What Went Down at Barbour’s Intimate Heritage Store Launch Event

For the launch of its Heritage+ Fall/Winter 2024 collection, Barbour took to its newly opened Neal Street store in London last week to host a celebration of all things design, history, and fashion culture.

Those who have been following the fashion brand this year will know that heritage has been its guiding source of inspiration, informing its new Heritage+ line, recent collaborations, and notable Pitti Uomo showcase. As it continues to honor its 130-year history, the Neal Street store brings Barbour’s archive-inspired concepts and collections into one space, giving fans the chance to discover its roots in one of the few heritage stores opening around the UK.

At last week’s event, the store’s sleek yet characteristic interiors offered the perfect backdrop for the Heritage+ collection launch. Upon arrival, local creatives and friends of the brand were welcomed by the glow of repurposed tin lights, illuminating the enamel signage on the storefront. Inside, the new Heritage+ wax jackets and quilted coats were hung across brass railings while graphic T-shirts and wool fleeces were neatly stacked on rich oak surfaces. In one corner was a Re-loved section of second-hand garments, and in another, there stood a special workshop surrounded by jars of zips and buttons signaling its famous Wax For Life service, proudly showcasing the brand’s commitment to restoring purposeful goods.

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After getting a closer look at the collection, attendees gathered around the middle of the shop for an intimate discussion led by Hypebeast with fashion tastemaker Leon Cerrone and Barbour’s menswear director Ian Bergin. Starting the conversation by unpicking the meaning of heritage, Bergin retraced the brand’s early days saying, “Every heritage brand starts with a need, in Barbour’s case it was to keep people dry near the North Sea, just outside Newcastle.” Explaining how its initial purpose has translated into garments that are widely loved today, he added, “When you supply something for a specific reason, you develop an expertise, and if you stick to it, that product becomes iconic.”

Leon Cerrone has always spectated the trends and styles that have crossed his path every day which, more times than none, have included unique Barbour fits. Bringing his cultural perspective to the discussion he shared, “When I first saw the brand on the terraces, you couldn’t buy it from any fashion wholesaler. I had to dig it out from a fishing and tackle shop.” Over the years, Cerrone has witnessed the brand’s growing presence, adding to the way it has “crossed subcultures” from the terraces to the indie scene, and later streetwear. But ultimately, he says, “It’s never strayed away from what it was started for.”

Following the insightful discussion, the guests interspersed around the store; some picked up their favorite pieces from the collection, while others grabbed a copy of the Barbour magazine before they made their way home.

Take a look back at what went down at the event via the gallery above.

To shop Barbour’s Heritage+ Fall/Winter 2024 collection, head to its website now.