Paul Smith and Barbour Bring Some Seaside Whimsy to Their Second Collaboration

"Barbour has been on a bit of a collab run to undo a bit of the stuffiness. Its most fruitful partnership, which just released its second iteration, is with British fashion's greatest eccentrics, Sir Paul Smith and his eponymous brand. The collection, called "Paul Smith loves Barbour," takes inspiration from the seaside origins of Barbour, the South Shields roots."

"What makes this collection so fun is what Paul Smith has always been good at: color. Instead of the neutral drabs that I love so much, it's inspired by seaside shades. The cap and Bedale are done up in a royal blue that reminds me of the technicolor façades of dreary seaside towns. There's a market tote inspired by trout fishing bags, a Liam Gallagher-esque parka, and throughout it all, there's plenty of Paul Smith's signature striped pattern."

Barbour, a heritage British brand known for its countryside aesthetic and Royal Warrants, has traditionally required aristocratic activities like hunting and sailing to achieve its signature worn-in look. The brand has recently undertaken collaborations to reduce its stuffiness, with the most successful partnership being with Paul Smith. The second iteration of "Paul Smith loves Barbour" draws inspiration from Barbour's South Shields seaside origins, featuring deck parkas, sailor knits, and fishing shirts. Paul Smith's signature contribution is vibrant color, replacing Barbour's typical neutral tones with seaside-inspired hues like royal blue and striped patterns, creating a collection that balances coastal charm with playful design.

Read at Esquire