Speed and Style: "License to Race", The Barbour Steve McQueen Collection Autumn Winter '13
By Philip Browne

Steve McQueen was once dubbed the "King of Cool" and his box office success in the 1960's and 70's made him a legend. Years later, Barbour has honoured this American great by creating the Steve McQueen collection for Autumn/Winter 2013. This collection is inspired by the jackets worn by McQueen and his team when participating in the International Six Day Trials in Erfurt, Germany and captures the style and enigma of a man who forged a surprising fashion-based relationship between England and America.

In 1964 McQueen rode with team USA in what is considered the Olympics of motorcycling and the jackets worn by him and his team mates are still proving to be a winner 4 decades later. The wax Barbour International Motorcycle jacket was a favourite of McQueen's and its revival in this year's collection pays homage to an American great. It may seem an odd collaboration as Barbour's wax jackets have always been quintessentially British, but McQueen was one of their biggest fans and this collection is a reflection of the relationship between the American star and the British clothing brand.

The McQueen Barbour collection is a posthumous tribute to a star and loyal customer that loved practical yet stylish menswear, and over the years Barbour has built up a reputation for exactly this. The collection has been designed to capture the timeless elegance of a man that loved life in the fast lane, and is loosely based on the crossover of British and American styles that were in evidence when team USA took on the British in 1964.

The collection includes worn-in denim, rugged knits, washed chinos and a badged field jacket that perfectly sums up the Anglo-American relationship. Previously unseen images adorn jacket linings and have been used as graphics on T shirts, and the American flag takes centre stage. The Steve McQueen Jacket is a reworked version of the original made from 6oz wax cotton, and it still ensures comfort and protection in poor weather conditions. The McQueen Barbour features a belt, storm flap corduroy collar and four button down pockets and is a nod to the biker within. Everything about the jackets design complements a motorcycle rider, from the belt that secures the jacket to the zip pull ring that is large enough for a gloved hand to manage. In addition to the replica jacket, retro long sleeve all-American style shirts in denim, chambray and check and button down Crombie jackets round off a collection that clearly takes inspiration from Barbour's rich motorcycle heritage.

Barbour has long epitomised quality and since their humble beginnings in 1894 this family owned business has been making quality garments by hand. The brand has moved with the times and their replicas of styles created in earlier years now feature modern fabrics and incorporate up to date trends. McQueen recognised the style and quality of the garments created by Barbour and to date their attention to detail and inspired designs are what has paved their way to success. McQueen's endorsement of their jacket put them at the forefront of men's fashion in the 1960's and they have remained a well known brand ever since. Their success has also been largely due to their ongoing ability of combining style and practicality in garments that suit all types of lifestyle.

Channel the late, great star with the stylish Steve McQueen Barbour Autumn/Winter 2013 Collection and be inspired by the dynamic man that was both a celebrated actor and motorcycling legend.

Available from official stockist, Philip Browne Menswear: http://www.philipbrownemenswear.co.uk/brand/barbour-steve-mcqueen--collection.aspx

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