When you talk about Mission: Impossible these days people think "Tom Cruise". The action/spy franchise is on its 5th film and people are still raving about them. But what most people don't know is that it didn't start with Tom Cruise.
On September 17, 1966, the first episode of Mission: Impossible aired and it ran for 7 seasons. It astounded audiences who found the world of spies and impending war come only too close to home. In short, the Impossible Missions Force, a team of well-skilled, super clever American spies, were sent into tight situations, always in hostile environments, to retrieve secret plans, root out spies, prevent fourth reichs, and including but not limited to rerouting nuclear warheads. They were cool, calm, and always on top of things. Rarely caught in a trap, when they were they always managed to create a way out. Truly impossible.
Now why am I going on like this? A few years ago I saw my first episode and have been obsessed with the shows ever since. They were right up my ally. I love spies, and gadgets, and suspenseful charades, and this show was full of it. It also just so happens that I love the costumes as well. That is where today's post comes in. Whilst watching the episode called The Traitor from Season One, I saw Dan Briggs trenchcoat and loved it.
As was typical, Dan and Cinnamon (another IMF agent) were masquerading as Mr. and Mrs. "Briggs" in order to catch a traitor to America. On a side note, Cinnamon has some amazing clothes. I've wanted to write some posts on her styles before but until now I haven't been able to get pictures with good quality.
Here is Dan in the coat:
In my limited knowledge I would say the coat is a cotton form. It doesn't have the heavy wool look that overcoats and especially greatcoats exhibit. If it were a little lighter I would say it was a raincoat (and I don't mean the cheesy plastic ones).
Notice the peaked lapel. I love it because its broad and gives the coat a more firm appearance. Sharp lines and straight cuts make this coat.
But the first thing I noticed is that it is double-breasted. There is just something about a double-breasted coat that lends a distinguished air to the wearer. Plus epaulets at the shoulders. I read that they were created so that the military could add embellishments without damaging the coat.
Its hard to tell in this picture (above) but I think you can also see that it has a storm flap over the right side. This is to keep water from leaking in when you raise your arm. Fascinating, huh?
Here's a picture from the back. Unlike most trenchcoats, this one does not have a vent on the back. I can't say that its a bad thing because I have never cared much for the vent in the back but it does have a useful purpose.
Another thing I never liked was cuff straps. When tightened they corrupt the straight lines of the coat sleeves. But in Dan's case they are loose enough so as not to distract the coats angles.
And then there is the belt. Unlike the popular look in the forties to tie the belt straps, this one is neatly secured with a ring and hardly noticeable. It pulls in the waist and gives a more fitted look. Very snazzy!
Any comments? What do you think about Dan's coat? Is it really what I say it is? Just so you know, this is not the writings of a fashion expert but a fashion expert wanna-be. I don't claim to know what I'm talking about. I just think I do.
One thing before I sign off. I couldn't talk about Mission: Impossible and not include a picture of Cinnamon.
I could go on forever about her style. The colors alone are so appealing to me, but the cut and fit are usually enough to catch my attention. I also use her for 60's makeup references. Maybe I'll post more on that subject sometime.
Thanks for reading!
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