Over the past few years the already burgeoning reputation of Nigel Cabourn has reached new levels, the success of his Japanese Army Gym store propelled his distinctive outdoor heritage designs to the forefront of fashion across the world. AW10 sees the return of some of Nigel’s most renowned creations – or should we say re-creations – each made with an almost obsessive level of attention to detail.

Every piece of outerwear has a rich back story behind it, the Mallory Jacket is based on the jacket worn by George Mallory when he scaled Everest in 1924, wearing just a 3-piece Harris Tweed suit and a pair of sheepskin boots. Mallory never returned from his expedition, but in 1999 the body of this pioneering, and quintessentially British explorer was found, suspended in the ice, and the jacket was committed to a museum.

The Camerman Jacket is one of the most popular Nigel Cabourn styles, a recreation of the jacket worn by world renowned photographer Wilfrid Noyce, who accompanied most of the Polar pioneers and Everest climbers, chronicling their journeys with his trusty camera. At the heart of the jacket’s make up is true Britishness, the lower portion is made from Harris Tweed, providing the wearer with maximum warmth, while the top half is made from the original Mackintosh fabric, waterproof and windproof. This season sees two new colours of the jacket, far more vibrant and modern than previous efforts, but as good as ever, with Nigel having to ask Harris Tweed and Mackintosh to create brand new colours and designs, just for this range.

The range is completed by the seminal Antarctic, or Everest Parka. The detail and quality of this jacket is absolutely unsurpassed, and the AW10 version is an exact one-to-one recreation of the original, down to the neck label and the colour. The jacket would still withstand and Antarctic expedition, with a Ventile shell and hand-stuffed goose down padding, but is just at home during a British winter, with the natural fabrics reacting to changing conditions.

All in all, this is one of the best collections we have seen in some time, head over to the Nigel Cabourn section to have a closer look.

As I am sure you will know, Nigel Cabourn doesn’t do things by halves. Natural Beeswax on his outerwear, production by Mackintosh in the United Kingdom ONLY, and his luggage is on exception. The Army Satchel and Edgar Holdall are two of THE FINEST bags we have ever seen, and are made from 100% genuine deadstock Indian khaki drill, woven circa 1942. First time round these bags sold out in hours, and after a fair bit of arm twisting we convinced Nigel to use the rest of his deadstock stash to produce some more bags especially for us.

The Army Satchel is great for daily use, and the Edgar perfect for a weekend expedition. Produced in the UK using the finest bridal leather and deadstock Indian khaki drill, these are very special bags indeed.

Nigel has no more deadstock fabric left now I’m afraid, so last chance…..