It's a Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod World...

And not a moment too soon, may I say...just in time for April showers. Why wear a boring, drab tan Burberry trench coat, when you can put on something that will really make you smile?

Mod is hot right now! It was seen on many runways during the recent round of fall/winter 2001 collections (at Fendi, Miu Miu, Lagerfeld Gallery, Chanel, Paco Rabanne, and Anna Sui, to name a few). And perhaps the item that most defines 'mod' is a shiny patent, vinyl, or plastic coat.

In my recent travels, I have found many 'mod' coats in clear see-thru plastic, black, white, red vinyl or patent, and there are even versions with op-art or floral designs that would really lift your spirits on a rainy day. Of course, I can't underestimate the fact that patent and vinyl are the most water repellent substances known- sorry to say Rose Marie (Bravo), but I got soaked in my Burberry trench during a real downpour recently!

And the good news is that you don't have to wait until next season to buy an expensive designer coat- there are many great vintage versions currently available through dealers, stores and boutiques. And though it's true that some of the 'designer' vintage labels can come with relatively high price tags, 'non-name' items can be real 'buys'. At the latest Triple Pier Show, I found several good examples at Name Droppers (516- 944-7035), all in the $300-$400 range: a white zip front coat (very futuristic, with matching hat), a clear plastic coat with white trellis design, and several graphic bold patterned and floral plastic coats with matching cotton shifts (one was sold to Prada---can we assume this is a prediction of things to come for spring/summer 2002?)

Also at the Piers, Modern Living (917-913-1950) www.modernlivingusa.com, had two clear plastic vintage raincoats from the 60's...one with cheery black polka dots and black trim (and matching rain hat), and one clear with white polka dots and trim (no hat), both about $80.

At Resurrection Vintage, (217 Mott Street, 625-1374) I found one of the best examples- it mixes two hot trends- vinyl and black and white: a short Mary Quant black vinyl coat accented with white collar and cuffs ($650). Though the most dramatic item they have is a 'museum' quality Pierre Cardin fire engine red midcalf zip front vinyl cape...(it's in their inventory, although the manager explained they are not ready to part with it yet. If it were for sale, if would fetch about $2000!).

Cherry (185 Orchard Street 212 358-7131), has four definitive examples: a Paco Rabanne black patent short cape with taxi cab yellow trim, for $850, a Courreges orange vinyl snap front coat for $2000, a 'non-label' white vinyl coat with circular cut outs in transparent pink and blue under $300, and a black vinyl cape for a mere $90. And, though it's not a coat, an oversized Giorgio's of Beverly Hills shoulder bag in bright red vinyl ($100) was so surreal, it caught my eye, and would be the perfect 'waterproof' bag to carry on a rainy day--- it would certainly brighten anything in your closet!

Reminiscence ( 50 W 23 street, 212 243-2292) is the place to go for the best bargains...they currently have a short black and white zip front vinyl jacket, as well as more colorful versions....mostly in the $20 - $30 range!

And if you click on to FashionDig.com, (they have two boutiques devoted to 'mod')...currently available in their Modshop is a red vinyl short coat for $110. And cookiescloset.com has a blue vinyl vintage Lilli Ann wrap coat piped in white, for $165.

Which ever one you choose, I promise you will be 'singing in the rain'!

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