The Hampden: An Introduction <em>By Robin Clementson</em>
For many established brands, legacy takes decades or centuries to build. But even now, Barnfield Customs’ made-to-order process is a carefully honed craft.
Passion is Overrated
There are a lucky few in life who know exactly what they want to do and have done for as long as they can remember. Most of us aren’t so lucky.
Lawrence Jacket: Production Update No.11
At some point, I'll write up the story of the incredible effort that's gone into these last seven days but right now, the most important thing is...your Lawrence is on it's way!
Lawrence Jacket: Production Update No.10
Although these updates have sometimes been written under pressure, it's been a joy to share the progress and to bring you along with me behind the scenes.
Lawrence Jacket: Production Update No.9
We're on the home stretch! I collected all the jackets from Bolton on Friday and dropped them off at the studio in Leicester first thing Saturday morning.
Lawrence Jacket: Production Update No.8
Being completely transparent, I was getting more than a little bit panicky by this time last week. I'd been to London to visit two potential factories and both had politely turned me down.
Coach Jacket
The sixth wettest July on record gave me the opportunity to test out a prototype coach jacket that I'd designed and had stitched up last year.
Lawrence Jacket: Production Update No.7
In order to get the Lawrence made, most of the elements that make up the whole jacket are undertaken by separate individuals.
Lawrence Jacket: Production Update No.6
Last week was spent taking all the pattern pieces for each of the 50 jackets and laying them out to be as efficient as possible - this is known as a 'marker' in trade talk.
Lawrence Jacket: Production Update No.5
The replacement lining has been delivered, I've dropped it off with the crew at Harvey Quilting and I've been promised that I can pick it up at the end of the week.
Field Notes No.15
Over the years, I've found inspiring British brands who are overcoming the (many!) barriers of running a business on this island.
Lawrence Jacket: Production Update No.4
When I ordered the printed lining, I over ordered by 10% to give me some wiggle room but I couldn't have predicted that I'd need an extra 50% contingency.
Lawrence Jacket: Production Update No.3
After everything going to plan last week, this week has been a tale of chasing couriers.
Lawrence Jacket: Production Update No.2
I've been busy speaking with suppliers and taking delivery of fabrics this week. I've also been running through the results from the size survey and catching up with some of you on Zoom.
Lawrence Jacket: Production Update No.1
From buying your jacket through to delivery, I want the entire experience to be positive. Putting myself in your shoes, a big part of that means being kept up to date.
Field Notes No.14
Every jacket that I design is hand crafted in the U.K. in limited edition, small batches. We use organic fabrics, locally source wherever possible and will never create anything that’s ‘on trend’ to make a fast buck.
Field Notes No.13
I finally have the fit right. We've increased the length by an inch, tapered the back in towards the waist, cut the pattern to follow the curve of the lower back a little closer and given the shoulders structure.
The Last Stop
Barnfield is a story about community. It’s a story about our drive to belong. Even those of us who’ve chosen to walk the path less travelled still gravitate towards others who view the world through a similar lens.
Field Notes No.13
Trying to communicate the entire Barnfield story in 15 second clips hasn't been easy. That's why, when Alan Bell from Kilted Bushido Builds invited me on to his IG Live show, Bushido Brake'down, I jumped on the chance.
Field Notes No.12
There are nearly 8 billion people in the world which raises a question. If I'm producing four jacket styles a year, starting with just 300 Lawrence jackets, is there any real competition or are we all in it together?