Barbour

13th February 2012 : The King of Biker Cool

Up close and personal with Chad McQueen on the new SS12 Barbour Steve McQueen collection™.  The King of Cool, Steve McQueen, is a legend in the motorcycle world and his legacy very much lives on today. The new SS12 Barbour Steve McQueen collection™ focuses on motorcycle apparel based on designs worn by Steve during the International Six Day Trials (ISDT) when he raced with the USA team, famously sporting the International biker jacket. His son Chad McQueen has also worked as a film actor, producer and racing driver himself. We recently caught up with Chad to discuss his father’s life, the focal inspiration for the collection and what really makes Steve McQueen a true connection with Barbour.

Barbour: The picture of your father on his motorcycle racing in the desert is such an iconic image. Why do you think your father enjoyed desert racing so much? Chad: He liked being out in the middle of nowhere; being anonymous and hanging out with racers like Bud and Dave Ekins and Cliff Coleman. It’s where he could ride and be to himself.

Barbour: You approved all of the designs for the SS12 Barbour Steve McQueen collection? What is it about the collection that you think your father would have liked? Chad: The collection is classic and timeless, with unmatched durability and has some very cool, personal touches and I think he would dig it.

Barbour: If you had to pick out one piece that captures your father’s style from the collection, what would it be? Chad: Definitely the Desert Jacket. It’s inspired by the original A7 which my dad and the USA team wore during the ISDT (International Six Day Trials) and with the American flag lining and original team badge it makes the jacket even more genuine.

Barbour: You’ve visited Barbour’s stores in Soho, New York, Florence, Italy and Covent Garden, London. What’s your impression of the stores? Do you like Barbour’s interpretation in store of the Barbour Steve McQueen collection? Chad: The stores are fantastic! When you walk in it’s like eye candy. I love the interpretation and the images are quite moving. It’s great to walk in and be reminded that his legacy is still very much alive.

Barbour: Everyone who wears Barbour seems to have a story or a recollection of the brand. Can you tell us about your favourite recollections of the brand? Chad: When I was a kid, I remember him coming home from the California desert races. I distinctly recall the weight, the feel, and the smell of the jackets, mainly the yucca and all that. It sure brings back a lot of great memories.