The spring Barbour goods are online and there are some choice outerwear items this season. I wear an un-lined Bedale basically all winter long, so I am excited to see a lightweight spring version in the new offerings. I’ll just have to see if I can find someone in the U.K. who will proxy for me. It should also be pointed out that Barbour has updated their website and the improvements are well received. I don’t know another site that offers up such good (read: large) images of the product. Some choice styles from Barbour after the jump.
This blue jacket reminds me of a cross between a baseball coat and a military Barbour.
The updated classic International. There is a really nice comparison of the Barbour International and the Belstaff Trailmaster over at The Sporting Life.
Vests are good for the chilly weather of spring. The below version is good as it differentiates you from the Vineyard Vines-wearing-douche-bag guy that is normally drawn to vests.
A safari version of the International.
For my money it doesn’t get better than this breathable nylon Bedale.
Barbour over Belstaff any day!
I love that top jacket. The lining and ribbing are amazing.
I know you saw the To Ki/Barbour looks when you visited Japan but have you seen the new “Britprep” collaboration between them? Barbour’s new waxed linen material is really something. I am also liking the Rugby’s and the authentic bit of heraldry that is strewn through out the collection as well. Perhaps a nod to Mr. Lauren?
http://www.luxist.com/2009/03/16/the-classicist-barbour-goes-britprep/
Vineyard Vines wearing douche bag? That’s a pretty blanket statement, and one with little foundation. What about the hipster douche bags who wear Barbour? Why stop there? What about that douche bag, this douche bag.
Just because a person chooses to wear a vest, and it happens to be of a certain brand, does not make him a douche.
Your blog is great Michael, but I think you need to be careful.
Maybe I should have said “vest loving Andy Bernard type” as that is essentially the same thing. I’m sure I am considered a douche bag in certain circles, which is fine. That said, I have yet to ever see anyone wearing VV that is cool. Sorry, just my two cents.
ACL
Anyone find a good online resources that has the new spring up yet? Diggin that bomber…
Just bought a girl the waxed silk Barbour international in black and Ho Lee Fuck does it ever look hot on her – such great stuff – got it a Barbour by Peter Elliot on Madison avenue
Truly great stuff. I have a jacket addiction and was really trying not to add to my absurdly large collection this Spring, but this makes me itch.
I agree with Chris’s comment. While Vineyard Vines takes the “preppy” concept to the next level by marketing an overly-preppy look, they have products that are respectable and fun.
The concept of preppy or “Trad” comes from a nonchalant “New Englander” view that tradiational, tried-and-true clothes are the best made and most likely to be suitable in any crowd–khakis, loafers, oxford button-downs, etc. VV takes it to the next level with ridiculous styles/etc, while also marketing it to people who will never see Martha’s Vineyard and fail to grasp what the original intentions were when the company started (note: that they sell cargo pants is simply inexcusable).
While I may have VV stuff, I also vacation on the Vineyard and actually sailed in the Vineyard Cup Regatta that my vest proudly displays. And while I’m usually wearing my Bedale and beat-to-hell Weejuns the rest of the time, does not mean I cannot don a VV vest as well.
So, Michael, there’s my two cents.
i think the collaboration between tokihito yoshida and barbour is truly outstanding. i’m obsessed the driving jacket and motor riding jacket for fall ’09.
As a Barbour wearer (Country Liddesdale), I have to say I’m quite intrigued by the new direction that top jacket indicates.
Not sure the traditionalists will be that keen on such an overt ‘sports jacket’ (especially the striped cuffs) being added to the collection – but I guess the International was already a nod in that direction.
The VV comment most likely insulted more of your readers than you probably think.
I stand behind my comment on VV and will not reverse direction. Sorry if you are offended. The fact of the matter is, I’m offended when I see people wearing it. This site is all about personal style. If you have it, then you won’t be worried if some guy thinks you are a DB when you wear a certain brand. Trust me, if my feelings were as fragile as some of the people commenting I would have packed up and headed for the hills long ago.
ACL
Perhaps I had one too many champagne coolies, but I would rather be draped head to toe in Tommy Bahama than pop one VV collar.
This conversation is giving me douche chills.
