London Collections Men: Barbour AW16

For Autumn/Winter ’16, Barbour stayed true to – and celebrated – its North East roots. Starting life as a company that manufactured oilskins for lighthouse keepers and fishermen in its founding area of South Shields, Barbour is a brand that is synonymous with the great British outdoors; a brand that marries style with function like no other really can.

This season’s collection – shown at London Collections Men after a bit of a hiatus – was presented to us at the capital’s Swiss Church; a grand, light building that served as the perfect backdrop to a collection that was simple, practical and wearable, whilst being totally contemporary and full of subtle - yet stylish - details.

Layering played a big part in the looks in this presentation. Barbour’s famed waxed jackets in its signature olive green came worn over lightweight jackets, which in turn topped chunky knits, open heavy-duty shirts and tartan shirts tied at the waist. Tan, navy and black chinos were gathered into thick rib-knit socks and suede desert or leather Chelsea boots, while beanies and fishing hats topped the models’ heads.

Colours were neutral, ranging from light tan and brown shades, to rich greens, black, navy and grey – with flashes of burgundy and deep red seen in cable knit jumpers and coat linings. Outfits were tonal – emulating that neutral and easy-to-wear style – while the aforementioned layered details created that effortless, stylish, I-know-what-I’m-doing look.

Barbour’s AW16 collection was not one that strayed from the brand’s norm, but we love Barbour just as it is and wouldn’t change it for the world. Fit for a winter on the shores of South Shields and Tynemouth, and the streets of London and Manchester, this is one collection that men should be adopting come autumn.