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Celebrating its 130th anniversary, Barbour, the renowned British lifestyle brand, takes a deep dive into its historical archives to reimagine some of its most iconic fabrics, silhouettes, and garment compositions through the introduction of the Heritage+ collection. To mark this release, Hypebeast caught up with Ian Bergin, the director of menswear, to discuss the new range and the brand’s future evolution.
Established in 1894 in the North East, Barbour’s outerwear pieces quickly became synonymous with outdoor activities, renowned for their durability, functionality, and affordability. The brand gained widespread acclaim for its wax jackets, and in 2021, it celebrated a century of its re-waxing service, promoting a sustainable circular process to keep jackets fresh for an extended period.
Growing up in Manchester, Bergin naturally developed a strong connection to style. With a fashion career that began at Paul Smith, he ventured into building and consulting for brands as the new millennium unfolded. “I started to travel to Asia, especially Japan, and my experience and love for design, products, craftsmanship, and factories flourished,” he explains, describing how his passion for the industry took root.
“We are not a fashion brand; we are a brand that’s in fashion.”A fixture in British fashion, Bergin joined the Barbour team 13 years ago, drawn by its enduring history, innovative garment-making processes, and his personal connection with the label. Reflecting on various pieces he’s owned over the years, he notes, “It’s the way wax molds to your frame, the way the oil dries out in the fabric gives it its patina. Then it’s about all the places and people you have met and the experiences you have had in your jacket. It becomes a trusted piece in your wardrobe.”
“We are not a fashion brand; we are a brand that’s in fashion,” he emphasizes regarding the brand’s industry presence. “We have a design language, married to usefulness and a pragmatic approach to how a garment should function. That’s at the heart of our brand.” Barbour’s unwavering self-belief and adherence to its position, coupled with a century-old proven track record, make it truly distinctive in the fashion landscape.
Whether embraced by countryside hikers or city dwellers, Barbour’s versatile pieces seamlessly blend into their surroundings, holding different meanings for various individuals and uses. This adaptability is exemplified through its diverse range of collaborators, from C.P. Company and Palace to Baracuta and GANNI, showcasing how its blank canvas integrates effortlessly into contemporary fashion. “Collaborations are a great way to learn,” he says. “[It] shines a different light on our brand or views it through another lens — it’s the juxtaposition that is intriguing.”
Barbour Showcases 130 Years of Heritage in Its Latest Collection
Celebrating its 130th anniversary, Barbour, the renowned British lifestyle brand, takes a deep dive into its historical archives to reimagine some of its most iconic fabrics, silhouettes, and garment compositions through the introduction of the Heritage+ collection. To mark this release, Hypebeast caught up with Ian Bergin, the director of menswear, to discuss the new range and the brand’s future evolution.
Established in 1894 in the North East, Barbour’s outerwear pieces quickly became synonymous with outdoor activities, renowned for their durability, functionality, and affordability. The brand gained widespread acclaim for its wax jackets, and in 2021, it celebrated a century of its re-waxing service, promoting a sustainable circular process to keep jackets fresh for an extended period.
Growing up in Manchester, Bergin naturally developed a strong connection to style. With a fashion career that began at Paul Smith, he ventured into building and consulting for brands as the new millennium unfolded. “I started to travel to Asia, especially Japan, and my experience and love for design, products, craftsmanship, and factories flourished,” he explains, describing how his passion for the industry took root.
“We are not a fashion brand; we are a brand that’s in fashion.”A fixture in British fashion, Bergin joined the Barbour team 13 years ago, drawn by its enduring history, innovative garment-making processes, and his personal connection with the label. Reflecting on various pieces he’s owned over the years, he notes, “It’s the way wax molds to your frame, the way the oil dries out in the fabric gives it its patina. Then it’s about all the places and people you have met and the experiences you have had in your jacket. It becomes a trusted piece in your wardrobe.”
“We are not a fashion brand; we are a brand that’s in fashion,” he emphasizes regarding the brand’s industry presence. “We have a design language, married to usefulness and a pragmatic approach to how a garment should function. That’s at the heart of our brand.” Barbour’s unwavering self-belief and adherence to its position, coupled with a century-old proven track record, make it truly distinctive in the fashion landscape.
Whether embraced by countryside hikers or city dwellers, Barbour’s versatile pieces seamlessly blend into their surroundings, holding different meanings for various individuals and uses. This adaptability is exemplified through its diverse range of collaborators, from C.P. Company and Palace to Baracuta and GANNI, showcasing how its blank canvas integrates effortlessly into contemporary fashion. “Collaborations are a great way to learn,” he says. “[It] shines a different light on our brand or views it through another lens — it’s the juxtaposition that is intriguing.”
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