CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

Every autumn wardrobe needs that one defining piece. The jacket that signals the change of season, bridges the gap between late summer and cooler days, and somehow manages to feel both familiar and completely new.

For AW26, Barbour is turning to one of its most recognisable signatures for inspiration, introducing Birchwood Dress Tartan as a fresh interpretation of the heritage pattern through a distinctly contemporary lens.

Tartan and Barbour have long been natural bedfellows, but this season the iconic British brand is moving the pattern beyond traditional country dressing and into a more modern, everyday wardrobe.

Leading the collection is the Barbour Tartan Blouson Showerproof Jacket, a relaxed take on the classic outer layer that feels particularly well suited to the unpredictable British transition from summer into autumn.

Cut in a contemporary blouson silhouette, the jacket combines the visual character of Barbour’s heritage with the practicality demanded by modern everyday dressing. Lightweight showerproof fabric makes it an easy option when the weather inevitably turns, while its relaxed proportions give it the versatility to work across a variety of looks.

And versatility is perhaps where the jacket makes its strongest case.

Thrown over a simple T-shirt and denim, it works effortlessly for a weekend out of town. Layered with knitwear as temperatures begin to fall, it becomes a practical autumn staple, while pairing it with tailored trousers offers a more considered approach for navigating the city.

It’s a useful reminder that heritage clothing doesn’t have to remain rooted in the past.

As tartan begins its annual return to the autumn menswear conversation, Birchwood Dress offers a more contemporary interpretation of a pattern that has enjoyed remarkable longevity. Rather than simply revisiting the archive, Barbour has used its heritage as a starting point, translating a familiar signature into a silhouette designed for the way men dress now.

The result is a jacket that sits comfortably between countryside and city, heritage and contemporary style, practicality and personality.

Because the best seasonal pieces aren’t necessarily the loudest. They’re the ones that quietly earn their place in the wardrobe—and the Barbour Tartan Blouson looks designed to do exactly that.

There are few footwear brands that can claim quite the same combination of authenticity, craftsmanship and longevity as Red Wing. And when one of its more elusive styles makes a return, particularly in a distinctive colourway, it is worth paying attention.

For Autumn, the Red Wing 8180 Moc Toe is making a welcome comeback in limited numbers, bringing with it the rich Kangatan green leather that has made this particular version something of a cult favourite among Red Wing aficionados.

Originally introduced as a limited-edition release, the 8180 has gone on to become one of the brand’s most sought-after Moc Toe styles. Now, its distinctive green leather returns for another special release, offering existing fans the opportunity to revisit a classic and those yet to discover it a chance to get their hands on a rather special piece of Red Wing footwear.

At its heart, the 8180 remains reassuringly familiar.

The unmistakable Moc Toe silhouette is retained, complete with Red Wing’s signature construction, white Traction Tred sole and durable Goodyear Welt construction. It is the Kangatan leather that does the talking, however, giving the traditionally rugged shape a distinctive finish that feels particularly well suited to the arrival of Autumn.

And that green is rather good.

It’s understated enough to remain wearable while offering something a little different from the familiar brown, black and amber tones that dominate the world of heritage footwear. Pair it with faded denim, heavyweight chinos or some relaxed fatigue trousers and you’ve got a combination that needs very little else.

That’s perhaps the beauty of a Red Wing Moc Toe.

It doesn’t need to shout.

The design has remained remarkably consistent because, quite simply, it works. There is something reassuring about putting on a pair of boots that has been designed around durability rather than fleeting fashion trends. The 8180 may have a limited-edition status, but the thinking behind it remains resolutely Red Wing.

And there is plenty of history behind that name.

Red Wing Shoe Company was founded in Red Wing, Minnesota, in 1905 by Charles Beckman, establishing a philosophy centred around quality footwear made to work hard and last. Over the decades, the company has developed some of the most recognisable styles in American footwear, from the introduction of the Gloria, its original women’s boot, in 1926 to the arrival of the now-iconic 877 Moc Toe in 1952.

