DESIRABLE INVESTMENT

Here’s something you should add to your Christmas wish list: a Barbour Beaufort classic jacket to protect you against the deep winter freeze. Like the geeky NHS black frames all the cool kids are wearing, the greasy waterproof wax jacket is now right up there with the PS1 and YSL besace. The efficient British utility jacket has acquired a certain street cred and become stylishly hip thanks to the likes of Alexa Chung, Ashley Olsen, Vanessa Traina and Kate Moss who have all given the brand their stamp of approval. This oily waterproof is a new and exciting addition to my wardrobe, something useful in which to run my life. I love its functionality and individualism, it evokes a Royal heritage but can be visually electric and modern when combined with skinny jeans and heels or a little jazzy flowery dress. The lanky silhouette and details have been re-worked and widely copied by a lot of designers but the original remains highly desirable and has won my heart. Its focus is casual but the tailoring is good, it evokes old country folks, rural gentlemen with guns and hounds, but mixed with the right clothes it is transformed into a strong and sexy visual reference. Aesthetics are difficult. I love my Barbour but the enthusiasm was not immediately shared by my boy who thought that the oversized shape looked ‘curious’ on me. I am determined to win him over with my reinterpretation of the classic Beaufort!

Photos: TFS and Barbour website