Barker Black is a British luxury footwear brand specializing
in bench-made shoes for men. The Barker Black line is a subset of the English
Shoe company Barker, which was founded in 1880 by Arthur Black. Launched in
2005 by creative director, Derrick Miller, the Barker Black brand quickly
gained the attention of the fashion media, appearing in the premiere issue of
Men's Vogue in September 2005. Subsequent coverage in mens fashion magazines
such as Details, Esquire, and GQ followed.
In 2007, Barker Black was chosen by GQ magazine as one of
the best new designers in America.
The shoes are made in the classic English "Good Year
Welted" construction and have a modern design feel while still classic.
Many design elements of the shoes are updated takes on classic techniques, toe
punching in the shape of the skull and crossbones logo and hand applied tacks
to the waist of the shoe give them their unique character. The collection also
includes men's accessories with a similar modern attitude.
Barker Black shoes are sold in its own boutiques in New York
City and Los Angeles, as well in luxury department stores such as Bergdorf
Goodman and Nieman Marcus. Its Elizabeth Street boutique in New York is listed
on GQ's 100, the magazine's list of the best stores for men in America.
A collection inspired by the 17th Lancer Regiment
Nicknamed "Bingham's Dandies" because of their dress prowess; one imagines how the Lancers would dress themselves in today's world. The Barker Black collection's young, sleek, sophisticated design with a touch of arrogance conjures up images of the regiment's black and silver dress regalia. These principals are the cornerstones of Barker Black's introduction to the American luxury market, all in an attempt to dress the modern day lancer.
A Modern Sensibility
Shoes
Ties, Pocketsquares & Braces
A collection inspired by the 17th Lancer Regiment
Barker Black's premiere collection is inspired by an ancient
regiment of British guardsmen, the 17th Lancers. The Regiment's original logo,
a skull and crossbones with a banner posting their motto "...or
glory" implying 'Death or Glory'. Discovered in an ancient silk weaver's archive
in Sudbury, England, adopted by Barker Black Ltd. the decommissioned regiment's
motto captures the spirit energy and, sophistication of Barker Black, there is
an unmistakable presence of the Lancers in every piece of the Collection
Nicknamed "Bingham's Dandies" because of their dress prowess; one imagines how the Lancers would dress themselves in today's world. The Barker Black collection's young, sleek, sophisticated design with a touch of arrogance conjures up images of the regiment's black and silver dress regalia. These principals are the cornerstones of Barker Black's introduction to the American luxury market, all in an attempt to dress the modern day lancer.
During the Siege of Sevastopol (which began in September)
the 17th Lancers took part in the Battle of Balaklava on 25 October. During the
battle, the regiment took part in a cavalry charge that became known as the
Charge of the Light Brigade, which spawned much controversy and indeed a poem
by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The Russians captured redoubts on the Causeway
Heights, which held some British artillery. The army commander, Lord Raglan,
issued an order for the Light Brigade to attack there before the guns could be
taken away by the Russians. The order was sent via Captain Louis Nolan to Lord
Lucan, commander of the Cavalry Division. It is believed, however, that Nolan
misinterpreted the order as an order to attack Russian artillery in the valley
between the Fediukhine Heights and the Causeway Heights. It has been
speculated[18] that Captain Nolan, an authority on cavalry tactics, actually
directed Lucan toward the wrong guns in order to test his tactical theories,
although this view has not found wide currency.
Lord Cardigan then ordered his Light Brigade to began the
advance at a trot, with the 17th and 13th Light Dragoons leading the Brigade,
heading into a concentration of Russian artillery, infantry and cavalry. The
Light Brigade advanced to their objective and came under heavy artillery fire
from all sides, which inflicted many casualties. The Brigade, upon nearing the
enemy, then went into a full charge. The 17th Lancers, commanded by Captain
William Morris, drove through the Russian artillery before smashing straight
into the Russian cavalry and pushing them back. The Light Brigade were unable
to consolidate their position, however, having insufficient forces (the Heavy
Brigade had not advanced further into the valley) and had to withdraw to their
starting positions, coming under artillery and musket fire and cavalry attack
as they did so.
