Fashion that Makes Us Sad: The Umbrella Coat Raincoat

The Umbrella Coat Raincoat combines two rainy-day essentials. (Photo by Vassilis Makris, via ABCNews.com)
The Umbrella Coat Raincoat combines two rainy-day essentials. (Photo by Vassilis Makris, via ABCNews.com)

It's practical, sure, but is it pretty? Umbrella lovers, you be the judge: Greek designer Athanasia Leivanditou takes utilitarian to a whole new level with her Umbrella Coat Raincoat.

"Rainy days put a strain on my movements. I had to hold the umbrella and do other things at the same time," Leivaditou told ABCNews. "Instead of getting frustrated with the physical constraints that my body imposed in such situations, I thought that I should come up with a solution."

The design, which is not yet in stores, was the big winner in October's Silver A'Design Award and Competition. It won't protect your bags or books during a downpour, but it certainly does more to protect your hair than any other gear we've seen. "The umbrella hood unfolds like stretched bat wings," ABC news describes, and a clear plastic sheet drops down from it to shield the face. The whole umbrella/hood section is secured

The Umbrella Coat Raincoat transforms zips into a jumpsuit.
The Umbrella Coat Raincoat transforms zips into a jumpsuit.

by strings, so it shouldn't collapse on your head.

It's more than just an extra-large hood attached to a slicker, though. Made of a "waterproof synthetic leather," the coat can be converted from a severe-looking, high-necked zippered trench to a trendy wear-anywhere jumpsuit, perfect for puddle stomping. Leivanditou created the prototype in basic black (so slimming!) but says, "A variety of patterns and colors can be used, as long as the fabric is waterproof."

Some may say it's stylish, but frankly, there's something about it that screams "The Matrix" a little too loudly to us.

Would you wear it?




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