I’ve long admired Barbour for its timeless British aesthetic. Waxed jackets, tweed collars, and that deliciously earthy countryside vibe have graced many of my outdoor adventures. But even I, a devoted lover of opulent living, can admit that Barbour has been missing the mark with younger shoppers. It seems they finally got the memo. Their new collection, a collaboration with Erdem, has made a grand entrance into fashion’s modern world a world demanding both glamour and grit. My curiosity was instantly piqued.
Barbour’s Erdem partnership has turned heads by blending aristocratic chic with utility. We’re talking about a line that’s sophisticated yet playfully rebellious. It’s a utility-meets-glam concerto served in four distinct styles. One design flaunts a peplum silhouette with an elegantly exaggerated hood. Just imagine traipsing through a muddy festival field without compromising one’s couture aura. It’s functional fashion that doesn’t apologise for being fabulous.
Read what Reddit fans though of the new collection.
Stand Out Items
Another standout is a two-tone masterpiece adorned with shadow florals inside and out, complete with a corduroy collar. This particular piece plays by its own rules, offering a touch of luxury exclusively through Harrod’s as part of Barbour’s Re-Loved initiative. If you know Harrod’s, you understand this isn’t just a retail experience; it’s a rite of passage. Barbour didn’t just slap on a floral print and call it a day. Oh no. They restored vintage Beaufort jackets by adding oversized collars and hand-applied silver eyelets. Only 25 of these beauties exist—each one a labour of love, according to Nicola Brown, Barbour’s head of womenswear.
Erdem was obsessed with those eyelets. It was almost couture-level work. We had to clean every pre-loved jacket, replace linings with Erdem’s signature florals, and hand-set over 200 rivets on each piece. It took four months.
Such dedication brings to mind the old-world craftsmanship I’ve come to expect from luxury labels. Erdem’s obsession with high romance and femininity finds a charming balance here. He’s drawn inspiration from Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire, who famously paired Barbour jackets with tweed skirts to feed her chickens. Now, that’s an image worth bottling. Deborah’s flair for mixing elegance and practicality is exactly what this collection exudes.
Reversible Cape
Another gem in the collection is the reversible cape. Yes, a cape. On one side, you’ll find Barbour’s classic checks; on the other, smooth fabric in earthy olive or sand tones. Capes have a touch of the theatrical, don’t they? They’re made for grand entrances, dramatic exits, and—if you’re like me—perhaps the odd heroic dash through a drizzle. I can already envision it layered over a sleek gown or dressed down with well-fitted jeans and boots.
Belted Jacket
The final piece in this sartorial symphony is a belted jacket. It’s structured, practical, and irresistibly polished. These aren’t jackets for your dreary old gardener. These are for fashionistas who want a whiff of British heritage without smelling like a damp forest. Each design carries a leather patch proudly showcasing the Barbour-Erdem collaboration.
The History At The Louvre
Now, before anyone accuses Erdem of being a fashion romantic with his head in the clouds, let’s remember that he has a knack for contrasts. His waxed opera coats a few years back, were inspired by 1940s couture silhouettes. They were jaw-dropping collector’s pieces, heavy as lead with their 14 metres of waxed fabric. One of them featured hand embroidery by Cecily Lasnet, granddaughter of Stella Tennant. It’s scheduled to appear in an exhibition at the Louvre this year—a moment of fashion history sealed in wax.
Back then, Barbour’s Nicola Brown admitted they didn’t expect anyone to buy those lavish coats. Yet, buy them they did. Erdem knew his clientele. Barbour’s devotees are not mere trend chasers; they’re collectors, aficionados of legacy and story. One Japanese fan even bought back his own jacket from a charity auction—how’s that for brand loyalty?
This loyalty stems from Barbour’s ability to evolve without losing its essence. They’ve mastered the art of reinvention. Last year’s collaboration with Ganni sparked a frenzy among lovers of Scandi streetwear. Now, they’re wooing a different crowd—those of us who live for country-house chic with a touch of urban glamour. Rural-loving oligarchs, fashion-forward aristocrats, and weekend wanderers… pay attention. This collection isn’t merely a clothing line; it’s a ticket to a lifestyle where practicality meets panache.
One can’t help but marvel at how Barbour walks the tightrope between heritage and modernity. The Erdem pieces resonate with today’s fashion desires. We want garments that elevate and endure. Practical details like generous pockets and durable fabrics are non-negotiable. But we also crave beauty. Give me a jacket that tells a story, and I’m hooked.
Holding On To Core Design
Luxury is, after all, in the details. It’s in the rivets, the florals, the way a jacket drapes just right on your frame. Barbour understands this intimately. With Erdem at their side, they’ve created a collection that bridges generations. These aren’t jackets you’ll toss after one season. They’re heirlooms in the making.
As I wrapped up my conversation with Nicola, she shared a cheeky grin. “It’s been a wild ride,” she said, referring to the months of hard graft behind the collection. “But seeing people fall in love with these jackets makes it all worth it.”
I’m inclined to agree. Fashion isn’t just about fabric and thread. It’s about identity, reinvention, and, dare I say, a little magic. Barbour and Erdem have woven these elements together in a way that’s impossible to ignore. Whether you’re trekking across a country estate or strutting down a city street, this collection ensures you’ll do so with style.
Barbour’s new direction is clear. They’re not clinging to past glories. They’re shaping a future where elegance and functionality dance in perfect harmony. If you’re looking to invest in a piece of fashion history one that’s as practical as it is poetic you’ve found your match. Just make sure to snag one of those Re-Loved masterpieces before they’re gone.
As Nicola hinted, they’re as rare as hen’s teeth.
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