Militant Pacifist’s Quintessential Fisherman Down Vest

In fashion, you can't jump the gun. One day desire gives into hype, the next hype fades. Shopping is a costly hobby -- one in need of careful monitoring. Too many up-to-date Autumn/Winter items jeopardize next month's rent or Wholefoods budget (especially during the winter). Too little and by then you've dropped off of the face of fashion's good green earth. But, there are exceptions. Cue the down vest.

Esthetically, more often than not, winter vests fall down the sartorially slippery slope of lackluster designs of hybridized nylon and polyester -- a practical, but less than palatable for those repulsed by the Northface bandwagon. Functionally, the armless design defeats the purpose of retaining heat. But being that a down-vest cannot be anything more than a vest, fulfilling two of two criteria is the least and the best we can ask for.

Japanese brand Militant Pacifist accents a subtly detailed woolen rinceau relief-esque woven template with Jaws-like shadows hovering above the cut-off shoulders. Militant Pacifist's Fisherman Down Vest is a rare annual must-wear.

The vests come in gray or black and can be purchased on honeyee.

-- Francis Bea