Neil Barrett’s fall proposition was above all, functional — with a strong British accent and a tough, urban edge. The designer layered bomber jackets over top coats and gave a classic Crombie a cool parka twist by adding large, utilitarian pockets at the bottom. Military or punk boots like the ones familiar to the streets of London fed into the theme.
The tailoring was strong. Give Barrett a pair of scissors and he will slice through the sides of neatly tailored coats to make room for a guy to reach into the pockets of his low-cut pants, while leaving the garment’s clean lines untouched. But this was as extravagant as it got.
Although the collection impressed with its strong commercial bent via classic outerwear options ranging from British trenches to light Loden bombers in moss green, black, gray and stone, it was a pity that Barrett played it so safe for fall.