The company also acquired the S.B. Foot Tanning Company in 1987, bringing even greater control over the materials and craftsmanship that go into its footwear.

Then, in 2007, came Red Wing Heritage, building upon that remarkable archive with lifestyle footwear that celebrates the company’s history while remaining relevant to a new generation.

That balance between heritage and contemporary relevance is precisely what makes the Kangatan Moc Toe so appealing.

This isn’t a boot that has been artificially aged to look authentic. It comes from a company that has been making footwear for more than a century, using premium materials and construction methods designed to stand the test of time.

The Goodyear Welt construction is a case in point. It’s a traditional method of attaching the sole that has long been associated with durability and repairability, while the Traction Tred sole provides the comfortable, practical foundation that has become synonymous with the Moc Toe.

In other words, this is footwear designed to get better with wear.

And that feels increasingly refreshing in a fashion landscape where so much is designed to be replaced by next season.

The Kangatan green leather adds just enough individuality to make the 8180 feel special without compromising the fundamental character that makes a Red Wing a Red Wing.

For those who already know the brand, this will probably need little introduction.

For everyone else, consider it a rather good excuse to discover why Red Wing has maintained such a devoted following for generations.

Limited edition. Properly made. Built to be worn.

And with Autumn just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better.

In fashion, heritage is a word used so frequently it has almost lost all meaning. Every brand claims authenticity. Every collection references craftsmanship. Every campaign speaks the language of timelessness.

Very few however can point to more than a century of genuine history.

Founded in Manchester over 100 years ago,  Barney’s Originals has quietly built one of Britain’s most enduring reputations for accessible leather outerwear, specialising in pieces that sit somewhere between classic British utility and modern urban dressing.

And crucially, the brand has never attempted to become something it isn’t.

While many heritage labels either over-commercialise their archive or disappear entirely into nostalgia, Barney’s Originals continues to evolve its identity with a refreshingly contemporary confidence. The latest collection demonstrates exactly why the brand has remained relevant for so long.

Leather Outerwear That Feels Modern Again

Leather jackets have always occupied a unique position within menswear and womenswear. Few garments carry the same cultural weight. From Hollywood rebellion to British subcultures, from rock icons to minimalist luxury, leather outerwear constantly reinvents itself while somehow remaining timeless.

The challenge for modern brands however is making it feel contemporary without stripping away its character.

Barney’s Originals handles that balance particularly well this season.

The new collection leans into elevated silhouettes, refined proportions and sharper detailing, while maintaining the beautifully crafted leather and suede finishes that have become synonymous with the brand. Hardware feels cleaner. Fastenings feel more considered. Shapes appear subtly updated without chasing transient runway trends.

Importantly, the collection avoids over-design.

There is restraint here. Jackets designed for actual wardrobes rather than social media moments. Pieces intended to age naturally and become part of someone’s everyday uniform rather than existing for a single season.

That practicality has always been part of the brand’s appeal.

Accessible Luxury Still Matters

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Barney’s Originals is its continued commitment to accessibility.

Luxury fashion increasingly feels divided between ultra-premium designer pricing and disposable fast fashion with very little existing in the middle ground. Barney’s occupies a space many consumers are quietly returning to: quality-driven investment dressing without the intimidation or absurdity of luxury mark-ups.

The use of leather and suede at more attainable price points gives the collection genuine relevance in the current market. Consumers are becoming more selective with purchases, investing less in trend-led excess and more in versatile pieces capable of longevity.

That shift plays directly into Barney’s strengths.

The latest offering spans menswear, womenswear and unisex styles with a focus on effortless daily dressing rather than heavily stylised fashion narratives. It feels wearable in the best possible sense of the word.

Not basic.

Just intelligently designed.

The Rise Of Functional Style

Another notable evolution this season comes through the expanded accessories offering.

Alongside outerwear, Barney’s Originals introduces updated bag styles ranging from understated everyday essentials to more statement-led finishing pieces. Again, functionality appears central to the design philosophy. These are accessories designed to integrate into real life rather than exist purely as aesthetic props.

