It's fairly safe to say that Nigel Cabourn is a very important figure in the world of menswear today. Not only has he been involved in the design and production of quality clothing since the 1970's, he's also a committed collector and clothing historian; specifically in the areas of vintage military, workwear and the outdoors. His passion for history and collecting are forever evident in his collections - with SS17 being no exception.
Nigel Cabourn SS17 LCM - Desert Rats
The underlying theme to this new SS17 collection, particularly within the LYBRO section, is 'The Desert Rats' or, as they were officially known, the British Army's 7th Armoured Division, whose exploits in the Western Desert Campaign during WWII made them famous and earned them the deserved moniker. Personally, I have a fascination with this part of the war as my own Grandfather also fought in North Africa with the Durham Light Infantry.
British Army Desert Rats - North Africa WWII
The division fought in most major battles during the North African campaign; later it would land and fight in Europe, firstly during the early stages of the invasion of Italy before being withdrawn to the United Kingdom where it prepared to fight in North Western Europe. It began landing in Normandy during the afternoon of D-Day, 6 June 1944, and fought its way across Europe, ending the war in Kiel and Hamburg, Germany.
Desert Rats - 7th Armoured Division WWII
The 7th Armoured Brigade was detached from the division during early 1942 and fought the Japanese during the fighting in the early stages of the Burma Campaign. Nigel Cabourn's father actually fought in Burma during the war; we dare say the stories and images from Cabourn senior's war, passed on during Nigel's childhood, have certainly been an influence on his career and direction in clothing!
Although the 7th Armoured Division was disbanded during the 1950s, the history, name and the famous 'Desert Rat' flash is still carried on by the 7th Armoured Brigade.
7th Armoured Division Insignia from 1944
For our own P&P SS17 (Melbourne AW17) Nigel Cabourn collection, we have curated a nice selection of pieces from the Authentic, Lybro and Mainline offerings. Most of our order has now landed and is online and in store from today, with Authentic following in the next couple of weeks from the UK.
From Lybro we have the excellent Mountain Div. Sherpa Jacket and British Army Desert Pant in washed stone HBT. For this season the fits and fabrics have had an upgrade and small details such as the broad arrow rivets add a little something extra to the Lybro range. Also we have the SS17 Naval Dungarees in Lybro blue washed HBT which, as anyone following Nigel will know, are his daily wear favourite item!
Nigel Cabourn in the Lybro Naval Dungarees
A few more Lybro items such as the Palm Tree Print Big Shirt, USMC and Nuclear Hats and the POH shirt are present at P&P, and from mainline we have the new Hospital Suit in tight weave cotton weather cloth. This is an awesome set of semi-formal unlined garments available in two colours and capable of being worn individually, or together as three piece.
Nigel Cabourn SS17 LCM - London
On top of all this we have a few very special fishtail Cameraman Jackets from the Made in England, Authentic range. These will be in very, very limited numbers so don't waste time if you'd like to reserve one. Drop in to see us this weekend, check out the collection and let us know that you're interested.
