Tyneside fashion firm Barbour has teamed up with TV presenter and model Alexa Chung to launch a new clothing collection.
The South Shields firm, which can trace its history back to 1894, may have started out making waxed jackets for fishermen but its quilted coats and jackets are now worn by everyone from farmers and footballers to rock stars and royalty.
And in more recent years Barbour has worked with famous names including ceramics designer Emma Bridgewater, House of Hackney, William Morris and film director Sir Ridley Scott, as it looks to widen the appeal of its clothing beyond its traditional base in rural communities.
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Now the firm – which has seen its star rise with young people after its jackets were worn by pop star Dua Lipa, Arctic Monkeys, Lily Allen,and Rufus Wainwright – has teamed up with TV star Alexa Chung for a second time, launching a new capsule collection and a campaign starring the presenter herself.
Ms Chung, collaborated closely with the in-house design tea but was creative director and designer for the clothing collection, which draws inspiration from nostalgic camping days as well as Ms Chung’s festival styling.
The collection includes outerwear, clothing and wellington boots, with showerproof jackets with tartan liners, bomber jackets with cord collars and knitwear made by Harleys of Scotland. It also includes rubber footwear, including a slip-on clog and a wedged wellington boot.
She said: “I’m in love with the second collection I have designed for Barbour. I think the codes and language we have built together are now well established in that we create playful takes on Barbour’s heritage. My particular favourites in the collection are the bright yellow jacket and fire engine red raincoat. I really focused on colour and fun and I think that idea carried through to our camping trip themed shoot, with the legendary Tim Walker. This collection brings me so much joy and I hope you like it as much as I do.”
Paul Wilkinson, group commercial director at Barbour, said: “Alexa’s long-standing relationship with Barbour makes for an exciting and authentic collaboration every time. Whether it’s Alexa wearing us throughout her childhood or of course, her iconic Glastonbury style Barbour has always been a trusted companion. This new collection is a marriage of all of that personal experience, rooted in Barbour’s classic heritage, with Alexa’s unique and eclectic timeless lens. We’re excited to be sharing this with our customers around the world.”