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For a third season, Swanndri are collaborating with another New Zealand clothing brand, Barkers, on a range, which takes the 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’ cut and styling. Barkers’ head of merchandise Paul Biddle was inspired by the revival of historic outdoor brands like Barbour during 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. ”The concept was to take an iconic heritage brand and combine if 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 range covers ten key styles and features a colour palette that is quintessential to 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.
The fabrics, which feature the iconic check pattern, include premium woven wools, heavy cottons, cotton canvas, and double brushed cotton–all using Swanndri’s 100 years of experience. Garments are finished with details including dome buttons, quilted linings, Swanndri cotton lining, leather-trimmed pockets, and corduroy and fleece cuffs. The garments speak to a rich history of design and manufacturing, but with a clean modern aesthetic.