Inside Barbour's new campaign, starring Sienna Miller and Idris Elba
Creating distinct, instantly recognisable house codes is a goal many brands chase, yet few achieve it. Barbour is one of the lucky ones. For more than 130 years, the South Shields heritage label has harnessed its staying power and distinct DNA, nowhere more so than in its iconic tartan families, often revealed on the inside of a Beaufort jacket, a quilted gilet or a wool scarf. Together, these setts tell a deeply woven story of heritage and belonging—a seal of trust, longevity and, at its core, the utmost pride.
Today, that family expands, welcoming two reimagined Barbour tartans: Shadow Classic and Birchwood. The first calls upon an autumnal-flecked palette of Olive, Cranberry Red, Fig and Tan, taking its cue from the Scottish countryside—the Kirkcudbrightshire landscape founder John Barbour left behind on his 130-mile journey to South Shields in 1894. The second—Birchwood—reworks Barbour's traditional dress tartan, bringing a marriage of camel and navy tones to the fore.
To bring the new tartans to life, the label called on longstanding Barbour admirer and fellow British icon Sienna Miller to star in the new-season campaign. Against a backdrop of dramatic Scottish landscapes, the actor is joined by friend and fellow critically acclaimed actor Sir Idris Elba, as the pair embark on a "wild goose chase" across the lands that continue to inspire Barbour decades later. Stopping locals for directions, Sienna traverses the glens in the Carville Mini Skirt—a pleated, micro Shadow tartan check—the Shae V-Neck Tartan Wool Jumper and Hepburn Ankle Wellingtons, a classic (and practical) country essential. Elba, on the opposite side of a miscommunicated meeting place, opts for the Holden Quarter-Zip Jumper and Icons Beaufort Waxed Jacket. Both looks blend Barbour's heritage sensibility, timeless appeal and ingrained practicality for whatever the weather throws your way (surprise puddles included).
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