When it comes to British sporting fashion, the charm isn’t just in the cut of a fine coat; it’s woven into centuries of tradition, innovation, and a fair bit of audacity. From the quagmire of the early 1800s, where hunting attire was born out of necessity, to the rich tapestry of tweed and moleskin that tells tales of Scottish Highlands and English countryside, this journey through time reveals how outerwear has evolved from practical to profoundly stylish.

We’ll stroll through the Victorian era, where elegance took a firm grip on hunting and sporting apparel. From there we’ll glide into the Roaring Twenties, when sports jackets became the dandy man’s best friend. Not to forget the most recent 50 years, where you’d find functional designs slimmed down by the likes of James Bond or refreshingly bold takes on traditional styles in any of Guy Ritchie’s productions, blending a bit of the classic with the innovations of the contemporary.

As we embark on this captivating journey through the regional influences of British sporting fashion, I’m taking this week’s edition of The Chronicles to offer you a glimpse behind the proverbial curtain of our Fall/Winter 2025 launch collection. If you recall from the first edition of The Chronicles’ Part 1: An Editorial and Sartorial Journey Curated for the Modern Adventurer, I mentioned that our original concept was “merely a recipe, or rather, not even that just yet.”

I’m thrilled to announce that at this stage of our journey, we’ve rolled up our sleeves and delved into thorough research, collaborating with some truly exceptional industry experts. We’ve scrutinized trends, reviewed style forecasts, and mapped out the rich heritage and traditions inspiring this collection.

Every aspect of our designs—from materials and fabrics to patterns and trims—has been meticulously curated. We've also partnered with extraordinary artisans who don’t just turn our ideas into products; their work weaves a story into every stitch. While we're still far from serving the final dish, rest assured we’re hard at work in the kitchen, cooking up something remarkably special for you. So stay tuned—this reveal promises to be anything but ordinary!

Coco Chanel on a boar hunt with Winston Churchill, 1928

In the shadows of the early 1800s, British hunting attire was decidedly utilitarian, resembling something a rustic farmer might wear rather than a Beau Brummels on Chesterfield Street. Picture loose-fitting woolen shirts and basic breeches, crafted for comfort rather than style, paired with long, unadorned coats that offered little more than shelter from the elements. Wide-brimmed hats or simple caps kept the sun at bay, while hefty leather boots trampled over rugged terrains with all the grace of a bison in a ballroom. While effective, this garb lacked the panache of what would soon define the British sporting scene.

But as hunting shed its skin, transforming from mere survival to a sport for the elite, a sartorial revolution was born. With aristocratic blood coursing through the veins of Victorian society, there arose an undeniable hunger for elegance on the hunt. Gone were the days of drab and dreary; enter the realm of tailored jackets and bespoke trousers, where style and function became the name of the game—a new standard that can, at the very least, be partially credited to our previously mentioned Beau Brummels.

Now let’s not forget the materials, shall we? Wool was the backbone of this wardrobe, cherished for its durability and warmth—a favourite in the colder climes of Scotland and still too, the English countryside. The famed tweed, originating in the Scottish Highlands, not only added flair with its rich patterns but also offered functionality against the whims of the weather. Then, of course, there’s moleskin, that tactile delight borrowed from the hills of England—perfect for the most gentlemanly of hunts without fearing to spoil your sartorial reputation. The tradition of well-tailored hunting apparel was thus sustained and passed down through the ages.

The most notable garments of the era were not merely for show; they were designed to withstand the rigors of the hunt. Men like the Duke of Beaufort and later, even the infamous Winston Churchill himself, became iconic figures sporting these outfits:

The Evolution of Outerwear: A Journey Through Time & Tailoring

As we saunter through the annals of time, the evolution of hunting style outerwear reveals a delightful tapestry woven from the threads of history and high fashion. Our adventure begins in the Victorian Era, the latter two-thirds of the 19th century, a period when hunting attire was catapulted into a realm of style and elegance. No longer mere garments for traversing thorny brambles, the outerwear of this era embraced the finer details, as gentlemen clad in tailored frock coats and waistcoats strutted through the countryside with all the poise of a peacock, a brave one at that. Victorian fashion's penchant for refinement left a lasting imprint on men's outerwear—think luxurious fabrics and flamboyant embellishments that turned the hunt into a veritable display of aristocratic flair.

As we tiptoe into the Roaring Twenties and Thirties, the mood shifts dramatically, ushering in an era of relaxation and sporting vitality. The stiff-upper-lip formality gives way to the rise of the ever-charming sports jacket—a staple that combines casual comfort with an air of sophistication. The British aristocracy and country gentlemen embraced this new wave, swanning about the countryside in stylish, yet practical attire, proving that one could indeed dress well while indulging in the hunt, or as I’ve enjoyed it—the post-hunt feast.

Then we arrive at the mid-20th century—the post-war era, where the mantra “function meets fashion” reigned supreme. Enter Barbour—quite possibly the single most recognizable brand name when you hear the combination of British and outerwear—their jackets, the darlings of utility and panache, built to keep a gentleman warm while meandering through the elements with their signature wax-cotton shells.

