By Charlene Bent
Want to hear the greatest British fashion story to ever be told? Sit back, relax and sip on a cup of English breakfast tea, indulge in fresh scones with jam and clotted cream whilst you picture the great British countryside; fields and mountains, fresh air from the country breeze and the ultimate wardrobe to look the part.
When it comes to British heritage, Barbour is at the forefront of tradition and quintessential style. Its story began in 1894 in South Shields and for 125 years and five generations, it has showcased incredible craftsmanship featuring grit and glamour with functional clothing.
One of the biggest challenges that fashion businesses often face is maintaining a strong position in such a fast-paced world, which is led by digital platforms. However, for Barbour it has stayed relevant by simply staying true to the brand’s roots. It has grown from a small business founded by John Barbour in Market Place, South Shields to a global lifestyle brand still owned by the Barbour family, with headquarters in Simonside and South Shields.
Barbour is proudly a heritage range that passes the torch to every generation by combining an authentic style with a modern approach. In 1908, Malcom Barbour produced the first mail order catalogue, securing the brand as a pioneer in the fashion business. In 1934, Duncan Barbour introduced a motorcyclist range worn by virtually every British international team from 1936 to 1977. In 1974, Barbour received the first royal warrant from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and fast forward to 1988 when the Barbour Trust was set up to support local and national projects and community issues – making the brand an inclusive collaboration.
With more milestones and accolades being attributed to the brand’s incredible journey and still being awarded to date, Barbour is the statement British collection that celebs love to wear including the Arctic Monkeys, Lily Allen, Alexa Chung, Holly Willoughby and many more.
Famous for its waxed cotton, the birth of countrywear and the quilted jacket, it has developed an exclusive collection of limited-edition, iconic jackets that have featured large in the history of Barbour to mark this 125th anniversary. The reengineered collection is available in store, along with a selection of updated archive pieces. Celebs have been saluting the brand and chairman, Dame Margaret Barbour DBE DL, in a campaign to share the story #Barbour125years and recreated an image from the brand’s archive featuring presenter JB Gill, DJ and presenter Edith Bowman, actor and film producer Chad McQueen, broadcaster and adventurer Ben Fogle and more.
Rushden Lakes is also joining in on the celebrations at the Barbour store and is running a giveaway on social media. So, whether you have a Barbour wax jacket that has been in your family for years, a much-loved dog jacket or simply a special memory connected to wearing your Barbour clothing, share your story @Rushdenlakessc #Barbour125years
The collection is second to none and Barbour remains at the top of its game catering for men, women, children and now even dogs! True to its core values as a family business, it’s a proud British story that just keeps on giving. Barbour we love you!