Paul Smith Loves Barbour: a Thoroughly British Collaboration

We love it when a plan comes together, and the collaboration between British fashion designer Paul Smith and time-honoured UK heritage brand Barbour feels like the match we never knew we needed. 

I’ve long been a fan of Paul Smith’s quintessentially British eccentricity, bringing his playful mod-inspired approach to men’s tailoring over the past few decades. His approach to fashion has always been one imbued with a slightly rebellious, knowing wink - you’re never far from a multicoloured zebra, a hidden skull or a series of artful rainbow stripes, but never at the cost of quality, sharpness and distinction. Likewise, Barbour is the high-class workhorse of British outdoorswear; a shorthand for a particular essence of sophistication, and one that’s driven by an insistence on the utmost quality. 

The two brands share a powerful ethos - that style and substance need not be polar opposites - and the combined brand collection, which covers 23 decidedly different and distinctive pieces, showcases a commitment to quality and understated yet eye-catching design. Needless to say, we’re big fans. 

Countryphile

The ‘Paul Smith Loves Barbour’ collection consists of Smith himself applying his iconic approach to Barbour’s timeless line of jackets, coats, T-shirts, knitwear and accessories. The inspiration? Nothing less British than the country show, the natural home of Barbour and ripe ground for Paul Smith to bring a dose of urbane subversion. 

It’s a playful approach to rural classics; the collection includes new shades of waxed cotton for hardy and durable outerwear, patchwork creations and a recurring motif of the beloved Friesian cow - a stand-in for Smith’s famous zebra. It’s a witty assemblage, packed with hidden flourishes and no shortage of charm, and one which genuinely feels like an authentic collaboration between brings. Both Barbour’s and Paul Smith’s spirits are present and correct throughout each and every garment and accessory, and it’s hard not to be excited by Barbour taking yet another step (very much in line with their recent perfume launches, which have helped reinvigorate the brand’s contemporary luxe credentials) towards a reinvigorated relevance for a new generation of customers. 

Highlights of the Paul Smith Loves Barbour collection include the unmistakable Barbour Bedale jacket - it’s one of Barbour’s most recognisable products, and yet it looks utterly refreshed with the addition of Paul Smith’s patchwork stripes and block colours. The shorter Transport Jacket and long Border Coat have been given similar treatments, and a liner vest composed of Paul Smith shirt patterns provides a sense of elegant bohemia that’s sure to excite a new crop of Barbour customers seeking something a little different. 

Barnstorming

Everyone loves a chunky knitwear piece - especially if a typical day involves heading out into the bracing English winter air - and the collection’s speckled yarns work brilliantly in creating knitwear that balances aesthetics and practicality. The same can be said for the rain boots and bucket hats (yes, bucket hats are back, for better or worse); both staples of the country show and anyone who exercises their oh-so-British right to roam in style. The perfect finishing touch? The collection comes complete with Barbour’s famous enamel pin badges, which Paul Smith was given carte blanche to recreate as he saw fit. The results included winning rosettes, a jade-green parrot and the ubiquitous Friesian cow, perfect for fixing to a jacket collar or hat for ‘best in show’ allure. 

See the full collection here.