Despite the many outerwear choices this season from trench coats to sporty anoraks, the utilitarian roots of the parka continue to inspire, with several updated versions offered in a range of unexpected colours and fabrics.
The classic snorkel parka was used primarily in the United States in the 1950s by flight crews stationed in cold areas. They were made with a sage green dupont flight silk nylon outer and padded with wool (later in polyester) around the hood and neck area to keep the face warm.
The parka's entry into fashion goes back to the sub-culture of the 1960s, where youths would often be seen wearing parkas over their clothes on scooters to keep their outfits pristine. Its British connection also runs through to its resurgence during the 90s, when indie musicians and It girls, from Oasis to Kate Moss, wouldn't be seen without one at music festivals. Originally lined with faux fur, today's parka options are a mix of traditional details and the new.
In her recent autumn 2014 collection for Miu Miu, Miuccia Prada's typically idiosyncratic approach to design culminated in a collection made primarily of quilted outerwear, from primary-coloured windbreakers to metallic parkas. Max Mara's take on something so desultory as a practical parka was again given an updated makeover, with quilted check versions sent down the runway.
Quilting details can be found within local collections such as Sylvester's quilted hooded parka (#2) that comes fully lined with side pocket details. For something fresh, the transeasonal pale blue cropped option from Huffer (#1) works back well with equally cool tones of grey and blue denim, giving a new spin on a classic.
Image 1 of 5: Huffer parka, $259. Georgia Alice vest, $569. Kate Sylvester skivvy, $195. Topshop jeans, $89 and handbag, $110, from The Department Store. Photo / Greg Bowker
