Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Steve McQueen all kings of cool, but that’s not the only thing they had in common.
They all wore the classic wardrobe staple the Baracuta Harrington g9. Baracuta was started by John Miller and his brothers in Chorlton, Manchester in 1937. Strange to think that a jacket has survived through all the trends and fashions right up to the present day. Or is it? Mods, Punks, Rockabilly’s have always had the Harrington in common. It was the perfect jacket to dance the night away in, as it was light, comfortable and clean cut.
Even the girls got on board, Natalie Wood was even sporting one in the late 50’s early 60’s. Legend has it the name Harrington was coined because of the American TV drama Peyton Place 1964-1969. Ryan O’Neill’s character was named Rodney Harrington who was seen rocking the Ivy League look (American university casual wear) and went nowhere without the Baracuta g9 on his back. So with his Penny loafers, Lacoste polo shirt and, of course, his tartan lined Harrington jacket sent this European export right back to Britain.
Fast forward a decade and the so called Mod revival catapulted the Harrington right back to the forefront of fashion with music icons like Paul Weller wearing his collection of many colours.
So here we are in the 21st century and it’s still as cool today as it always has been. Liam and Noel probably argued who has the most g9’s in their wardrobe, all the cool style conscious
bands of today go nowhere without them, from the Arctic Monkeys to New York’s The Drums .
Last week I was chatting with a French guy who had a cheap market version on, and he remarked how great the Harrington is. I had to tell him his was not a real one as it’s lined with a cloth like a horse blanket. I then showed him mine and told him horses sleep on horse blankets, princes sleep on Baracutas. Cruel I know but someone had to tell him…
© Words Darron J Connett/ ZANI Media