A sales rep also told me the same thing. Its just there for looks, has no real function.
I have a different question: does anyone know if the department stores will be getting any of the heritage trench coats, specifically Kensington in honey? I would like to get one, but would rather get one through a department store and get points from it, like loyalist or Nordstrom points, with such a big purchase. I see some Kensington at Nordstrom, but they are either older styles or in other colors.