had no idea someone was making a repro of Withnail's iconic overcoat and I am seriously tempted, even with the 760 quid price tag. That might have to go on the must have list.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Nice! I've always thought of the Withnail coat whenever people go on about the Sherlock Belstaff. The characters cast a similar silhouette. A masterpiece of comic cinema and terribly sad too. No use for a coat like that down here but I did own a Harris Tweed overcoat from the 1940's back when the film was new.

 

[tropicalbob]

Just before I saw this thread today I saw a beautiful Harris Tweed overcoat on Ebay (or Etsy, I forget) going for $35.00 (and in my size !). I mentioned it to my wife, somewhat wistfully, over dinner but got that "in Miami?" look I know only too well. Ah, well.
Great movie. The thought of the term "toilet traitor" still gives me a laugh.

 

[Seb Lucas]

you mean - "toilet trader" - auto-spell check.

 

[tropicalbob]

I thought it was "traitor," a la Jean Genet. Could be wrong. I've a tendency to creatively misapprehend things.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I thought it was "traitor," a la Jean Genet. Could be wrong. I've a tendency to creatively misapprehend things.

I prefer toilet traitor it elevates the line.

 

[MisterCairo]

\

This looks fantastic! Shame there's no sizechart on the website.

Hi Edward,

How Andrea does sizing depends ultimately on how much you're willing to spend. "Off the rack" is cheapest, but I recall she goes on basic measurements you'd send via email. Obviously if taken by a proper tailor you'd be best off.

I went a bit higher end, sent initial measurements via email, but then I met her at Davies and Son, number 38 Savile Row. She'd made the initial pattern by then, and created the toile (linen mock-up of the final coat for those unfamiliar with term, as I was previously!), which was then tweaked after that visit. Sadly, I had to return to Canada prior to being able to meet her at her studio for a final fitting, but in the end it was brilliant.

I have lost weight since then, but it only makes the coat hang more loosely which is fine by me! I don't have REG's slim figure (I'm slightly barrel chested) nor his height so the look is different, but it wasn't an exercise in trying to look like REG (who could pull that off?!).

 

[MisterCairo]

I thought it was "traitor," a la Jean Genet. Could be wrong. I've a tendency to creatively misapprehend things.

It is "trader". I'm sure there are any number of "urban dictionaries" that can "translate" toilet trader!

"He told me all about your incident on the Tottenham Court Road"!

 

[bn1966]

Yep 'Toilet Traitor' is a good one...film immortalized the 'Camden Carrot' too

 

[MisterCairo]

Yep 'Toilet Traitor' is a good one...film immortalized the 'Camden Carrot' too

I believe you're referring to the Camberwell Carrot! It can utilize up to 12 skins, you know!

 

[Edward]

The ultimate momet in the film is, of course, the "If I medicined you..." sequence.
Comedy, menace, bad taste - it has it all!

\
Hi Edward,

How Andrea does sizing depends ultimately on how much you're willing to spend. "Off the rack" is cheapest, but I recall she goes on basic measurements you'd send via email. Obviously if taken by a proper tailor you'd be best off.

I went a bit higher end, sent initial measurements via email, but then I met her at Davies and Son, number 38 Savile Row. She'd made the initial pattern by then, and created the toile (linen mock-up of the final coat for those unfamiliar with term, as I was previously!), which was then tweaked after that visit. Sadly, I had to return to Canada prior to being able to meet her at her studio for a final fitting, but in the end it was brilliant.

I have lost weight since then, but it only makes the coat hang more loosely which is fine by me! I don't have REG's slim figure (I'm slightly barrel chested) nor his height so the look is different, but it wasn't an exercise in trying to look like REG (who could pull that off?!).

Ha, well, yes.... I'm short (5'10"), fat and bald so I certainly wouldn't be winning any lookalike contests! If I bought one of these I'd definitely be looking to go for one of the off-the-rack sizes, given the price differential, but I couldn't find any explanation as to what the lettered sizes translate. I suppose I'll have to wait until I'm ready to seriously consider buying, then contact and ask...

 

[MisterCairo]

Tell her Sean in Canada says hello!

Danny - "Trade [name] Phenodyhydrochloridebenzelex - Street [name] The Embalmer"!

Withnail - "BALLS! I'll swallow it and run a mile"!

 

[Doctor Damage]

I'm short (5'10"), fat and bald so I certainly wouldn't be winning any lookalike contests! If I bought one of these I'd definitely be looking to go for one of the off-the-rack sizes, given the price differential, but I couldn't find any explanation as to what the lettered sizes translate. I suppose I'll have to wait until I'm ready to seriously consider buying, then contact and ask...

Richard Grant is rake thin and supposedly 6'2" tall. If you aren't, then a coat like this won't look good on you.

 

[bn1966]

I believe you're referring to the Camberwell Carrot! It can utilize up to 12 skins, you know!

They make a blinding one in Camden too

 

[Smithy]

Well I've succumbed, emailed Ms Galer re sizing. I can't possibly bring myself to go bespoke with Xmas coming up, but sent a couple of measurements and asked what's best for "off the rack" sizings. We shall see.

Just don't tell my wife the price...

 

[Doctor Damage]

It would appear that the coat on the website is not the same as the coat in the movie, unless I'm looking at the wrong website.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Hmm - looks like it's missing a pocket and seams are different.