Let’s take a moment to laugh at my serious farmer face. I decided to hop in front of the camera for a change as I needed new photographs for a design I’m working on, promise it has nothing to do with my narcissistic ways. Big thank you to Katy of Aphrodite for sending us this lovely Barbour jacket to shoot. I should have written up this post last night but my brain was dead from working a 9 to 9, never work from home. It’s hard to concentrate with all the distractions haha. Plus the campaign I’m working on is coming out REAL SOON. Digressed a bit into my life for a second, Barbour have collaborated with Japanese designer Tokito Yoshida who has reworked the brand’s famous quilted jackets to give it his own touch with a focus on durability and ergonomics. More on the reverse.
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Brand History
The first product is dated back to 1908 and reads ‘John Barbour & Sons - Oilskin Clothing‘, Factors & Warehousemen’ but it wasn’t a good 70 years later that the Barbour jacket came to be known internationally and the family company finally attained iconic status. This was the result of a photograph in the 80′s catalogue – it pictured a good looking young couple walking down the countryside in English country gear consisting of wellington boots, flat caps and of course Barbour jackets. It was from this point, Barbour shifted it’s focus away from industrial clothing to ‘countrywear‘. They focused more on functionality which you can still see in their products today, here are a few trademarks – deep pockets, corduroy collar, brass ring-pull for zip fastening and the tartan graphic identity of the brand. It’s nice to see a genuine heritage brand, I know it’s the latest fad to class your brand as ‘heritage’ when you’ve only been making clothes for a year? SIGH. Barbour was and still is a family company.
The Jacket
I’ll be honest, I’ve steered clear of the quilted jacket for the past year. Not usually my cup of tea, it’s too common for my liking but this jacket is different. It’s a premium build and of course a limited edition collaboration with Tokihito. I fell in love with the jacket the moment I put it on, ridiculously comfortable and the b with all the pockets made it perfect for people like me who carry 2 phones, wallet, card holder, tissues and mints. Yes, I really do carry all that on a daily basis. Yoshida has reworked the classic quilted jacket with a modern approach to things. The jacket is ideal for the upcoming Autumn/Winter season – so well insulated. On top of all the functionality, the design is on point and it’s pretty easy to style with neutral colours. I do quite like the farmer look with the flatcap, think I pulled it off well? yes/no?
Specs below:
- Lightly Waxed Polymide Outer
- High Stance Corduroy Lined Collar
- Single Inside Pocket and Two Large Front Bellow Pockets
- Cord Elbow and Shoulder Patches
- Fully Barbour Tartan Lined
- Button Up Storm Flap and Placket with Over-Sized, Branded Buttons
My favourite part of the jacket has to be the lightly waxed coating, it’s a nice finishing touch to an already impressive jacket. The price might be a little off putting for some at £300 but it’s a limited edition piece and it’s Barbour. This jacket will stay in fine shape for generations just like a Burberry trench, it’s one of those investments. Do it. Link to buy below.
Buy the jacket for £300 on Aphrodite here
The Shoot & Location
We drove 5 miles out of London to the countryside for this shoot. Sike. Jumped on the DLR at Canning Town to one of London‘s hidden gems, Thames Barrier Park next to Pontoon Dock. We discovered this place a few months back when we shot the Chivalrous Culture sneakers – see how different it looks to this shoot? I wanted to achieve the whole countryside/farmer vibe and think we’ve managed it to a certain extent with the post processing. If you want to chill out on a weekend at a park, don’t go to Hyde/Regent’s Park, they’re the bait ones that are most likely to be swarming with humans. Head over to here, far more quiet! You’ll be surprised how nice it is compared to the rest of East London.
Happy Yin. Sad Yin.
Overall
Like I mentioned earlier, it’s an investment piece at £300 but I still recommend it. The jacket is durable – perfect mix of design and functionality so you stay stylish and warm. Going to leave you guys with a few more photographs from the shoot.
Barbour – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tokhito | Buy
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