This perception that ‘new’ is better than ‘old’ is being rebuffed at the onset of each new fashion season, as the very heart of what is deemed to be luxury ebbs away with every fad and release. The love and appreciation for the time-honoured tradition of craft and workmanship is making a swift return as fast fashion becomes… faster, and the quality gap between the ‘cheap’ and expensive grows larger and larger.
This April sees the first reveal of the wax cotton Archive, in celebration of the current ‘Fit for Purpose’ campaign championing Belstaff’s technological advances in weather proofing garments since 1924, protecting you to venture free in all weather.
While this has spawned a new wave of craftsmanship and niche luxury brands being born, it has also invigorated existing brands with a true heritage of craftsmanship to remind us exactly why they command the fees and following that they do, and so it is with British heritage brand Belstaff.
Such is the extent of the Belstaff Archive that it took 30 months of careful curation before they deemed themselves ready to reveal a selection of its 93 year leather archive during February’s London Fashion Week earlier this year. This April it is the turn of the wax cotton Archive.
The Belstaff Archive now comprises of 150 pieces, the latest additions being the wax cotton selection. These jackets range from the 60s to the 70s, a specifically sought after era; each jacket has an oily hand waxed patina giving them their waterproofing properties. The slanted pocket from the original 50’s design was adapted in the 70s to a horizontal design for a more modern interpretation.
Who better to collaborate with on this historical project than the leading global marketplace for premium & luxury pre-owned fashion, Vestaire Collective, who will be selling the Archive 10 Trialmaster wax cotton jackets on their platform. The partnership is essentially a celebration of the Trialmaster jacket design and also the first time Belstaff has sold any of the curated archive pieces with a partner.
Not just a retail partnership, Belstaff and Vestaire Collective worked together to develop and restore the vintage items for sale alongside The Vintage Showroom, the curator of the Belstaff Archive.
The 10 Trialmaster wax cotton jackets are available to view at the Belstaff New Bond Street flagship and online at vestairecollective.com
BELSTAFF.com
