Sorry folks to mention the
weather again, I mean its been so schizophrenic of late it could
have been institutionalised. One day it’s beautiful sunshine, the
next it’s like we jumped from March to November. Anyway, the
subject of today’s post is a undoubtable iconic piece of clothing
that is suitable whatever the weather. The Baracuta
G9, much copied but never bettered, is the original
Harrington jacket. Hailing from Manchester, England in 1937, the
brothers Miller, Isaac and John began making the G9 Baracuta
at their Chorlton Street factory. In 1938 the jacket was further
refined with the acquisition of the Fraser tartan for the inner
lining, which is still used right up to today. Initially popular
with golfers due to the ‘umbrella’ effect of its back design, which
conducts water away from the wearer, it is also designed with an
element of ventilation, making it ideal for any sport. When Arnold
Palmer wore a G9 to compete at St. Andrews, the jacket was proved
the perfect attire for a golf tournament. However golfers, were not
the only subculture to have a liking for the versatile all weather
jacket, The Mods, Ska, Punk and Britpop movements all adopted and
incorporated Baracuta’s G9 into their look and made it part of
their overall uniform.

Over the decades the
jacket has developed an impeccable pedigree worn by the likes of Elvis, Ryan
O’Neil, Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra and even the victorious
England World Cup team in 1966. For Summer 2013, the G9 is being
opened to two different interpretations, with two different
labels; the Ivory Label, this being the core collection based on
the iconic G9 reinterpretation; and the designer range known as
Blue Label. The Ivory Label remains true to the British
identity and the iconic characteristics of the G9, but with more
technically advanced and new performing materials such as shower
proof cotton-nylon and a new cotton coolmax lining. The second
label is the designer range known as Blue Label, a project designed
by Kenichi (Kenny) Kusano former Director of the Brilliant Japanese
retail institution Beams+. Kusano was inspired by the British
military of the 18th and 19th centuries, and took a cultural trip
around the British manufacturing industry to look at design and
fabric elements. Details include external pockets, inside layering
and military inspired colours. Ten styles will be available,
including a G9 and G4 with a military twist, a three quarter length
field jacket, vests, and a trench inspired by the 1940’s model.