Friday's Object of Desire is this brilliant black trench from, who else, Banana Republic

Brilliant US chain Banana Republic used to be the reason half the female population of the UK loved to go shopping in New York. But with the advent of its British stores, we no longer have an excuse, but that means we can pick up their brilliant pieces on our doorstep. 

One of their hottest sellers has always been their classic trench coat, which they rework each season to fit the mood and the season's colour palette. This notch-neck trench in black, perfect for spring and almost certainly useful in a typically British summer, is our Object of Desire for today.

We love the styling - with the classic look of a super-wearable trench, but crafted into something a little more 2012.

And if you are not convinced how perfect a trench coat can be, just take a look at Michelle Williams playing Marilyn Monroe in the recent hit movie My Week With Marilyn (below)...

This trench costs £150, and is one of a collection of great trenches at Banana Republic, any one of which, could equally well be our Object of Desire...

Shop the BR monogram trench