A collaboration between two of the most revered names in British fashion history, Barbour and Paul Smith blend their unique styles to create a collection that showcases what both brands are renowned for. The collection pays homage to Barbour’s roots in the North East England, taking inspiration from the traditional, and in some cases almost extinct, industries of the area such as Shipbuilding, Fishing, Mining and Farming, lifestyles that Barbour has unwaveringly served throughout its history.
The four-piece ‘Land & Sea’ collection melds together the South Shields-based label’s rich heritage and fabric nous with Paul Smith’s quirky, idiosyncratic detailing, using Sir Paul’s ever-growing collection of trinkets as source for his contemporary styling. The Fieldman Jacket utilises the classic silhouette of Barbour’s Beaufort Jacket, adding patches in a variety of weights to give the coat a rugged, well-worn aesthetic – inspired by the patching used by Northumbrian farmers on their own jackets – whilst demonstrating the true craftsmanship that goes into each piece. The Seafarer Jacket is inspired by an antique sail found by the Nottingham-based designer, constructed from 8oz beeswax cotton with original boat demarcation numbers reverse stitched on certain panels. Both jackets feature a breton wool lining with finishing touches such dual branded snap buttons and side seam tab.
The jackets are neatly complemented by the Stevedores Shirt in two shades of chambray. Inspired by the workers (known locally as Stevedores) who handled the goods on and off the boats in the Port of the Tyne, the shirt has hints of Paul Smith’s tailoring pedigree whilst utlising more workwear inspired details such as reinforced ergonomically tailored elbow patches in soft corduroy, giving the shirt a casual feel.
