Barbour goes Britprep

British outfitters Barbour has teamed up with Japanese designer Tokihito Yoshida to create the "Britprep" collection. The new line is a departure from the brand's classic styling and will offer a more contemporary and younger look to a broadened customer base. Mostly known for their waxed jackets, J. Barbour & Sofor was founded in 1894 and holds Royal Warrants from HM Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and HRH The Prince of Wales.

With "Britprep" Barbour aims to "bring authenticity to a look that defines the lifestyle of a British summer." Layers for men and women are "worn with character and wit to create an individual style." As befits a company with such a rich history, Barbour's heritage, which continues to inspire these new designs and developments, lies at the heart of the new collection. So what exactly is "Britprep"? According to Barbour, the look is not quite as clean and crisp as American Preppy. Simple, stylish, and contemporary, the collection "pays particular attention to fashion, color and tradition capturing the essence of 'Britishness.'"

Barbour has never really gone in for logos, but with the Britprep collection they're employing a new crest. Unlike designers who invent crests, it's an authentic bit of heraldry deriving from the original Barbour family coat of arms originating in Galloway, Scotland. It is seen in a few variations throughout the entire collection, from subtle prints on inside jacket linings to the bold emphasis directly on the chest of polos, rugby shirts, a blazer, and even a version of Barbour's classic quilted Liddesdale jacket.

Image: Duralinen jacket