Men's label Neil Barrett entrusts its production to the Italian HIM Co

By

Dominique Muret

Translated by
Cassidy STEPHENS

Published
Dec 16, 2022

Neil Barrett announces a production partnership with Italian manufacturer HIM Co. The High Italian Manufacturing group will oversee the production of the British designer's ready-to-wear collections based in Milan, while the menswear brand will continue to manage its distribution directly. This agreement described as "strategic" should "ensure the future development, quality and delivery of the brand Neil Barrett," said the latter in a statement.

The Milan-based HIM Co was created in late 2020, following the sale of Onward Luxury Group, the European branch of the Japanese group Onward, to its former managers. It develops young labels such as Carlotha Ray, Hyina and the eco-friendly sneakers F_Wd and has numerous licenses, which include Rochas, Joseph, JW Anderson shoes, Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander, Victoria Beckham and more.

Its collaboration with Neil Barrett, which began partially with the spring-summer 2023, will be fully operational from the fall-winter 2023/24 and unveiled at a presentation in January in Milan, said the brand, which has suspended its fashion shows since the pandemic.

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After having his collections made under license for years by the Italian manufacturer Factory, Neil Barrett had decided not to renew his contract, which expired with the fall-winter 2021/22 season, with the idea of bringing the production in-house in order to have more control over prices. Very demanding on quality, the designer has been on the hunt for a year and a half for the best suppliers, allowing him to lower his prices on certain categories, such as jersey pieces and sweatshirts for the contemporary segment, while suits and shirts have maintained a high-end price.

"With certain volumes, it's better to rely on a partner. HIM Co is an important player, which will allow us to be more efficient," explains the company. "I believe that with HIM Co, we can build a solid foundation on which we can build future creative, wearable and desirable collections," comments Neil Barrett.

His collections, which also include some accessories such as shoes and small leather goods, are distributed through 200 multi-brand retailers and about 30 branded boutiques, particularly in Asia. Neil Barrett has 25 points of sale in China opened by its partner Fashion Forward, and three in South Korea, while it had to close its flagships in Milan and London due to the Covid crisis.