Lovin the baseball jkt and the safari international. Love the Brewster Waistcoat also:
http://www.barbour.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=products.view&ProductID=17717&PCategoryID=2&RangeID=1
What do you think about the Barbour embroidery that they use on a lot of stuff? I seem to like the embroidered patches much better. Something about the direct embroid bothers me. Not sure why.
Even though they dont have the styles I want, http://www.aaronsofeastham.com seems to have pretty friendly prices.
I must agree, VV is sartorial code for First Order DBag.
When I think of Vineyard Vines I picture-
*Pink, vein-riddled ankles that I wish were covered up, poking out of a pair of Crocs.
*A belly full of Bud Light thrusting headlong towards the john, followed by a spicy belch.
*A rutty, red complexion & and nose full of gin blossoms, topped with a bad comb-over.
*A needlepoint keychain displaying the Darien, CT zip code. Nothing against Darien.
VV is complete shit. Cuts and fabrics are poor. Sponsorship of mens league lacrosse is lame.
here’s a hint, if you do like it head to Marshall’s or Filene’s Basement and catch a deal.
That first jacket (the bomber) is absolute rubbish. I fear for Barbour in the UK. It’s cashing in and will soon be less the brand it once was.
It should stop pampering to the fashionista’s and just get on with what it’s good at.
I got an Original International this year and it’s a great jacket. The top one in this post looks a little different than mine, smaller pckets and the black snaps (mine are brass). Mine also doesn’t have those zippers on the sleeves. That safari one is really sharp though. I want to get a Beaufort in the future.
Ha, the VV conversation is really funny. I must admit that I was, for a short time, pretty into VV. The novelty soon wore off and I began to care about cut and quality. Their shorts/pants are possibly the worst cut I have ever owned. Michael, you should see the people that work in the VV store down here. I went in right after it opened out of curiosity and the staff was wearing about 10 different colors each and several had on multiple polo shirts WITH the collars popped. Throw in some nike tennis shoes with khakis and you have some of the worst-dressed people I have seen. As for the Barbours, I like that first jacket and the baseball jacket trend in general intrigues me.
But does VV even begin to touch the awesomeness that is Ed Hardy/Affliction? This is the true question my friends…
I like it when feathers get ruffled. Makes it all seem somewhat worthwhile.
the real douche-bag i would have to say is anyone who would wear any of the above nasty looking Barbour offerings. they need to stop watching/mimicking what the Italians have done to ruin Belstaff and stick to their roots.
Since when does Barbour feel the need to stitch it’s brand name prominently on the front of everything? What ever happened to the days of knowing a Barbour by plain sight?
I think all this stuff (except maybe the veat) will look real dated real quick. But a Bedale or Moorland from 30 years ago only looks better today.
Stick with the real thing.
I agree with Gaffney, that International is not a “classic” International that I know. It has epaulets and a sleeve pocket as well as the wrong color buttons. It is nice, however. Looks like a mix of the International and the Cowan Commando.
I also like that ACL throws “douchebag” around a little bit. I would like to see more posts dedicated to making fun of guys that wear fashiony vests skinny ties and popped pink polos. Rockers vs. Mods!!
I must say, ACL, I had you pegged all wrong.
See, I assumed this was a blog with taste. Think: A Suitable Wardrobe, Ivy-Style, Off the Cuff, etc…
Personal style is personal style. I won’t argue with that. However, to publically deride the styles of others in such a white-trash and provincial way is quite another thing. To use the word “douche bag” (it actually has a meaning, fellas, look it up), is quite disgusting. Using the labels “poor taste in style,” “out of touch,” “fake,” and an array of other useful adjectives display far more taste than “DB,” wouldn’t you think?
Nevertheless, it appears this blog is put together by a collection of back-country, foul-mouthed ignoramouses that lack the proper up-bringing as to how to properly act in public.
There’s fashion taste, then there’s taste. I think the latter finds itself in rare company in this forum.
Zach,
Appreciate your thoughts. I actually use the phrase douchebag in real life too, shocking I know. I guess that makes me “white-trash” and or “back country,”as you say. Suppose that also makes sense since considering I drink Miller High Life. Either way, you really took the high road on that one. (That’s sarcasm if you didn’t pick it up.) Now quick, get going before I damage your delicate sensibilities again.
