This collection — for the robust of heart and of wallet — was inspired by the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic expedition undertaken in the Fifties, and was loaded with Nigel Cabourn’s signature rugged-luxe outerwear. The designer unveiled the Antarctic parka, a cozy number with coyote trim on the hood, a shearling collar and pricey, water-resistant, heat-preserving fabric developed by Britain’s Royal Air Force. With a price tag of 2,500 pounds, or $3,780, the parka isn’t exactly for the casual trekker.
The collection also featured a slimmer, less expensive version and a host of duffle coats and donkey jackets fashioned from double-faced heavy wool. A pile of chunky turtlenecks made from Scottish wool in faded retro shades like tangerine, chalk blue, or navy conjured images of Ernest Hemingway, as did a lineup of tone-on-tone Fair Isle knits. Double-breasted, peaked lapel jackets had a “Downton Abbey” vibe completely in line with this high-end effort.