Neil Barrett's passion for fashion began at an early age: born in Devon, South East England, both his grandfather and great-grandfather were master tailors, a talent that runs in the blood for this 'designer's designer' obsessed with the cut and finish of his immaculately-made apparel. In pursuit of his early enthusiasm for fashion, Neil studied at both Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art in London. Immediately after his graduation, Neil was recruited to work with Florentine-based Gucci, where he was appointed Senior Mens' designer. After five years of work with Gucci, Neil was approached by Patrizio Bertelli of Prada, where he was instrumental in establishing the Prada menswear line. Enormously influential, Neil's work under the Prada label also established a blueprint of Minimal menswear that combines luxurious fabrics and unparalleled Italian craftsmanship with high-tech sportswear and a forward-thinking approach to the modern masculine wardrobe. This is an approach that also formed the foundation of the Neil Barrett label, which began in 1999. Neil Barrett's eponymous label met with immediate success from buyers and press, with Barrett opening his first flagship store in Tokyo, Japan, within a year of starting his own-name business. In 2002, Neil Barrett staged his debut catwalk show as part of Milan menswear week. In addition to his own label, Neil Barrett has collaborated with Puma on a collection of sports shoes. In 2003, he was named Creative Director for a series of Puma technical collections, starting with Italy’s National Football Team, for whom he created both training and formal wear exclusively. The hallmarks of the Neil Barrett label are a modern interpretation of the timeless menswear staples of cut and fabric, alongside striking, streamlined styling for the twenty-first century. Fit is key - a selection of slimline cuts carried throughout the collections ensure a continuity of proportion, although the silhouette changes dramatically season on season, each time building a wardrobe for today's man.
