New York - April 18, 2007

Swingin’ in the Rain

Gryphon Trench Coats

There was a bright side to the hideous, gray, incessant downpour.

Guinevere was getting great mileage out of her Gryphon trench coats.

And, frankly, if she never saw the sun again, she wouldn’t mind. Not when she could shine in the Timeless, a classic, knee-length, double-breasted number. (She could go incognito, but what a waste.) Or in the trim, cowl-neck Hitchcock, which could almost pass for a très femme fatale dress. (You should see her jeté over puddles.) Or in the Tent, a swishy bell shape that hides numerous sins — those ingested, those smuggled.

This was outerwear she could relate to (as well it should be, designed as it was by a former Vogue writer). Practical yet whimsical. Neutral yet embellished. Understated while speaking volumes.

It was clearly time to make room in the closet.

She’d start by tossing her umbrellas.

Available at Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Avenue, between 57th and 58th Streets, fifth floor (212-753-7300); Barneys New York, 660 Madison Avenue, at 60th Street (212-826-8900).