An Evergreen Icon: The Barbour Beaufort Jackets 40th Anniversary!
At Outdoor and Country, we believe in celebrating the enduring style of classic wax jackets. In a world filled with fast fashion trends, there’s something truly special about garments that stand the test of time. The Evergreen Icons are a celebration of the enduring style of classic wax jackets. The Barbour Beaufort, Bedale, Border, Ashby, and Beadnell jackets from Barbour embody this spirit perfectly. These purposeful, practical, and timeless styles have been wardrobe staples for generations of outdoor enthusiasts and fashion-conscious individuals alike.
The Barbour Beaufort Wax Jacket: A Timeless Icon
At the heart of the Evergreen Icons collection lies the Beaufort wax jacket. This season, we celebrate its remarkable 40-year journey. Designed by Dame Margaret Barbour and first introduced into the range in 1983, this iconic wax jacket has become synonymous with the Barbour brand.
“Back in 1983, the Beaufort was a new style of jacket that had not really been seen before. I designed it as a multi-purpose jacket that was immensely practical and functional. It was very successful straight away. I also designed it in navy, and it became very popular on the high street. It was what people were looking for.” DAME MARGARET BARBOUR DBE., DL. CHAIRMAN
The Beaufort is not just a jacket; it’s a piece of fashion history. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless design, combining form and function seamlessly. Whether you’re strolling through the countryside or navigating the streets of the city, the Beaufort fits right in. It’s quintessentially Barbour and a true embodiment of their dedication to crafting practical yet stylish outerwear.
A Special Limited-Edition Barbour Beaufort Jacket
To mark the 40th anniversary of the Beaufort, Barbour has introduced a very special limited-edition Barbour Beaufort Jacket for Autumn Winter ’23. This jacket pays tribute to the enduring legacy of the Beaufort and commemorates this significant milestone with its design.
In 1983, Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour originally designed the Barbour Beaufort Wax Jacket as a sporting jacket. She drew inspiration from her visits to France, where sporting jackets boasted more features and a distinct style compared to those in the UK at that time. The choice of the name “Beaufort” was made to emphasise the continental character of the piece.
As you’d expect, the limited-edition Beaufort jacket embodies all the hallmarks of Barbour’s craftsmanship. This includes a rear full width game pocket, raglan sleeves, two cosy handwarmer pockets and two voluminous bellow pockets, complete with drainage eyelets. It features the same classic design with a storm throat flap, studded corduroy collar and a durable waxed cotton outer that have made the Barbour Beaufort Coat a timeless icon. However, this edition comes with unique touches that make it a collector’s item. These include a anniversary stud to top of collar and inner patch plus, a Beaufort badge unique to the jacket. The Limited Edition Beaufort Jacket is also available in Navy, Olive and Sage colourways.
THE FACES OF THE EVERGREEN ICONS
“When I think of Barbour, I think of Britishness, practicality, and style.” FEI ‘MR SLOWBOY’ WANG – A fashion illustrator and artist behind the sartorial fictional character Mr Slowboy. Based in London, the Beijing-born artist creates signature menswear portraits which are instantly recognisable.
“Fashion is fun and people wear clothes to show who they are. You can still love fashion in a responsible way, by buying clothes made to last.” ZINNIA KUMAR – An Australian born accredited Ecologist and Conservation Biologist, published Scientist in Human Evolutionary Psychology and Ecology and an internationally recognised fashion model. As a social impact entrepreneur, Zinnia is also CEO and founder of The Dotted Line, a sustainability, diversity, and inclusion consultancy.
“The Beaufort is a cultural icon, my dad wore it in the 80s, I first wore it in the 90s, it meant such different things to both of us, but is the same item. Timeless and democratic, a thing of beauty and self-expression.” CHARLIE CASELY-HAYFORD – A menswear designer based in London, where he was born. He founded the international menswear brand Casely-Hayford at the age of 22 with his father, the acclaimed British fashion designer Joe Casely-Hayford OBE.
“Having worked in fashion my whole life, I am drawn to pieces that you wear and that do not wear you. Are not defined by trend. And things that will last and get better over time.” CLARE RICHARDSON – A British stylist and fashion consultant, based between London and New York. Her latest venture is the luxury resale site Reluxe. A guilt-free and accessible way for people to indulge their love of fashion and refresh their wardrobe while doing good for the planet.
Barbour’s Commitment to Circular Fashion
One of the things that make Barbour jackets truly remarkable is their longevity. They are not just fashion statements; they are investments in enduring style. Barbour understands this commitment, and are therefore dedicated to ensuring that their iconic wax jackets last a lifetime. This commitment is exemplified through their Wax for Life re-waxing and repair services, which allow you to extend the life of your beloved jacket and ensures they can be cherished for generations to come. It’s a testament to Barbour’s dedication to circularity and sustainability.
In a world where fashion trends come and go, the Barbour Beaufort jacket stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic style. Its 40-year legacy is a story of timeless design and unwavering commitment to quality. At Outdoor and Country, we are proud to celebrate this iconic jacket and the other Evergreen Icons from Barbour’s collection.
So, whether you’re a long-time Beaufort enthusiast or discovering it for the first time, there has never been a better moment to embrace the enduring style of Barbour’s Beaufort jacket. Experience the legacy, invest in timeless fashion, and be a part of the Barbour story.
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