Suddenly, practicality was the new black, with functional designs becoming the must-have statement pieces for every aspiring hunter. However, as is the nature of fashion, everything eventually comes full circle; maybe even more so in the time-honored tradition of British hunting styles. You can see a bit of this as famed luxury publication, Robb Report, included Barbour and other modern takes on traditional hunting style in their Nov 2022 issue—5 Pieces of British Hunting Gear That Look Great on and Off the Range.

The influence of cinema played its part too, particularly in the last 50 years, with suave characters, like James Bond, redefining masculine style in the same Barbour hunting look in Skyfall. This iconic look has even been referenced as the most influential menswear outfit in movie history, according to GQ. A tailored jacket could now weather a storm and take down a villain—all in a day's work for the discerning gentleman.

Arguably the most influential look in Bond history

So, as we take a moment to appreciate this delightful evolution, let’s raise a glass to the hunting attire that has morphed through the decades—from the elegant frocks of the Victorians to the stylish sports jackets of today, each piece tells a story that continues to inspire our wardrobes and our adventures in the great outdoors. Cheers to heritage and of course, the hunt!

Crafting a Cinematic-Worthy Legacy in Outerwear

It’s clear that film has become a powerful muse for modern interpretations of classic styles. Guy Ritchie's The Gentleman whisked us away into a world of sharp suits and unapologetic debonair charm, while the gritty elegance of Peaky Blinders showcased the allure of tailored coats and flat caps that make every corner of Birmingham feel like a fashion runway. Even Tom Hardy’s portrayal of a wildly rugged pre-Victorian style in Taboo reminded us that true artistry transcends time—who knew wrapping up in a well-tailored overcoat could feel so rebellious?

During those quiet moments of late-night feeds and the occasional diaper change, I found myself drawn to these films and shows, captivated by how they effortlessly melded character, story, and style. This visual feast ignited a spark in my own creativity—alongside a desire to discover the distant corners of the globe—pointing me with a subtle bearing toward the rich waters of British heritage and craftsmanship.

And voilà, enter the Arc & Iveagh launch collection—Odyssey of the Isles—a tribute to artistry that stands resolutely apart from the ordinary. If you would allow me a moment to be a bit outspoken: the market is flooded with fast fashion offerings that are about as thrilling as a lukewarm cup of tea. The seemingly omnipresent synthetic fabrics and uninspired cuts might be easy on your wallet, they may even be trendy for a short while, but they lack the depth and character that defines the timeless style that inevitably always comes back.

Standard neutral tones? They do little more than blend into the background, akin to wallpaper that you barely notice—a time and a place I will admit, but in outerwear? I beg you, express yourself a little, I promise you won’t regret it. And then there’s the cookie-cutter branding, which tends to be more drab than dapper.

At Arc & Iveagh, I can assure you, we refuse to be swept up in the tide of the ordinary. Instead, we strive to create a collection that stands out as a beacon of character and craftsmanship—infused with heritage and the artful details that make life a touch more exquisite.

Unveiled: The ‘Odyssey of the Isles’ Collection

It brings me immense pleasure to reward those who made it this far in this week’s entry, to introduce the Odyssey of the Isles, Arc & Iveagh’s launch collection—a tribute to the rich tapestry of the British Isles.

This collection draws inspiration from the rich heritage and artisanship of this region, where centuries-old craftsmanship and storied mills bring a timeless elegance to each fabric, revealing a tapestry of history and style woven into every piece. For us, it was the rugged charm of the Scottish Highlands, the serene elegance of the English Cotswolds, the heritage and artisanship of Savile Row tailors, and the vibrant culture of coastal Irish towns.

The Odyssey of the Isles reflects this deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry that define British-Isle style, effortlessly blending timeless elegance with the spirit of exploration. Each piece is designed with clarity and purpose, using only the highest-quality materials, a thoughtful approach to detail and embodying the region with each fabric and trim selected. You won't find ordinary in these offerings; they are made to stand the test of time and trends, exuding an exclusive appeal that invites the gentleman to embrace his individuality.

Our founder invites you behind the scenes to share insights from his journey as he navigates the world of menswear and lifestyle. With a sense of curiosity and a touch of creativity, he embraces transparency and collaboration, believing that the best ideas often emerge through open conversation and shared experiences. After all, as I like to say, “One good idea deserves another, much like good whiskey deserves a fine glass!”

In an upcoming edition of The Chronicles, we’ll dive deeper into the backstory of this collection, revealing the inspirations and craftsmanship that have gone into creating it; as well as the styles, fabrics and trims that make it. Prepare to be captivated as we peel back the layers and unveil the heart and soul of Arc & Iveagh, where each garment tells a story worth wearing.

Embracing Heritage: A Stylish Journey into the Future

With this exploration of British sporting fashion, it’s clear that the journey from rugged practicality to refined elegance is as rich and textured as the fabrics that define it. From the early utilitarian styles that kept hunters warm to the sophisticated outerwear wrapped around today’s gentleman, the evolution is nothing short of remarkable.

Here at Arc & Iveagh, we embrace this legacy while daring to spin our own tale—the Odyssey of the Isles collection exemplifies our commitment to heritage, craftsmanship, and the art of storytelling through style.

So, as you don your finest outerwear, (or are just waiting for us to release ours) remember: you aren’t merely making a fashion choice—you’re stepping into a grand narrative that celebrates the very essence of British Isles style.

Stay tuned—our journey is just beginning, and I promise it will be worth every stitch.