London Fashion Week Men’s: Barbour AW17

When a brand becomes entrenched in fashion history it can be difficult to look forward, but that’s what Barbour International did for its AW17 collection.

South Shields brand Barbour began life as a waterproof outerwear specialist in 1894. Fast forward a century and the Barbour name is renowned for iconic wax jackets and country-inspired attire. The rugged younger sibling of the Barbour brand we all know and love, Barbour International was born in 1936. Representing the world of motorcycling and kitting out almost every British team until 1977, the Barbour International collections soon became known for embracing this heritage - creating stylish, authentic biker-inspired menswear.

The undeniable influence of the motorcycle and its impact on British fashion reigned supreme at Barbour International’s Autumn Winter 17 Presentation. Set against a tread-marked backdrop, with dirt and gravel underfoot, the British brand looked back, as it always does, to its biker heritage whilst keeping a keen eye facing forward, presenting a more urban take on the wax jacket - a take that is sure to become popular amongst the street style crowd.

The classic Barbour style has been toughened up; hoods, belts, and carefully placed buckles give off a distinctly bad-boy edge. There’s no doubt that this collection has a gritty, industrial side, taking Barbour from the quiet country roads and placing it firmly on those mean city streets. Two shiny Triumph motorcycles set the collection off, celebrating Barbour International’s history and the individuals that made motorcycle clothing cool.

Wax, baffle, quilt, and parka designs introduced a new era of Barbour tailoring. The bomber has been reworked for AW17; formulated in traditional Barbour fashion from heavy wax, and styled in a quintessentially British mod look. Paired with knitwear, polos, branded black and yellow fringed scarves, and ribbed beanies, the brand looked distinctly fresh - not an easy feat when you’re over seventy years old.