TODAY, British heritage brand Baracuta launches their debut collaboration with emerging South Asian artisan label Kartik Research by Kartik Kumra. The two brands come together to explore the legacy of craftsmanship from their respective homelands, interweaving their signature design languages to form a collection of contemporary everyday workwear with a timeless vintage sensibility.
First revealed on Kartik Research runway during Paris Fashion Week, the capsule collection draws on the brand’s Autumn Winter 24 inspiration rooted within the dual identity of India, the romanticised ‘fantasyland’ of British Raj remnants, juxtaposed against the brash globalised western world. Kumra entwines the polarised realms of India with Baracuta’s Northern Soul to craft a 6-piece collection of apparel and outerwear reimagining the Manchester brand’s iconic G9 and G4 jackets through an artisanal lens.
The collection consists of boxy relaxed tailoring featuring a lightweight cotton shirt and loose-fitting black straight-leg pleated trousers adorned with traditional Zardozi floral hand embroidery with intricate beaded embellishment. Applique is mirrored on an army-green cotton-jersey hoodie with exposed raw-cut edge seams adding to the relaxed yet refined feel of the collection.
Baracuta’s iconic G9 Harrington jacket is redefined through the Kartik Research design philosophy, as handmade details such as embroidery and embellishment bring a craftsmanship quality to the uniform staple. The brand’s signature Fraser tartan lining is re-created on handlooms by local artisans, preserving the legacy of the ancient Indian handicraft, a core tenant of Kartik Research, as the brand strives to reintroduce humanness to clothing. Mainstay characteristics of the G9 such as the jacket’s distinct umbrella back yoke and two-buttoned dog ear collar remain recognisable features of the silhouette, as Kumra effortlessly units the two brand’s distinctive design identities.
Elsewhere in the collection, Baracuta’s iconic G4 jacket is reinterpreted in a handmade patchwork quilt with Kantha embroidery detailing, breathing new life into the classic style. Kumra works with a women- owned cooperative from Maharashtra, West India to develop the quilted fabric, handmade and hand stitched without the use of electricity. Each piece has its own unique nature, embracing its imperfect character, while the G4’s distinctive defining features remain the same such as raglan sleeves, umbrella back yoke, two-buttoned dog ear collar and two-way front zip fastening for maximum versatility and breathability.
Kartik Research x Baracuta brings the best of the brands’ distinguishing characteristic features together to create a timeless collection of future heirlooms.
Kartik Research x Baracuta is available from Friday 27th September on:
– From selected retailers such as Dover Street Market, Paris, IT, Liberty, Mr Porter, Selfridges, SSENSE with prices starting from £325 / €380 / $410.
– www.baracuta.com
– www.kartikresearch.com/
