Two heavyweights from the world of music and menswear collaborate on this iconic piece
Liam Gallagher, one of the most recognisable figures in modern British music comes together with revered menswear designer, Nigel Cabourn, to reimagine a garment that is steeped in military history and British popular culture ‒ the smock parka.
Well known for his love of this design, Liam Gallagher looked no further than aficionado Nigel Cabourn, who with 50 years of vintage inspired menswear design under his belt, was the perfect choice to collaborate with on a new parka.
Staying true to both of their northern roots, this special piece has been made by Lancashire based Mackintosh using British heritage fabric Ventile, which was originally developed at the Shirley Institute in Manchester specifically for the RAF in WW2.
Taking a 1940s military smock for inspiration Liam and Nigel have worked together on updating the design making it longer in length and adding a dipped hem at the back but retaining many of the original features.
“The parka has a special place in both our lives,” says Nigel Cabourn. “I’ve been designing my own take on this great functional piece of clothing for decades now and Liam has been collecting and wearing parkas on stage for a large part of his 28 year music career. It’s definitely something we’re both passionate about and I think this shows in the parka we’ve produced.”
As ever with anything Cabourn produces, the attention to detail on the parka is second to none. As well as being made in Ventile it features the same pocket set up and button up neck as the original; drawstring at the hood, waist and hem with leather bearer, waxed cotton cord with wooden stoppers.
It comes in five military inspired colours ‒ navy, army green, vintage orange, survival yellow and black and will be available from Nigel Cabourn Army Gym stores in London and Japan, online at www.cabourn.com and selected retailers. RRP £895.
The pair have also collaborated on a very limited edition reversible parka in rip stop cotton that will be exclusive only to Nigel Cabourn stores in London and Japan and its online store.
