Big Coat

Today I braced myself for the piercing winter air by throwing on an Ermenegildo Zegna coat. I woke up and felt the air before getting out of bed. My apartment is over 100 years old. From the kitchen to the backdoor, the floor has developed a slant over the years, leaving a whistling draft.

I’m not a practical dresser and have no plans of becoming one. I own an Arc’teryx jacket and North Face puffer, but somehow, this Zegna coat gets the most use. It’s long, almost hitting my ankles. The shoulders are defined and the sleeves fit just right. Best of all, it’s conducive to layering, as the coat is nowhere near my actual size.

Ermenegildo Zegna was an entrepreneur from Italy who got his start in a wool mill. In the 1960’s, his sons Aldo and Angelo took over the business and began producing ready-to-wear, opening their first brand stores in Paris and Milan. I get curious of history, especially when the label says made in Italy.

This morning I feel like Big from Sex and the City meets Soho skater. I wear a white shirt, covered by a chunky Irish knit my grandmother made, complimented by Walmart jeans and Sambas on the feet. I believe they call that mixing high and low.

I can’t leave my apartment without getting at least one compliment on this coat. On the best of days, I’ll even get a sardonic look from middle aged men. I like to imagine them talking about it when they get home. Honey, why are kids wearing our grandparents’ clothes?