Buy Now, Wear Forever: camel coats Since Max Mara's iconic 101108 coat was created in 1981, the camel coat has been a perennial staple in the fashion-savvy woman's wardrobe "The coat is an icon in fashion - a little bit more than a fashion element - more an object of design," Max Mara chairman Luigi Maramotti once said of the Italian label's iconic 101801 camel coat. Since its creation in 1981, the cashmere blend cover-up, which takes a long shape akin to that of a kimono but with a masculine collar, has become the most copied item in the label's archive. The proportions and lines were so perfect in the first design that, bar improving the lining from viscose and cupro to pure silk, the coat has never been altered. Left to right: Linda Evangelista modelling the MaxMara 101801 coat for Steven Meisel in 1997-78; a current campaign shot for MaxMara's 101801 The design, according to Max Mara fashion director, Laura Lusuardi, "came naturally, in the sense that there was not a specific inspiration behind it," but takes some 100 steps to make. Using 240cm of fabric cut into 25 panels, 12 groups of 12 fiercely skilful machinists measure, pin, sew and steam the coat into place over 163 minutes. The 101801 MaxMara manufacturing process This labour of love has been replicated over 140,000 times for continual sales of the ultra-soft wool coat, while other brands have concocted their own manufacturing processes to replicate it. READ: The history of the iconic MaxMara camel coat Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, Dior and Céline all sent camel coats down the autumn/winter 2014 catwalks, proving that the colour and style is no less current than it was back in 1981. Fashion can also credit tastemaker Phoebe Philo for boosting the coat's profile back in 2010 when she featuring a camel cover-up in her first resort 2010 collection for Céline. Needless to say the high street followed suit. Left to right: Céline autumn/winter 2014; Dior autumn/winter 2014 Why the fuss, one might ask, over a neutral-hued, cashmere coat that might not be the most practical of colours or fabrics? "The simplicity of the design makes it timeless and classic; it would look as good on a teenager as it would on Catherine Deneuve," said The Telegraph's Sophie de Rosée upon trying on the coat in one of Max Mara's Italian factories. Multi-seasonal too, one might add, as unlike darker coat companions that have a shelf life of winter months, the camel coat provides an excellent, muted option for shoulder robing during spring. Left to right: Milan street style; actress Rose Byrne Shorter, sharper collars can be turned up during colder months for a dressed-down edge when paired with jeans and boots, while wider lapels should be belted or left undone for a relaxed silhouette that frames the wearer's outfit. Left to right: Stella McCartney; Milan street style Autumn/winter 2014's preoccupation with teddy bear coats also makes for an alternative entry point to the perrenial trend, and can be found all over the high street this season. Paris and London street style READ: Buy Now, Wear Forever: trench coats Buy one now, and like all the garments in this series, you'll wonder how you ever tackled the winter weather without this linchpin in your wardrobe. Shop belted styles Clockwise from top left: Imperial wool belted maxi coat, £195, French Connection; Ultimate camel coat, £325, Karen Millen; Hayley luxe belted coat, £295, L.K.Bennett; Manuela coat, £1,120, Max Mara Shop masculine cuts Clockwise from top left: Wool cashmere boyfriend coat, £349, Jaeger; Wool camel coat, £89.99, Zara; Long line throw-on coat, £110, Topshop; Wool-blend coat, £185, & Other Stories Shop teddy bear coats Clockwise from top left: Max Mara Studio Kriss coat, £850, Matches Fashion; Edun Camel Alpaca Suede Pocket Coat, £1,455, Avenue 32; Paisie Fluffy Teddy Bear Coat, £130, John Lewis; Oversized pocket teddy coat, £85, Warehouse