That practicality reflects a wider movement currently shaping fashion more broadly.

Consumers increasingly want versatility. Pieces that transition between work, travel, social settings and everyday routines without requiring complete wardrobe changes. The post-pandemic era has accelerated demand for clothing that feels adaptable, comfortable and quietly refined rather than overtly performative.

Barney’s Originals appears to understand that instinctively.

Manchester Roots, Contemporary Relevance

There is also something particularly refreshing about the brand’s continued Manchester identity.

British fashion conversations often revolve overwhelmingly around London, yet regional heritage brands frequently possess a far more grounded understanding of how people actually dress. Manchester’s industrial history, music culture and working-class style legacy have long influenced British outerwear in subtle but important ways.

That sensibility still runs through Barney’s Originals today.

The collection feels urban without trying too hard. Refined without becoming inaccessible. Heritage-driven without becoming trapped in the past.

And perhaps that is ultimately why the brand continues to resonate after more than a century.

Because while fashion constantly reinvents itself, genuinely well-made outerwear never really goes out of style.

In the world of high-stakes espionage, the tools that matter aren’t off-the-shelf—they’re engineered with intent. That same philosophy underpins Byzek, a one-of-one commission from Arkansas-based design and engineering house Helderburg Defenders. While it retains the iconic silhouette of the Defender D110, this build marks a decisive shift away from traditional restomod culture, positioning Helderburg as a creator of fully proprietary automotive systems.

Inspired by the enduring legacy of James Bond, Byzek operates in a space where elegance meets mechanical precision. Every element is conceived as part of a unified, in-house ecosystem—eschewing the typical reliance on aftermarket upgrades. Founder Paul Potratz approaches each vehicle not as an assembly of parts, but as a cohesive system, engineered from the ground up.

That philosophy is most evident in the reworked drivetrain, developed entirely in-house. The result is a refined, linear power delivery that replaces the Defender’s traditional character with something altogether smoother—closer to a Grand Tourer than a utilitarian off-roader, yet without losing its commanding presence.

Visually, the Bond influence is equally pronounced. The bespoke Arctic Grey finish—formulated within Helderburg’s own lab—shifts tonally depending on light, moving from a soft blue-grey to a deeper, more assertive charcoal. It’s a subtle but striking detail that reinforces the vehicle’s cinematic sensibility.

Inside, the narrative continues. The cabin evokes the quiet sophistication of an English library—an intentional contrast to the rugged DNA of the Defender platform, and a clear expression of Helderburg’s design ethos: balance, restraint, and control.

With commissions starting at $350,000, Byzek isn’t positioned as a modification—it’s a statement. A signal that Helderburg Defenders is operating beyond the conventions of the restomod space, redefining what a legacy vehicle can become when every detail is engineered as part of a singular vision.

There are few men who embody the art of British country dressing quite like King Charles III. From weather-beaten Barbour jackets and beautifully cut tweed to kilts, cashmere and sturdy country footwear, the King has perfected a wardrobe that is as practical as it is unmistakably British.

And as Charles once again heads north for his traditional Scottish summer retreat, his approach to country dressing is very much in focus. Earlier this month, the King was photographed at the Castle of Mey in Caithness wearing a traditional kilt and tweed jacket as he planted the aptly named King’s Rose in the estate’s gardens.

It is a look that perfectly encapsulates Charles’s approach to menswear: heritage without being overly formal, practical without sacrificing elegance, and clothes that are designed to work with the landscape rather than against it.

For those looking to channel a little of the King’s countryside-gentleman style, Scottish luxury retailer The House of Bruar has plenty of inspiration. Think classic country staples, timeless fabrics and pieces that improve with age rather than follow fleeting fashion trends.

Tom Birbeck, Menswear Buyer at The House of Bruar, identifies the key ingredients for recreating the King’s distinctive rural aesthetic.

Start with a Barbour

No King Charles-inspired country wardrobe would be complete without a waxed jacket. The King has long been associated with his well-worn Barbour jackets, often characterised by their faded green waxed cotton, corduroy collars and, in some cases, an impressive collection of repairs and patches.

