British heritage and lifestyle brand Barbour and renowned Japanese designer To Ki To have collaborated on an exciting new collection. The collection, which includes seven waxed jackets and three knitwear styles, combines To Ki To’s Japanese design principles of progressive functionality with Barbour’s design heritage and expertise in outdoor clothing. Barbour and To Ki To first worked together 15 years ago and this new collaboration celebrates that special partnership.
“When we first worked with To Ki To, he was able to bring a new perspective to our outerwear through his exceptional skills as a tailor and designer. Today, To Ki To’s approach and eye for detail is just as refreshing and we look forward to these incredibly detailed new styles.” – Ian Bergin, Director of Menswear, Barbour.
Designs from previous collaborations between Barbour and To Ki To have always been special: they have become firm favorites of collectors and enthusiasts and have been featured in TV shows and films – perhaps most notably an iconic scene in the James Bond film Skyfall. As before, the outerwear of this new collection is inspired by military, sports and workwear jackets from the Barbour archive.
The archive, held at Barbour’s headquarters in South Shields, north-east England, includes hundreds of pieces dating back to the early 1900s. Working with To Ki To, a range of styles have been handpicked and carefully reworked to create designs that have a truly authentic feel.
“I first came into contact with the brand in 2008 and have built a strong relationship over the years. It is with great pleasure that I have been asked to refresh and develop some of the archive pieces from our previous partnerships. My designs focus on function, with many pieces and bags brought to life by the Barbour team.“ – Tokihito Yoshida
Beautifully tailored and crafted from premium materials, the complex designs in this collection are packed with technical features. From two-piece sleeves to support movement, to sculptural hoods for weather protection, to durable corozo nut buttons, every detail has been carefully considered. Created with a color palette that reflects the natural world, the designs change over time – ultimately making them unique to each owner.
The Barbour X To Ki To Driving Quilted Waxed Jacket is inspired by Barbour’s military heritage – particularly the iconic Barbour Commander Waxed Jacket. The jacket has been updated in a waxed quilted fabric and carefully tailored through the use of subtle darts and methodically inserted side panels to ensure it is both practical and stylish.
The Barbour X To Ki To Outland Waxed Jacket is a brand new design created for connoisseurs. Featuring two large upper chest pockets and two expandable lower bellows pockets, the design was inspired by traditional military jackets in the Barbour archive. The idea: if you have enough pockets in a design, you don’t have to carry a bag around with you.
Inspired by one of the most interesting pieces in the Barbour archive, Captain Cotton’s custom-made Durham jacket – the Barbour X To Ki To Military Waxed Jacket pays homage to this practical and popular piece. Featuring a range of asymmetrical yet functional pockets, this style also features adjustable Velcro cuffs for weather protection, two-piece sleeves for added freedom of movement and an integrated hood so you’re ready for anything.
When To Ki To designs a jacket, he likes to think about usability, and as the name suggests, the Barbour X To Ki To Bicycle Waxed Jacket is designed for those who ride a bicycle. The design features a molded and extended back panel to provide protection from the elements when the wearer leans over their bike. The pockets are also placed on the upper chest as this is easier to access when cycling.
Barbour’s iconic quilted Liddesdale jacket was first introduced in 1994 by Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour. The Barbour X To Ki To Sporting Quilted Wax is inspired by this design. The design has been reworked using onion-stitch quilting (imagine an onion cut in half) and features heavy suede leather shoulder patches, a nod to the sporting heritage of the original design.
One of the collection’s most technical designs, the Barbour The design is completed with walking gussets that open to climb over your horse’s saddle. Plus, the design features a leather collar that hides a clever, stowable hood so you’re ready for any weather. The heaviest jacket in the collection is the Barbour X To Ki To Shoreman Waxed Jacket. The design is inspired by Barbour’s nautical heritage and takes its name from the Shoreman, an archival pull-over jacket. This updated style features a zip fastening concealed by a button placket. It also has a removable lining, making it perfect for the autumn and winter months.
The collection features three knitwear items, all carefully crafted from durable, dry Shetland wool to give a truly authentic traditional feel. This original British workwear technology with an oil finish ensures the wearer’s protection. Designs feature football-style leather buttons and hook-and-eye fastenings for a sleek look.
