Imagery Swanndri Archives
In honour of their 100th birthday, Swanndri are collaborating with another New Zealand clothing icon, Barkers, on a range which takes their best of each company and creates something entirely new. The collection takes the famous check patterns and technical fabrics of Swanndri and combines them with Barkers’ acclaimed cut and styling.
Barkers’ head of merchandise Paul Biddle was inspired by the revival of historic outdoor brands like Barbour a trip to the UK. If he were to do something similar locally, Swanndri were the only brand he wanted to work with.
“As far as a heritage, on-the-land brand, they’re the original,” says Biddle. “They’ve always made the best technical garments and technical fabrics.”
Biddle first approached Swanndri CEO Mark Nevin about the idea a couple of years ago. The timing wasn’t right, but the pair agreed to keep a dialogue open, and Nevin was certain Barkers was the right partner.
The styles and features are quintessential Swanndri
A year later they met up again, determined to make the collaboration work. They ironed out the details and set to work on the six-month design process. The basic premise was to be Swanndris fabrics combined with Barkers’ fits, but with both brands fiercely protective of their customers and values, it involved a huge amount of back and forth.
“They love the brand, they’re really protective of it,” says Biddle of Barkers . “They’ve got 100 years of history, and they want 100 more.”
Imagery Swanndri Archives
Despite the at-times tense process, everyone involved knew that they were onto something special, and knew it was worth the effort. “I think everyone has owned a Swanndri, everyone can relate to the brand,” says Biddle. “While originally functional garments, Swanndris have become cult style icons too. We’re thrilled to be a part of the ongoing development of their fashion range.”
"The concept was to take an iconic heritage brand and combine it with Barkers' approach to the styles and fabrics. We were inspired by brands that have a genuine connection to a time when garments were about form and function.
The garments speak to a rich history of design and manufacturing, but with a clean modern aesthetic.
The range covers twelve key styles and features a colour pallette is quintessential Swanndri – red, blue and olive – with the classic Swanndri check design bringing these together. The designs are simple and understated, offering a bridge between what Swanndri have always done well and the more contemporary look for which Barkers are renowned."
There's a limited edition run of 110 genuine Harris Tweed blazers. The fabric is a flecked herringbone design, woven by hand in the Outer Hebrides, with Swanndri-inspired lining detail, including leather buttons, and a classic two button fit. Other fabrics include a dry skin, heavy cotton twill, flannels and wool – all using Swanndri's 100 years of experience.
With Barkers celebrating their 40th birthday in 2012, and Swanndri their 100th this year, the collection is timed well to celebrate the history of two iconic New Zealand clothing brand.