The important thing here is not to look too pristine. Country clothing should feel lived-in. A jacket with a few signs of a life well spent is considerably more convincing than something that looks as though it has just left the shop floor.

For a smarter interpretation, a tweed country jacket offers the same heritage credentials while bringing a little more polish. The House of Bruar’s Barbour Hereford Wool Tweed Jacket, for example, combines herringbone tweed with a corduroy collar, leather detailing and practical bellows pockets — a suitably modern interpretation of traditional country dressing. (House of Bruar⁠)

Embrace Scottish Tartan

If there is one element of Charles’s wardrobe that is impossible to ignore, it is tartan.

The King regularly embraces Highland dress when in Scotland, wearing kilts in tartans with specific historic and personal associations. His relationship with the Balmoral tartan is particularly significant: the distinctive pattern is traditionally associated with the Royal Family and is not a tartan that can simply be adopted as an everyday fashion choice.

For everyone else, the lesson is less about attempting to replicate the King exactly and more about understanding the power of a strong heritage pattern. A muted tartan scarf, checked shirt or subtly patterned trouser can introduce the same Highland influence without looking like you’re about to compete in the caber toss.

Invest in Tweed

Tweed is arguably the foundation of the British country wardrobe — and Charles is one of its most committed ambassadors.

From herringbone jackets to earthy brown, green and grey checks, tweed provides texture, warmth and a sense of authenticity that is difficult to replicate with modern synthetic fabrics. The King frequently combines his tweed jackets with fine knitwear, creating an easy combination that works equally well for country walks, estate lunches or more formal rural occasions.

The trick is to keep the colour palette restrained. Think moss greens, tobacco browns, charcoal, oatmeal and muted checks rather than anything too bright.

Add a cashmere crew neck underneath and you have one of the simplest routes to achieving that effortlessly polished Highland look.

Finish with a Flat Cap

Few accessories say British countryside quite like the flat cap.

For Charles, it provides a relaxed finishing touch to country outfits while remaining entirely functional. It also works particularly well with the muted tones of tweed, waxed cotton and wool.

Choose one in a traditional tweed or wool rather than anything overly fashion-forward. The beauty of the flat cap is precisely that it has barely changed because it doesn’t need to.

Don’t Forget the Knitwear

The King’s approach to country dressing is also a lesson in layering.

Soft cashmere, lambswool and traditional wool knitwear provide the perfect counterpoint to harder-wearing outer layers. A chunky crew neck beneath a tweed jacket, for example, creates an outfit that feels suitably rural without becoming costume-like.

For colder days, look towards traditional Aran-inspired textures, cable knits and heavier woollen sweaters. For warmer Scottish weather, a lightweight cashmere or merino knit provides the same effect without unnecessary bulk.

Plus Fours, Socks & Sturdy Footwear

When it comes to more active country pursuits, Charles is also partial to the traditional combination of checked plus-fours, substantial socks and sturdy footwear.

It is a look that has its roots firmly in sporting and estate dressing, where clothing was designed first and foremost to allow the wearer to move comfortably through difficult terrain.

The modern interpretation is much easier to wear. Swap the plus-fours for a pair of well-cut corduroy or tweed trousers, add thick wool socks and finish with a pair of robust country boots.

The result retains the spirit of the look without making you appear as though you’ve wandered off the set of a period drama.

The King Charles Country Style Checklist

The secret to King Charles’s country wardrobe is actually remarkably simple: buy less, buy better and choose clothes with a history.

Forget chasing seasonal trends. Instead, concentrate on natural fabrics, traditional craftsmanship and pieces that are designed to age gracefully.

A well-worn waxed jacket. A beautifully cut tweed blazer. A good cashmere sweater. A traditional flat cap. Corduroy trousers. Wool socks. Proper leather boots.

It is a wardrobe built around longevity rather than novelty — and perhaps that is the real lesson from the King’s approach to menswear.

Because while fashion changes every season, British country style has been doing remarkably well without changing at all.