Despite the mistakes that culminated in unnecessary loss,
the charge reasserted the renown of the British cavalry, to such an extent that
Russian cavalry refused outright to confront them in battle for the duration of
the war. The 17th Lancers suffered quite heavily. Of the 147 men of the 17th,
just 38 were at the roll call the following morning. The Light Brigade as a
whole suffered 118 men killed and 127 wounded out of a total of 673 men and 362
horses lost, effectively destroying the unit as a fighting force.
The remarkable history of Barker Black
Barker Black is the epitome of English refinement.
Established in the village of Earls Barton in 1880 by Arthur Barker, the
factory quickly became renowned for their craftsmen and fine workmanship.
Specializing in the "Good Year Welted" construction, the shoes became
a staple in the wardrobe of every self-respecting Englishman. After 125 years
of producing quality bench made shoes in a factory christened by the Queen mum
herself, Barker Black has been developed to embrace the storied past while
forging ahead in design, details, and elegant sophistication.
Until now, these distinguished shoes, so revered in England,
have primarily been available in the UK, with the launch of Barker Black,
Barker is ready to prove itself in the worldwide luxury market.
A foundation of quality construction, craftsmanship and
modern design is the launch pad for Barker Black. Barker Black shoes are
created by a team of specialized craftsmen, many of whom have been working with
the company over twenty years. Harnessing this expertise, quality and attention
to detail, along with its contemporary design, is what makes Barker Black so
special. These sleek and luxurious shoes, made from the finest Italian and
French Calf, are left on the last for fifteen to thirty days, during this time
the shoes are placed in a wire frame (affectionately referred to as the 'cage')
and suspended from the rafters above the factory. This extensive time on the
last allows the shoe to retain its beautiful shape. All Barker Black shoes are
finished by hand, on select shoes the skull and crossbone logo is painstakingly
tacked into the sole by hand. Raising the standards of excellence in design,
materials and construction the Barker Black range will be on par with
Northampton neighbors, however through its updated sensibility and modern
aesthetic, Barker Black will stand on its own.
Barker Black was founded as the modern alternative to Men's
shoes and accessories. With their sleek design and time-tested construction,
Barker Black shoes and accessories have a playful spirit but are appropriate in
even the strictest workplace. The subtle details that make the wearer feel
unique are so well incorporated into the design of the collection; they would
be difficult for others to notice. Little touches like a crown cutout on a
traditional penny loafer or the delicate broguing on the toe in the shape of a
crowned skull and crossbones, the Barker Black logo, offer the finest in
subversive sophistication.
Barker Black upholds the standards established by
generations of renowned craftsmen but with modern styling that brings
excitement back to dressing and provides a sophisticated alternative to
trainers.
The shoe range is designed with a nod to the man who is required
to dress for work and fit into the modern conventions of dress attire, but has
a desire to assert his individuality without drawing unwanted attention. These
details are where Barker Black sets itself apart, from toe broguing, slender
waists, and bespoke sole tacking, the result is sleek and modern. These details
give the Barker Black customer the confidence and individuality he is longing
for with classic style, to be envied by the staunchest conservative. Every shoe
is slightly unexpected, from a traditional loafer with a twist to designs best
described at "Rock & Roll Chic". As young men take back formal
dress, Barker Black couples old world artisanship with modern day elegance and
attitude to cater to discerning men with a craving for something new.
At Barker Black everything is designed with luxury,
aesthetics and attitude in mind. The tie designs take inspiration from Royal
crests to jailhouse tattoos, gentleman's ties to avante guarde designs with
attitude. All three collections invoke the same sense of rebellion but are
balanced with soft unexpected color, in a modern yet familiar and easy to wear
palette of dusty pastels, a staple in the modern gentleman's wardrobe.
No comments:
Post a Comment