British heritage brand Barbour and the renowned Japanese designer Tokihito Yoshida, aka To Ki To, have launched a new collaboration collection of outerwear and knitwear – reigniting a partnership first conceived 15 years ago.
The meticulously detailed range has been “created for true aficionados” and includes seven waxed jackets and three pieces of knitwear, bringing together To Ki To’s Japanese design principles of progressive functionality with Barbour’s design heritage and expertise in outdoor clothing.
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- Bicycle Wax Jacket
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- Sporting Quilted Wax
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- Paxman Zip Through Knitted Jumper
Ian Bergin, Director of Menswear at Barbour, said: “The first time that we worked with To Ki To, he was able to bring a new perspective to our outerwear through his exceptional skill as a tailor and designer.
“Today, To Ki To’s approach and eye for detail is just as refreshing, and we are excited for the wearer to discover these incredibly detailed new pieces.”
Designs from previous Barbour X To Ki To collaborations have been particularly memorable, from becoming firm favourites of collectors and enthusiasts, to featuring in television shows and films. Most notably with Daniel Craig as James Bond wearing the Barbour Beacon Heritage x To Ki To Sports Jacket in ‘Skyfall’ in 2012.
Like before, the outerwear in this new collection draws inspiration from military, sports and work wear jackets in the Barbour archive.
The archive, which is held at Barbour’s HQ in South Shields, North East England, includes hundreds of pieces that date back to the early 1900s. Working with To Ki To, a number of styles have been hand-picked and re-worked to create designs that have an truly authentic feel.
Tokihito Yoshida said: “I first met the brand in 2008 and have developed a strong relationship over the years. It is with great pleasure that I have been asked to refresh and develop some of the archive pieces from our previous partnerships.
“My designs focus on function, with many parts and pockets which the Barbour team has brought to life.”
Tailored and crafted using premium fabrications, the complex designs in the collection are packed with technical features. From two-piece sleeves to aid movement, to sculptural hoods for weather protection and hard wearing corozo nut buttons – every detail has been meticulously thought through.
The Barbour X To Ki To ‘Outland Waxed Jacket’ is a brand new design that has been “created for connoisseurs”. Featuring two large upper chest pockets and two expanding lower bellows pockets, the design was inspired by traditional military jackets in the Barbour archive – the concept being that, when you have enough pockets on a design, it’s not necessary to carry a bag with you.
Military Waxed Jacket
Inspired by one of the most interesting items in the Barbour archive, Captain Cotton’s customised ‘Durham’ jacket, the Barbour X To Ki To ‘Military Waxed Jacket’ pays homage to the practical and well-loved piece. Fitted with an array of asymmetric yet purposeful pockets, the style also features adjustable Velcro cuffs for weather protection, two-piece sleeves for extra movement, and an integrated hood to ensure the wearer is “ready for anything”.
Horse Riding Wax Jacket
One of the most technical designs in the collection, the Barbour X To Ki To ‘Horse Riding Wax Jacket’ features an adjustable waist and an inverted elasticated box pleat at the back to allow the jacket to expand and contract. Completed with kick pleats which open up to sit over the saddle of the wearer’s horse, the design also includes a leather collar which conceals a pack away hood.
The heaviest jacket in the collection is the Barbour X To Ki To ‘Shoreman Waxed Jacket’. The design is inspired by Barbour’s nautical past and gets its name from the ‘Shoreman’, a pull over jacket from the archive. The new updated style features a zip up fastening that is concealed by a button up panel. Additionally, it has a removable liner – making it suitable for both the autumn and winter months.
Midden Knitted Jumper
The three pieces of knitwear in the range have been carefully crafted from hardwearing dry-handle Shetland wool “for a truly authentic heritage feel”. They are completed with an oil finish – an original British work wear technique that ensures the wearer’s protection from the elements. The designs include leather football buttons and hook and eye fastenings.
The full collection is now available in Barbour stores, on the brand’s website and through selected retail partners. Retail prices start at £290 for the Barbour X To Ki To ‘Midden Knitted Jumper’ and go up to £1,580 for the ‘Military Wax Jacket’.
