Two Northern icons come together once again. For Autumn Winter 2025, Barbour and Baracuta present the third chapter of their collaboration, a collection that revisits British heritage through the soulful rhythm of the North. Rooted in music, movement, and self-expression, the new capsule draws inspiration from the Northern Soul scene, a cultural phenomenon that defined the sound and style of 1970s Britain and continues to resonate today.
Fronted by Goya Gumbani and Normski, two cultural figures who embody the connection between sound and style, the campaign channels authenticity, rhythm, and community. Shot at Jumbi, a creative space in Peckham, the visual merge sound system culture with refined tailoring, echoing the collaboration’s central message: heritage never stands still.
A Meeting of Craft and Culture
Founded in Manchester in 1937, Baracuta established itself with weatherproof outerwear defined by timeless design, most notably the legendary G9 Harrington Jacket, a cornerstone of British style. Just 150 miles east, in South Shields, Barbour has been crafting its signature waxed jackets since 1894, creating garments built to endure the British elements while shaping generations of everyday elegance.
Both brands share an enduring philosophy of durability, authenticity, and craftsmanship. With the AW25 collaboration, that shared DNA is reimagined through the lens of Northern Soul, capturing the vibrancy of all-night dance halls and the sharp silhouettes that shaped decades of subcultural identity.
As Baracuta notes, “This collection bridges generations, capturing the essence of Northern Soul while translating it into a contemporary expression of identity and belonging.”
The Collection
At the heart of the collaboration is a collection that translates Northern heritage into contemporary design.The Porton Wax Jacket reimagines Baracuta’s iconic G9 Harrington in Barbour’s 8oz waxed cotton, complete with raglan sleeves, the signature umbrella back yoke, and a lining that combines the Fraser and Barbour tartans.
The Badged Porton Wax Jacket brings a subcultural twist, embellished with embroidered patches inspired by vintage record labels and Northern Soul club insignias, a playful nod to the movement’s grassroots energy.
A new introduction this season, the Tyne Wax Coat fuses the structure of Baracuta’s G10 with Barbour’s archival Tyne Coat, resulting in a refined three-quarter silhouette available in Archive Olive, Navy, and Sandstone. Functional yet understated, it embodies the practicality and sophistication of Northern design.
The ready-to-wear line extends the collection’s cultural references. The Vinyl and All-Nighter Tees pay tribute to the graphic language of vinyl culture, featuring bold back prints that evoke record sleeves and dance floor nostalgia. The Northern Crew Sweatshirt, made from 100% cotton fleece, captures laid-back confidence with discreet patch detailing inspired by Northern Soul iconography.
Accessories provide the finishing touch: a Tote Bag adorned with Northern Soul-inspired badges and dual branding, subtle emblems of shared heritage and identity.
