Fusing Italian tradition with their own free-spirited design quirks, Sicilian brothers Sergio and Sebastiano and
their partner Alessandro have forged a brand ennobling a myriad of true cultural reference points. And unlike some
other brands, they dig a lot deeper to unearth the truth. It is why they found themselves in the vicinity of Taos
Pueblo – a historical building inhabited by Native American’s for centuries. Ruben A. Romero, the current governor
of Taos Pueblo is often pictured wearing a manta (blanket-like cloak) with a native pattern. Resembling the
authentic motif of these cloaks, Barbanera have created a truly special Japanese corduroy Native American sherpa
trucker jacket. Lined with a super-soft plain sherpa for style and comfort, its point collar and buttoned chest
pockets give it an old school edge. Best worn with the firm’s Bandito jeans, boots, and FDP Western shirt, this
one-of-a-kind trucker jacket which comes in either a bud red or bud blue is a must-have to inject some fire into
your winter jacket armoury.
Nowadays, the Western shirt is embraced with real verve in Europe. It is largely thanks to Barbanera, whose FDP
design is an exemplar of how the firm has carved out their own niche by expertly mixing Western-inspired apparel
into a European framework. The western-style shirt in corduroy carries particular emotional resonance for the
founding trio. On the topic Sergio recently told The Rake: “One in blue was the first garment we produced when we
decided to step away from being a shoes-only brand. It quickly became one of our most iconic staple pieces.” In
light of it being their 10th anniversary it is no surprise to see Western shirt iterations feature
prominently.
Made in a pure “sartorial way” by skilled custodians in Italy using authentic Italian corduroy, their FDP shirt is a
great example of their creative nous when it comes to bring different elements together. Featuring customized
Western pockets, mother-of-pearl snaps and original “Southwest” concho buttons, which are made in the USA, the shirt
is not short of high-end Americana design details. Alternatively, you can enter rare territory by opting for this
design in the fabled Wabash fabric. Thought to be older than denim, it was introduced in the USA around 1840, and
used by rail workers. Its pinstriped pattern is actually the result of dots in line, made by drops of starch on the
indigo Japanese fabric. Rarer still due to the limited quantity produced, you will have to act fast to get your
mitts on the wondrous brown Japanese corduroy “Native American” Western shirt. If you prefer more autumnal tones,
the FDP shirt is offered in both a dark green and light brown corduroy, whilst the heavy checked Japanese cotton
shirt in light brown and black is a Western masterpiece, and another desirable option.
Amongst their winter additions are two kaleidoscopic fleeces. Sergio says: “If you think it’s just another fleece
jacket well, you’re out of line”. Deliberately made to be reversible, you can either wear it on the plain side or
for a touch more rockabilly panache the “hairy” side. Featuring a strong zipper and two large side pockets on both
sides, this Gitane fleece is proof in the pudding that fleeces can be downright cool.
Named after Dean Martin, the unfeasibly charismatic entertainer and giant of style, their pure Italian cashmere
turtleneck sweaters are casual and chic. The advantage of a sleek sweater is that it remains flawless underneath a
tailored jacket, and if you decide to emanate Sergio’s rock ‘n’ roll side it neatly tucks into a pair of
high-waisted suit trousers. Eric Clapton used to don a very similar look, often incorporating a pinstriped vest over
a shirt or rollneck jumper. Featuring customized metal buttons, Barbanera’s Jesse vest beetles out that rock-dude
image that Clapton was so revered for, whilst its pinstriped pattern and two front waist pockets supply the Western
elements. Any one of the VBC wool Stone Free flat-fronted flared trousers could be paired with the aforementioned
garments and with any one of their Cash boots for a truly badass ‘70s look. And for the hedonistic dandies out
there, look out for the psychedelic Calvin floral Japanese corduroy vest.
In most regions of Europe, the frost has really started to bite. It’s handy to have at least one very warm sweater.
The issue with finding this type is that they’re often too bulky and made from mediocre fabrics. The Kirk cable-knit
sweater eliminates both of these hitches. Made from 100% Italian Merino wool, it feels incredibly luxurious – an
attribute that allows it to seamlessly perform under tailoring. It’s a combination that would serve you well in the
workplace this winter, and so would their updated versions of the Augusto workshirt. Like some of the Western
shirts, Barbanera picked a high-quality and rare Japanese heavy cotton for the workshirt, giving it the right
credentials for both the outdoors and confines of an office.
With the masterful incorporation of suiting, their collection brilliantly explores and embraces the different
dimensions of being a gentleman. They continue to be louche rule-breakers with the way they style the suits, but it
must be reiterated, that with the tailoring rendered in personally selected VBC wool, and fully-canvassed, they
follow the good old rules of Italian tailoring. Like the rest of their collection, they are classic items, but given
a healthy dose of Barbanera attitude that champions “truth and culture”.
