Aston Bourne is launching its new store that is exclusively Barbour
Aston Bourne is now the place to go for the classic fashion staple, the Barbour jacket, but there is much more to the brand than protecting the country set from the elements. With a wardrobe of clothes from shirts to knitwear to trousers, the range is just as relevant during a long, hot and very stylish summer:
Ian Nelson, Account Manager, Barbour said: “As Barbour has evolved over the years, so have our collections, and we’re now pleased to offer not just our famous wax jackets, but t-shirts, knitwear, shoes and accessories to suit all seasons, all inspired by our countryside heritage.
From country capes to playful prints, our new Spring/Summer 2014 collections are perfect for long summer days spent rambling in hillsides, dancing at muddy festival weekenders or taking full-throttle day trips on the motorcycle.”
Ivan and Sarah Mather originally started selling Barbour from 12 East Street in 1982. Mark Sinclair joined the team as General Manager when the growth of the brand spread across two new shops. “Over the last five years 60 % of our sales have been to women – either ladies fashion or the classic unisex jackets.”
They are now expanding next door at 10 East Street with a shop that is exclusively Barbour (they stock top brands such as Hunter Wellington Boots, Dubarry of Ireland Clothing, and Ilse Jacobsen Boots at number 11, as well as the country pursuits shop at number 12). It offers a wide range of Barbour ranges, and will further establish the store as a destination outlet.
Both Ivan and Sarah are very proud of their Barbour connection. “Like Barbour we are a family business, and they treat us like we are part of the family. They aren’t just interested in how much we sell. They are much more concerned about seeing things done in the right way and preserving the brand.
We have customers from all walks of life and from a wide geographical area, including customers who have been with us since we first stocked Barbour. It is a unique brand in that it wouldn’t be unusual to see the granddad, dad and son all wearing a Barbour jacket.”
BARBOUR FACTS
• 120 years ago, Barbour was founded in South Shields by John Barbour, a Scotsman who saw a need for waterproof, reliable, hardwearing outerwear amongst working communities of the North East. Previously, fishermen had used stiff, badly wearing jackets coated with tar and fish oils. The introduction of oilcloth meant a softer, more comfortable jacket with the same water repellency and added longevity.
• John Barbour’s grandson Duncan, joined Barbour in 1928. A keen motorcyclist himself, he introduced a motorcycling range that quickly took off. Virtually every British international racing team wore Barbour motorcycle suits from 1936 through to the 1970s. In 1957, 97% of riders at the International Six Day Trials (ISDT) wore Barbour Internationals.
• In 1937, Captain George Philips took command of the HMS Ursula submarine. Unsatisfied with the standard issue Royal Navy uniform for submariners, Capt. Philips commissioned and paid for Barbour two piece suits for the whole HMS Ursula crew. The ‘Ursula’ suit as it was known, became standard issue for members of the Submarine service.
• En route to the 1964 ISDT in East Germany, actor Steve McQueen and the rest of the US motorcycle racing team stopped by in London to pick up Barbour International suits. One of the most famous wearers of the brand, Steve McQueen’s effortless style married with the spirit of Barbour International perfectly.
• Barbour has three Royal Warrants from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (1974), HM The Queen (1982) and HRH Prince Charles (1987). Barbour is one of only a small number of companies to hold all three Warrants.
• For her contribution to British industry, Margaret Barbour became a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2001 New Year’s Honours List. She was named one of Vogue’s inspirational ‘Wonder Women’ in 2011 with a tribute to her, written by past Barbour collaborator and British Fashion Designer Anya Hindmarch. Anya describes Dame Margaret, the Chairman of Barbour, as a ‘National Treasure’.
www.astonbourne.co.uk
Telephone: 01273 227775
11, East Street, Brighton,
East Sussex, BN1 1HP