ACL
P.S. This isn’t a forum
Passion for fashion, love it.
OMG, I love all these douchebag comments! I raise a High Life in your direction, my friend, and to your ever tasteful douchbaggery.
Bummed!
I want some things to stay classic. I commented once before on Barbour and their foray into fashion. I didn’t want Barbour to become a “fashion” label, but of course I know I’m an idiot. Now I can’t wait for Holland & Holland to do a Members Only jacket.
Michael-
How are you? I’m a HUGE fan. I read your blog every day and I actually get upset when there’s not a new post some days! I think you are extremely stylish and very knowledgable about a lot of great stuff that’s out there today. Now to my point…
I’ve never written to you before but your Vineyard Vines comment made me feel as though I needed to. For the past 5 years I was designing the men’s clothing line at VV (I recently took a new job). My style is similar to yours so I struggled with alot of what we made, but it was my first job and I learned alot while I was there (both good and bad). I have to tell you – I got a lot of looks over those five years that I worked in CT from people who thought I looked like a douche – but that’s fashion. I’m not condoning head to toe VV – or any other brand for that matter – but if that’s what someone likes then who are we to make fun. To defend them a bit – I think there are plenty of basics in great colors that can be mixed with other garments to make a stylish outfit. I think the most ironic (I hope I’m using that word correctly) thing about your post is that most guys that wear VV have one or two Barbour coats in their closets as well. I think I was just surprised to hear you speak so negatively about a brand. I think I hold you to a higher standard. If we all dressed the same what would be the point? It’s your blog and you can do whatever you want – but why not just be positive about Barbour? All of those jackets are pretty cool right? Everyone has their own style and that’s what I love about fashion – it’s what made me a designer.
Anyway, I hope this makes some sense. I’m not mad or upset, nor will I stop reading ACL so keep up the (for the most part – ha) good work!
I’d love to grab a coffee sometime if you’re up for it!
BW
MW – Even though you don’t want this to be a forum, I have to weigh in on the VV debate here as well.
Much like most folks out there, Shep and Ian (the founders) didn’t stick out a job they hated, but bit the bullet, closed up shop and followed their passion to build a nation-wide catalog company and retail presence in their target markets, all while giving back to theses communities along the way. And to think it all started with one of the least worn items in most men’s closets, the neck tie, to boot.
In today’s economic environment, it’s this entrepreneurial spirit and hard work that is going to get us out of this mess. So whether or not the product is liked or not, I can’t think of anything more cool.
fuck vineyard vines
Look there is no reason to hate VV, and I don’t want anyone to feel as if I hate them. Just two points and then we will wrap this up and move on. 1. There is a time and a place for everything. I wear all sorts of different brands it depends on how you mix, your “swagger” as Mr. Puff Daddy would say. So you can certainly incorporate VV into that if you can find a piece without a logo. 2. I was more trying to identify a certain type of guy, the one that is often seen in VV— like I said earlier the Andy Bernard type. He isn’t a bad guy, just misguided.
To summarize, using the words douche bag is questionable in certain circles and VV has people on both sides, fans and enemies.
ACL
My GF made me buy a VV bathing suit my first article of clothing from the company this past weekend. In my defense I protested vigorously, but eventually lost to the promise of dinner and some extracurricular activities….!
Anyone who quotes puff daddy is a total douchebag! :) j/k LOL
Hey easy there, chappie. There’s nothing wrong with vineyard vines.
I don’t even know what Vinyard Vines is, but I love miller highlife, and I love most of those Barbour jackets! Also my gf says douching is horrible for the benificial bacteria in a womans vagina
Michael.
I cannot for the life of me find the actual existence of the second jacket from the top, the tan lightweight with one breast pocket and drawstring. This photo occurs on a handful of blogs, but I cannot find the jacket specific for sale. Help me, man: I feel like David Hemmings in “Blow Up” when he sees the wooden propeller and says, “How much? I must have it. Now, I cannot wait.” Humbly, S.
Disregard that question Michael: I was looking too hard to see what was right before me. Keep up the good work, etc. S.