FIELD COAT

As a breed, naturalists are not creatures of fashion; but even Gerald Durrell would have found himself smitten by the silky goat suede, brick-colored, three-quarter length Field Coat and worn it with pride in Corfu, the Galapagos, or wherever his curiosity about and love of cold-blooded critters might have taken him. The plethora of functional details outfitting the garment include concealed snaps, a hidden drawstring that cinches at the waist, a front placket that snaps over the zip-closure, a double vented back for ease of movement, and plenty of pockets for myriad gadgets and gizmos. The chest and waist patch pockets close with chevron- shaped flaps that snap securely shut; and the waist pockets also have on-seam, side-entry pockets for the hands. The collar stands as if at attention to the shoulder epaulets, which batten down with snaps and top off front and back yoke seams and large back panels that emphasize the quality of the skin--i.e., few cutlines required. Whether in the field or the museum, this is one finely engineered  piece of apparel; and the bright, multi-colored and patterned lining shouts its approval.