Grenson + Barbour
Collaborations these days take many forms but the most common is where a young designer puts together a collection for an old established brand. However, I loved the idea of two similar companies, both with almost identical heritage, getting together for the first time in their 100 plus years histories. By combining the best, iconic elements of each brand, I felt that the result would be far more interesting than the old "logo swap" collaboration. We visited their factory and they visited ours, we compared notes and the product almost effortlessly “popped out”. Two great British brands forming a long overdue partnership.
The main Barbour material that we used was British Millerain waxed canvas, made by another British Manufacturing company that was founded in 1880. The canvas is harder to work with as it is thinner and less stable than leather but the key is allow plenty of time so that the shoemakers can work it into shape without creasing or pulling it too much. In shoemaking we can do almost anything as long as it isn't in a rush.
Now available from the following select stores and online:
