The Harrington is back!

I’m seeing some in many shops since few weeks. It appealed my curiosity, so I tried to discover its origins. Why, if Harrington is supposed to be a brand, can we also find it among other brands like Ben Sherman or Fred Perry’s collections? (we’ll notice that they’re both English brands!)

Starting the search

Starting point: I got in touch with one of Harrington’s managers. He gave me a brief outline of the brand’s history to answer my questions. And another surprise: he kept refering to English culture! How could it really come from France? I saw that the question made them uncomfortable, so I changed the direction of my research…

The original!

Later, broaching the subject with a fan of English fashion, I discovered another brand, English this time, who was claiming the invention of the Harrington: its name is Baracuta! I followed this way and it lead me to a Baracuta’s representatives who answered my first question very clearly:

- Is the Harrington from France?
- Ours is the TRUE and Original. Ask me some questions and I will be delighted to tell you the real story.

It seemed that I went in the right direction. And his answers to my questions allowed me to discover the origins of the “Harrington” name.

Here’s the story

Baracuta was created in the 30′s, and became particularly well-known for the quality of its raincoats. One of its jacket is called the G9. It’s basically a sort raincoat made of waterproof material, which length is particularly well-suited to play golf (hence the G). How come? Well, that’s the use it was designed for.

Then, why is it called “Harrington” if its original name is supposed to be G9?
Well, it’s a nickname which use came later. In the 60′s, there was a very popular series on American TV called “Peyton Place”. The first to be broadcasted early in the evening (at primetime). It was made of 514 30-minute episodes and was shown between 1964 and 1969. One of the characters, Rodney Harrington, was played by Ryan O’Neal. And he was wearing a G9!

At that time, John Simmons owned a famous store in London called “The Ivy Shop”. He was the first person to call the jacket a “Harrington”, refering to the series. As often with popular nicknames, it did spread, and has stuck! All this story to tell you why we call this jacket “Harrington”. Isn’t it great?

Characteristics

As the jacket was designed for golf players, it’s side pockets are deep and angled. Now you know about the original use, can you guess why such features? Yes, to keep golf balls! Another thing, there’s no seam at the shoulders level to feel more comfortable while making golf moves. Baracuta’s Harrington has two patented features : the tartan, whose design is specific to them, and the umbrella-shaped rear designed to allow water running off the back of the jacket to avoid your trousers to get wet!

Harrington, music, sport and cinema

Let’s go back to my college years, were I discovered that the jacket was worn by the Clash during a concert in Times Square (1981)! And that’s the reason why it is part of the punk and general rock outfit. More recently, Liam Gallagher, Franz Ferdinand, Razorlight and Pete Doherty are wearing it. And again more recently we’ve seen on Mr. James Bond, Daniel Craig’s shoulders, and also sports stars such as Thierry Henry.

Now you now know the whole story of the “Harrington”. Here are some addresses where you can buy the Baracuta “Harrington” in Paris from. RRP: €189

The post Harrington jacket : the original! appeared first on French Truckers : men fashion blog.

This black t-shirt by Two Angle Clothing has a large Paris Hilton photo print on the front. The brand likes to take iconic people and show them in provoking positions. Then this tee is also available with Amy Whinehouse and David Beckham :) Made of 100% Cotton.

£25 from Reemclothing

The post Two Angle Finger T-shirt appeared first on French Truckers : men fashion blog.

This Costume National balck Jeans features a slight stretch, belt loops, zip fly fastening and silver zips on the back pockets. Elastane: 2% On sale!

Sale price: €138,60 (Was €198) from Farfetch

The post Costume National Black Jeans appeared first on French Truckers : men fashion blog.

This belt by Vurt features 3 row pyramid studs, single pin & roller buckle and logo-embossed buttons.

Sale price: €12.96 (Was €19.45) from PacSun

The post Vurt 3 Row Copper Belt appeared first on French Truckers : men fashion blog.

Paul Smith Jeans black leather belt with black and grey coin, Union Jack flag buckle. The belt is finished with embossed Paul Smith signature logo on the belt loop.

Sale: €58 (Was €117) from Milan Clothing

The post Paul Smith Jeans Belt appeared first on French Truckers : men fashion blog.

Born in 2006, Monkee Genes offers organic jeans with a retro twist and luscious sateen in pop art inspired colours. From July 2008, Monkee Genes has been awarded the Soil Association organic standard and the Global Organic Textile Standard (“G.O.T.S”.). This is the first affordable, organic jean with this accreditation!

Sale price: £39.99 (Was £49.99) from EBTM
Official website: www.monkeegenes.co.uk

The post Monkee Genes appeared first on French Truckers : men fashion blog.

The dunkirk boot from H by Hudson is an ankle boot that oozes style and class and features wraparound lace and a nice stitch detail on the heel.

£70 (Was £119.99) from Schuh

The post H By Hudson lace boots appeared first on French Truckers : men fashion blog.

This black stretch skinny denim from Marc by Marc Jacobs with tone-on-tone stitching, three front pockets, four reverse pockets and zip fly with button front fastening is now on sale!

Sale price: £102.00 (Was £204.00) from My-wardrobe

The post Marc by Marc Jacobs Skinny Jeans appeared first on French Truckers : men fashion blog.

I like a lot these leather work-boots with their two-tone effect in grey. These boots by All Saints named “the Volker”. They feature a lace up front, fold over tongue and panel sections with stitch detailing.

£140 from Allsaintsshop.co.uk

The post All Saints Volker Boot appeared first on French Truckers : men fashion blog.

These Ray-Ban Wayfarer come from a special series by Ray-Ban name “Rare Print”. This is “NYC Subway” Edition. The Subway pattern on Wayfarer is a section of the New York City subway map. Get more pictures of these sunglasses from my “french weblog“.

$145 from 80′s Purple

Get 10% off and FREE SHIPPING & 10% by entering the promotional code “freeplus10″ during checkout until Wednesday the 12/09/09 at 11:59 PM.

The post Wayfarer subway appeared first on French Truckers : men fashion blog.