Fairisle Thunderbolt Cotton Hoody | Military Bomber Jacket
Credited as one of the founding fathers of athluxury, Neil Barrett has pioneered a distinct vision of contemporary menswear that's rooted in athleticism since founding his eponymous label in 1999. 18 years on, Neil Barrett is the luxury wardrobe staple of choice among men whose sportswear sensibility doesn't undercut their proclivity for superior tailoring and sartorial excellence.
Identifiable by his graphic motifs, streamline cuts, and razor-sharp detailing, Neil Barrett's delivery of monochrome grails has been consistent from the outset. For AW17, Barret looked to his roots for inspiration, drawing reference from his days as a student at London's Central Saint Martin's College in its early-80s halcyon. Reiterating the louche tailoring of the era, elevated for 2017 with his precision detailing and perennially-adroit use of hardware, Barrett repackaged the spirit of the 80s for today's market with a relevancy that's often missed when pulling inspiration from the not-too-distant past. With Siouxsie Sioux's face becoming the reigning graphic icon - her atmospheric features emblazoned with gusto on a range of apparel and accessories - the point of reference was stamped on the collection like a mark of respect to the ghost of subcultures past.
One of Barrett's strengths has always been the wearability of his runway presentations, opting to show the Barrett-man as he is intended on the streets, as opposed to a stylised caricature which rarely speaks coherently to the end customer. Although the 80s spirit was deeply instilled throughout the line, from cut to silhouette to motif, the collection didn't feel overtly adulating. Neil Barrett has once again succeeded in creating a forward-facing collection, seasoned with a nostalgia that today's market can relate to.
Neil Barrett is available now at END.
