“I Want It Now!”

There’s no question that the trench coat is one of the most iconic and enduring clothing items. There are many varieties, but you can’t beat the glossy black patent version in terms of cool streetwear, minimalist modernity, sleekness, and versatility. We’re heading into a rainy time of the year on the East Coast, and having a waterproof or water repellent coat that works for rain or shine, day to evening, is imperative.

From Catherine Deneuve’s trench in the film “Belle de Jour” to images of Jacqueline Kennedy walking down 5th Avenue in patent outerwear, this is the ultimate statement piece to have in your wardrobe.

The black patent trench was immortalized by Catherine Deneuve in “Belle de Jour.” For the film, directed by Luis Buñuel in 1967, Yves Saint Laurent created a whole wardrobe for Catherine Deneuve, who played Séverine Serizy on screen, a young bourgeois woman who leads a double life spending her afternoons as a prostitute in a luxurious Parisian brothel.

Buñuel did not want nudity. He wanted clothes that really defined the character.

In Yves Saint Laurent’s designs, Séverine is both fragile and seductive, as exemplified by the famous black vinyl trench coat and knit sleeves. It is from YSL’s Rive Gauche 1966 collection, and the film’s popularity propelled sales.

As creative director of Saint Laurent, Vaccarello continues to re-imagine the trench coat in glossy black faux patent leather, and Deneuve is often photographed wearing the chic updated version originally shown in the spring 2021 ready-to-wear collection. Priced at $3590, it is for sale at saintlaurent.com.

Vaccarello included a slouchy, drop-shouldered black faux-patent trench in his Saint Laurent resort 2022 collection. In February, Zoe Kravitz wore this coat when she appeared in a rooftop press event for “Batman”.

You can’t get more iconic than Courreges. Inspired by the House’s iconic 1972 model, this iconic vinyl trench coat features an encrusted white AC logo on the chest. There are visible white lacquered snaps on the middle front and on the cuffs and a slit on the back.

The belt is removable, and there are zippered pockets, double-entry patch pockets, and a stand-up collar. This coat sells for $1380 and is available at courreges.com.

Alaia’s coats are always outstanding, the cut and fabrication superb. This rare Alaia trench coat, from the fall 2014 ready-to-wear collection, is constructed of pony hair from New Zealand, dyed black and partially varnished to give it a patent leather appearance.

Double-breasted, it has a sizeable structured collar and lapels, wooden button closures throughout, two diagonal front flap pockets, a matching waist belt, and nylon lining. Originally priced at $14,800, it is reduced to $3898 and is for sale at 1stdibs.com.

Nili Lotan often creates a narrative around a woman in her everyday life for her collections. The casual sophistication and timelessness of Jackie O always serve as inspiration. Crafted from crinkled patent leather with a storm flap and belted waist, Lotan’s “Corey” coat is a modern take on the traditional trench with all the bells and whistles.

One can easily imagine Jacqueline wearing this coat with crisp white jeans and a black turtleneck strolling down 5th or Madison Avenues. Priced at $2795, it is for sale at nililotan.com.

DROMe is an Italian luxury brand designed by Creative Director Marianna Rosati. The DROMe aesthetic is defined by contrasts: a polished glam look merges with a punk attitude, an elegant, sophisticated stance exposes a provocative side, a daring sensuality that shakes the surface.

Designed in timeless black, this belted trench coat transforms the traditional silhouette through its subversive patent leather construction. It is made in Italy, of 100% lambskin leather. Priced at $1660, it is for sale at farfetch.com.

Tory Burch couldn’t find a chic and practical raincoat, so she created one that looks great come rain or shine. Crafted in glossy Italian patent leather, this double-breasted trench features stacked horn buttons and a structured belt. It keeps you dry — but it also keeps you warm with a quilted lining in plaid satin. From Tory’s fall 2021 ready-to-wear collection, is on sale from $1998 to $1199 and is available at toryburch.com.

N’ONAT Atelier is a sophisticated, guilt-free, and cruelty-free vegan outerwear company. It was founded by Nihan Onat Petree in 2019. Since coming to New York in 2014, Petree has committed herself to compassionate and socially responsible fashion. N’ONAT Atelier’s motto is “Purchase with Purpose.” Nihan pledges to contribute a portion of her revenues to UNICEF and PETA.

N’ONAT’s “Kerry” coat is made of a custom-made black gloss-coated fabric, laminated with eco-scuba. The fabric and snaps are constructed of eco-friendly materials.

The coat is so versatile because it can be worn open or closed with metal snaps, and the generous faux fur collar and cuffs are detachable, as is the belt. It is on sale from $390 to $218 and is available at nonatelier.com.

We are constantly bombarded with images of collections. Most of what is out there is overdone and over complicated. I instinctively want to pare everything down to the simplest and most satisfying common denominator.

I am always drawn to iconic pieces that stand the test of time. There are just a handful of things that I desire. Right now, it’s that perfect black patent trench. Really, is there any other coat you need right now?