- Aug 5, 2019
Barbour x Emma Bridgewater: Collaboration Collection
autumn winter 2019
We’re excited to announce our latest collaboration for AW19, which sees us partnering for the first time with renowned British ceramic designer Emma Bridgewater on a women’s capsule collection filled with charm. Designed with the British countryside in mind, this collection includes a mix of wax, quilts, and waterproof breathable jackets, alongside a selection of gilets, shirts, knits, dresses and accessories.
Celebrating the quality, functionality and craftsmanship which are at the very heart of both Barbour and Emma Bridgewater, this very special collaboration is inspired by two of Emma’s bestselling ceramic patterns, translated into true Barbour style.
We caught up with Emma to learn more about how the collection came together, and why working with Barbour was so special to her…
How and why did the iconic Emma Bridgewater brand start?
When I set out to make my first cup and saucer, now 30 years ago, it was against the backdrop of a low point in the potteries. The industry in Staffordshire had been chasing after the last shreds of the formal dinnerware business; dinner services for weddings to last you a lifetime and sets of harlequin coffee cups on one side, and everyday wares filled the shelves offering a cheap and cheerful counterpoint at the other end of the scale. I knew that neither of these had any relevance in the relaxed multi-coloured chaos of my mother’s kitchen. I also knew that everyone, friends and family alike, loved this room and felt good in its disorderly embrace. As I had recently left university and was working out what to do with my life, the need for the present and for something to do coalesced and I started working from the very beginning within the traditional pottery industry to try to fill that gap in the market.
What was your decision behind collaborating with the iconic heritage brand, Barbour?
This collaboration felt so natural. I have always loved and trusted Barbour coats. They combine style and function perfectly. I am really proud to be working with another brand that values British manufacturing. As a simple rule, our design team designs things that we would like to have, things for our own home life, which I think is quite important. I’ve been wearing Barbour my entire life, it is essential for damp English weather and much more stylish than a sad green cagoule. I adore the Barbour x Emma Bridgewater wax jacket with the classic lettering lining, it feels like the ideal combination of iconic elements from both of our brands.
Tell us about the two patterns used in the AW19 collection? Why were these chosen?
It has been very rewarding to re-invent some older patterns to make them work for the Barbour collection. The mix of classic lettering and wintry English birds felt both totally Emma Bridgewater and quintessentially Barbour.
What is your current day to day role with the Emma Bridgewater brand?
I am the Creative Director of the brand. No two days are the same. Most of my time is spent in Oxfordshire, which is where the design team is based. I also visit our factory quite often to review designs, check-in with the production team, and oversee events such as the Literary Festival we host every June. There is never a dull moment!
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
I love travelling and it’s often a great source of inspiration, so I try to do it as much as I can. I do spend a lot of time outside when I’m at home, where I live is particularly good for that, so I can often be found cycling or walking in Oxfordshire or Norfolk (with not a trace of lycra in sight I might add!) on a very ‘District Nurse’ sort of bicycle.
Do you wear Barbour? If so, what is your go to style?
Absolutely. And in my experience, it just goes on getting better and better as the years go by.
To celebrate the release of this special collaborative collection, we are giving 15 lucky people the chance to win a Barbour x Emma Bridgewater Mug. Make sure to read the terms and conditions ahead of entering here.
Discover the Barbour x Emma Bridgewater collection.