Neil Barrett (fashion designer)
Neil Barrett | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1965 |
| Nationality | English |
| Education | Central Saint Martins, Royal College of Art |
| Label | NEIL BARRETT |
Neil Barrett (born Neil Barrett Barber in 1965, Devon) is an English fashion designer, based in Milan, Italy. He gained his reputation and built his business around minimalist menswear.[1][2]
Biography
Neil Barrett was born in Devon, South West England. Both his grandfather and great-grandfather were master tailors.[1]
Neil studied at both Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art in London.[1] Immediately after his graduation, Neil was recruited to work with Florence-based Gucci, where he was appointed Senior Men's designer.[1]
After five years of work with Gucci, Neil was approached by Patrizio Bertelli of Prada, where he was instrumental in establishing the Prada menswear line.[1] Neil's work under the Prada label also established a blueprint of minimal menswear that combines luxurious fabrics and Italian craftsmanship with high-tech sportswear. This approach to the masculine wardrobe also formed the foundation of the Neil Barrett label, which began in 1999.[1]
Neil Barrett's eponymous label opened his first flagship store in Tokyo, Japan, within a year of starting his own-name business. In 2002, Neil Barrett staged his debut catwalk show as part of Milan menswear fashion week.[1]
In addition to his own label, Neil Barrett has collaborated with Puma on a collection of sports shoes.[1] In 2003, he was named creative director for a series of Puma technical collections, starting with Italy’s National Football Team, for whom he created both training and formal wear exclusively.[1] In 2006, Neil Barrett expanded into womenswear.
Production and Distribution
In 2009, Neil Barrett invested in its production division, based in Italy. Production, distribution, and delivery of the brand are based in Tuscany, near Florence, with 85% of the collection made in Italy. Moreover, the decision to reinvest in the company also coincided with continued belief in focusing on fabrics suppliers, new technologies, and artisan producers in Italy.[citation needed]
In 2011, to strengthen distribution, a Neil Barrett boutique opened in Landmark building, Hong Kong. Four boutiques and one monobrand store opened between Autumn 2011 and Spring 2012 in South Korea. All of Neil Barrett's shops are designed by architect Zaha Hadid.
Movies and Celebrities
Recently,[when?] Neil Barrett’s suits have been a favourite with the likes of Gary Barlow, Ben Whishaw, and Matthew Morrison, but international trendsetters began turning to Neil Barrett for their wardrobe needs since 2004: Orlando Bloom, Colin Firth, Jake Gyllenhaal,[1] Lenny Kravitz, Ewan McGregor, Chris Martin, and Mark Ruffalo just to name a few. Neil was especially proud when Brad Pitt[1] chose to wear Neil Barrett for his change in image with Mr And Mrs Smith,[citation needed] becoming the first celebrity to wear one of the "hand aged" leather jackets that have since become signature pieces in the Neil Barrett collections.
After the launch of his Womenswear Collections, Neil Barrett has attracted celebrities, such as Jennifer Aniston,[1] Madonna, Kirsten Dunst, Angelina Jolie, Kate Hudson, and Robin Wright.[citation needed]
Over the years, Neil has also provided wardrobes for movie productions including Spiderman 2 and Spiderman 3, I-Robot, and Ghostrider.[citation needed]
His shirts have been used by music sensation Justin Timberlake for his The 20/20 Experience World Tour and the music video for Take Back The Night.
Notes
References
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (October 2009) |
External links
- [9] Company website
- Neil Barrett at FMD