A great coat can do an awful lot of the heavy lifting in your wardrobe. Keep everything underneath relatively simple and you still feel completely put together. It’s precisely that idea that sits at the heart of AUTER, the outerwear label founded by Hollywood celebrity stylist and creative director Rob Zangardi.
I was delighted to join Rob at Maxfield in Los Angeles to celebrate AUTER’s first birthday and the launch of his Fall 2026 collection. Building a brand takes serious determination. Trust me, I know how tough it is. So reaching that first anniversary with a collection at one of LA’s most distinctive fashion destinations is something worth raising a glass to.
Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum, Chrissy Teigen and Sofia Carson were among those who came out to celebrate alongside a formidable gathering of stylists and friends. There were cocktails in the courtyard, dramatic flowers and plenty of outerwear to catch the eye. I also had a personal styling session with the man himself. When Rob Zangardi is offering his eye, you happily hand over the reins. And let me tell you, the coats are DIVINE!
What interests me most about AUTER is his understanding of proportion. After more than two decades dressing people for their most photographed moments, Rob knows the impact of a silhouette. Here that translates into relaxed tailoring and coats that become the starting point of an outfit. The brand’s philosophy is “His Coat on Her” encouraging you to look beyond gender categories and focus on shape, scale and how a piece feels. The shoulder, the volume of a sleeve, where the hem falls, that’s where dressing gets interesting. And let me tell you, Rob has achieved this and more in spades!
The Fall 2026 collection is at Maxfield through October 26, with prices from $750 to $3,400. Congratulations, Rob!
Photos: Ryder Sloane and Chiara Garland.
Darren Kennedy
Darren Kennedy is a dynamic television presenter, entrepreneur, and style expert, known for his vibrant energy and dazzling Irish charm.
Originally hailing from Dublin, Darren has made his mark across the UK, Ireland, and most recently in the US presenting shows for NBC, the BBC, ITV, and RTÉ.
In 2023 he launched the podcast The Number with Darren Kennedy, which quickly climbed to the top of the Apple Podcasts charts.
Darren Kennedy’s email is [emailprotected]
