21st May 08

What:
Rainer

Where:
Fat, Melbourne's GPO, (for other store locations, see the website)

When:
In store now!

How much:
Knits start from $99, skirts around $120, unisex trousers $200

Fat, purveyor of all things very black and drapey and skinny, have finally released their long-awaited house brand, Rainer. The label's first collection is called 'Teutoburg Forest', which refers to a battleground where the German tribes unexpectedly defeated a headstrong Roman army in the year 9 AD.

You may remember this better as Schlacht im Teutoburger Wald or Hermannsschlacht. Today, the area is more crumbling-Medieval-architecture meets industrial-wasteland ghetto-chic; the sort of place they film ABC human trafficking documentaries. This Germanic undertone will most likely suit Fat's oft-morose-but-nevertheless-hot staff.

Rainer makes good use of unusual textural combinations, pairing wool with crushed silk, and the weight of a structured military jacket on a delicate sheer knit. Rainer keeps the prices down low through an emphasis on simplicity and clean-cut silhouettes. Just how the label will translate to a summer collection remains to be seen, as Eastern European locations demonstrate a natural affinity with the cold. For now at least, like salt to a bockwurst, these moody basics should serve as a natural accompaniment to any good Melburnian's schwarze Römisch-Tötung Hosen.

By Sophie Gaston

Product: Fashion

Theft: Theft is a risk

Keywords: Fat Clothing Stores