Nigel Cabourn

Nigel Cabourn is part fashion designer and part historian. His speciality is making outerwear clothing based on historical moments of British history.

In 2003 Cabourn celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Sir Edmund Hilary Mount Everest ascent by basing an entire collection of clothing on what they wore. Edmund Hilary’s iconic orange parka was reproduced and was an international hit.

There is a (somewhat) famous photo of the British explorer Tom Bourdillon wearing his sweater inside out:

… Cabourn released a sweater that looks like you are wearing it inside out.

Cabourn ensures that all of his garment materials are sourced in England (whenever possible) and goes out of his way to track down the original materials, buttons and fasteners that were used in garments from the past.

In 2009 Cabourn opened his first ever retail store, in Tokyo. Japan appears to be the perfect place for work like this, for whatever (probably fascinating) reason, Japan adores products that are extra special and crafted. Don’t you want to own all these coats?

Here is a delightful interview with Nigel Cabourn — note 2 minutes into the interview where he talks about the fasteners that he has been using for over twenty years.

(And where does Nigel Cabourn design such critically acclaimed fashion pieces? Newcastle, England.)