Christopher Raeburn is kicking off a two-season collaboration with Barbour, inspired by the brand’s strong military heritage. The two have paired up for a womenswear collection, for which there will be both a spring and fall range available at British department store, Fenwick.
“It’s wearable and straightforward, and I wanted to mix the Barbour classics with new things – shirt dresses, accessories, and a mix of spot and check to create — hopefully — something very different,” Raeburn told WWD. Indeed, it looks as if he can declare that mission accomplished.
There are several functional (but stylish!) outerwear options, apropos considering the range’s military influences. Raeburn referred to the brand’s famous Ursula jacket, a staple for British submarine officers during World War II. Trenches and bomber jackets boast large pockets and belts, rendered in moody hunter green and navy plaid, sometimes combined with a large polka dot pattern. If roomy pockets aren’t enough for your effects, Raeburn also put forth a backpack. Pleated skirts, shirt dresses, chunky knits and blouses round out the offering.
For spring, Raeburn still worked with the plaid/polka dot aesthetic, this time in brighter blues and even pastels as seen in a light pink windbreaker. Culottes and to-the-knee shorts also have their moment in this offering.
“Working with Barbour and particularly on womenswear has been a real honour,” Raeburn told Vogue UK. “It’s a brand with so much heritage that appealed to me due to its inherent function, but I’m proud of the fun, feminine collection that we’ve been able to achieve through the collaboration.”
