Barbour jackets enjoying fashion comeback as young celebrities endorse waxy jackets

Feb 10 2008 by Sarah Robertson, Sunday Sun

THEY were once the preserve of royalty and farmers but now it appears Barbour jackets are becoming the latest fashion fad for trendy pop singers and celebrities.

Singer Lily Allen, actress Sadie Frost and socialite Peaches Geldof have all been spotted wearing the North-made traditional waxed garment, regularly worn by the Queen and Prince Charles.

The all-weather country jackets are usually worn during field sports or for working outdoors in the country. But it appears young urbanites don’t care about the brand’s former Sloaney connections and are turning it into a must-have style trend.

Sir Bob Geldof’s daughter Peaches wore hers with a pair of hot pants at Glastonbury, while Lily Allen even performs gigs in hers. The celebrity endorsement has sent tills ringing at the South Tyneside-based business, which employs 450 people at its offices in South Shields, and has seen turnover hit £65m.

Sue Newton, company spokeswoman, said the firm were “delighted” by their contemporary and stylish new customers.

“It’s fun to see your brand on the back of celebs, and we’re pleased that Barbour is appealing to a new type of younger audience,” she said.

Other converts to the brand include Alex Turner, the 22-year-old lead singer of the Arctic Monkeys, the Kaiser Chiefs, and Radio One DJ Edith Bowman.