Weatherproof your Wardrobe: Margaret Howell for Barbour
Margaret Howell catwalk, autumn/winter 2018
British summertime is back – cue the familiar grey drizzle and welcome return of denim into my life. Much as I enjoyed the glorious weather, by the end of the heatwave I’d exhausted all my wardrobe options. The return of normal temperatures (and torrential downpours) feels like the right time to take a proper look at the Margaret Howell for Barbour collaboration. The small collection launched earlier this month but I was all posh kaftans and Super Shirts at that juncture…
Designed by Margaret Howell and inspired by the Barbour archive, this is a British partnership made in fashion heaven. Forget the quilted versions worn by HRH, Margaret Howell knows how to dress gentlewomen beautifully and has opted for waxed cotton, more relaxed silhouettes and earthy tones, instead. There are three outerwear options: two waxed jackets and a waxed poncho, all with an elegant tomboy aesthetic. The coats have been designed with Barbour’s signature wax finish, corduroy top collar and storm cuffs, but given the Howell treatment with their cut, shape and nonchalant styling.
‘As an admirer of the Barbour jacket and living with one myself for many years, I was thrilled to be asked to collaborate with the company,’ Margaret Howell said, ‘Delving into their archive was a real joy and very stimulating. For me it’s very satisfying to work on purposeful clothing that is well made and made to last.’
In my fantasy life, I wear head-to-toe Howell – but like the designer, I’m sorted for a long-lasting Barbour. Until the next sample sale, then….
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Discussion (16 Comments)
picolin says:
Oh this is a dream collaboration, these 2 are my favourite brands! I always find how Babour’s wax cotton jacket is suitable for (typical) British weather. I’ll have a look at MH’ boutique asap.
maudie says:
Sigh ……I totally understand the concept of investment dressing but sadly my ‘investments’ do not stretch to Margaret Howell. I have seen this collaboration online and salivated accordingly. I cannot think of a better combination than Margaret Howell and Barbour – a true match made in heaven. In my next incarnation I will dress head-to-toe in MHL and covet and love the clothes for ever. It makes me proud to be British!
Patrish says:
Love Barbour. Love Margaret Howell. Especially love the wax poncho you featured. Elegant.
The only drawback is taking it off over one’s head in a public place….dripping of rain.
Can’t think of an elegant way to do that.Toomanyshoes says:
I really need some stylish wet weather gear in these parts, but this doesn’t do it for me. Waxed jackets in any incarnation feel to me very wannabe 80s Sloane rangery. Where I live you actually risked assault if you walked out in a waxed. Barbour., the class message was so clear. Things have changed on that front but I still can’t bring myself to wear a waxed jacket. I should get over it but hey …..
Jill Ann says:
This poncho might be nice, but I think I’d get a better feel for it if it fit the model properly. I know this makes me sound curmudgeonly, but I’m over surly looking models with badly fitting clothes.
Maisie says:
My thoughts exactly Maudie ! Browsing on MH’s site I could just about afford one of her tshirts. I have to save up for a new kitchen first.
KPD says:
I need a rain wear that covers all of me. I just bought a raincoat that covers to my ankles with a hood! I need that coverage for walking in the rain in NYC
Laura says:
I found an affordable lightweight raincoat at Lole which has been very useful in Nova Scotia!
Goddessinthedetails says:
I love the poncho but I’m just about to send to the charity shop an expensive, hardly-worn Barbour jacket because they always end up smelling musty. Maybe I’m doing something wrong? Should I be drying it by an Aga with a labrador wearing a tiara settling at its feet – or sommat?
Fashionismyname says:
As an owner of several Barbour’s over the years I can testify to the smell of the wax at the beginning, it might take a while but the more you wear it the less it smells!
Avril says:
Sorry, I love Margaret Howell too but I have a Barbour jacket, wide but with bracelet length sleeves which I bought in a second hand shop for thirty pounds, had re waxed and mended by the wonderful Barbour factory. It looks wonderful. Check your local Oxfam store…you may be able to buy ten for the price of one here!
MaureenC says:
Love MH style and I’ve picked up a couple of nice pieces on eBay. Unfortunately where I live a Barbour jacket definitely signals your “tribe” affiliation and I’m definitely not part of their tribe!
Sue says:
The Barbour repair service is fantastic. My penny pinching post grad son sent his second hand very ancient Barbour to them and for less than £100 it came back looking like a new coat. We couldn’t believe it was the same one.
Always wanted to own a white shirt. I thought about making it but I was never convinced that it would have the cool factor. I don’t buy a lot of clothes and I wasn’t sure where to go for the right shirt….in the end, 2 weeks ago I had the clever idea of charity shops and men’s clothes. That’s where I found it. XL men’s shirt that I simply adore wearing, with my me-made African print skirt or my Mondrian inspired skirt or my white, dyed grey jeans. Super cool wear.
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Love this collection she’s done in collaboration with Barbour – right up my alley so to speak. Great post Alyson – I feel a purchase will be happening soon from this neck of the woods