Seeing photos of the Barena collection doesn’t really do it any justice. It’s best enjoyed in person. At Pitti I consistently walk away from the Barena booth saying to myself: “Barena is my favorite thing at the show”. That is not hyperbole, I really mean it. Barena encapsulates the Italian art of looking smartly dressed and remaining utterly casual. It’s something that is often overlooked or under appreciated on these American shores. It really is a good concept though; look as dressed up as possible and feel as dressed down as possible. Who could not like that?
Founded in 1961 and based near Venice, Barena has a long history of making great clothing. It is only recently, under the creative direction of Francesca Zara, that the collection truly come into its own. To me Barena draws a parallel to one of my other favorite Italian brands: Slowear. Both should be talked about more, both should be sold in more stores and both should be on the backs of more men. With both now available in New York at Barney’s, at least they are obtainable to a degree. It’s a start.
Much like its ability to be properly dressed and at the same time comfortably casual, Barena balances the art of being humble and outstanding. Very few can lay claim to those traits, and even less can do it while looking as good as Barena does.
Barena is like a good vintage…aging nicely. Thanks for the preview Michael. As I’m rehabilitating and taking a year off from garment consumption, this collection will surely
be one of the first I throw money at.
a clean sweep.
yeah looks good, i like the dress up to to feel dressed down, bit confusing but i get the point
Looks excellent. Must cost a fortune though!!!!!!
A+! Lovin’ that down-to-earth fashion. Takes a lot of the attention off the clothes and puts it back onto the person.
Follow On US FB http://www.facebook.com/pages/Barena-Laboratorio-Official/170586553024348
eh.
The clothes are great, yes, but where can I get a broom like THAT! I use my garage as a “part-time” woodshop, where I make dove-tailed jewelry boxes and I need a good broom for the dust I make. Sorry my question has nothing to do with the clothes…it’s just that the broom really sticks out. I dig the “espadrille-type” shoes.
Barena is one of the brands I’ve had my eye on for quite some time, I even did a post about it. http://ramalhoni.com/barena/
I love the colors and the photo shoots they do. Yesterday I was at a store in Lisbon Portugal that is a reseller and for my astonishment they told me that the Portuguese weren’t buying it.
I really can’t understand why!? Well more for me….
As for the price, it is very reasonable for the amount of work it takes to produce their pieces and the quality fabrics they use…
I’m with C.L. Young – where can I grab a few of those brooms?! The jackets are amazing, though. Looks worn-in and comfortable…
I’m on my third Barena piece and I wouldn’t mind more. It’s a wonderful brand that fits nicely into a variety of styles. I believe a lot of the collection is handmade and not outrageously expensive. Good stuff.
C.L. Young & Au Courant Daily, While I’ve only walked past their storefront, I would imagine that the Granville Island Broom Company would be able to hook you up.
http://www.broomcompany.com/
Rather like the Japanese label 45RPM, more attire for affluent “hippies”.
What brand of Espadrille is the male model wearing?