Noah x Barbour S/S ‘25
For us, Barbour has always been a brand we’ve loved. It’s been part of the landscape for as long as we can remember—a staple in the best possible way. It endures because it’s so good; you simply can’t walk away from it. It’s that practical and timeless.
We wanted to find a way to extend that year-round love affair with Barbour, even into the warmer seasons. That’s where the pivot to dry cloths came in, alongside silhouettes and colorways that are lighter, more versatile, and perfectly suited for summer. Our Wading Jacket is a uniquely tailored piece, designed exclusively for Noah. Inspired by the classic Spey jacket, it features a distinctive cut with an extended length—two inches longer than the original—for added versatility and coverage.
In America, Barbour’s historical context ties it closely to the prep category, which opened up an opportunity to introduce something like a Madras pattern to the jacket. By applying these modern elements, the pieces still feel authentic and true to the Barbour universe—it all just fits.
To help bring this collection to life we turned towards our friends & family who are constant sources of inspiration and embody everything that we design into when creating a piece of clothing. Their physically active, engaged lives pursuing their passions give them a unique perspective of the world.
We caught up with them to hear about what spring means to them and gain some insight into their passions and hobbies.
Neil Fenton
Age
55
Location
East Village, NYC
Profession
Metal Fabrication
How did you first get into metal fabrication?
That would be my dad. Growing up in California, he had a garage full of tools, and I was allowed to use them—at least the ones that wouldn’t take my hand off. I built skateboard ramps, fixed bikes, and tinkered with whatever I could. When I moved to New York, I started getting into motorcycles, which led me to learn more about metalwork. I collected tools, read manuals, and taught myself as I went. It became a natural progression.
Talk to us about the chairs you make. Is there anything unique about them?
Every chair is unique in some way, especially when designers bring in their own vision. But if you look long enough, you realize that everything has already been done before—it’s just about finding the right execution.Good design comes down to solutions. Some ideas might look great in a photo but don’t work in reality. A chair, for example, needs to be more than just aesthetically pleasing—it has to be functional.
My job isn’t necessarily to design but to bring other people’s visions to life. Sometimes that means making adjustments so the design actually works without compromising the original idea. It’s similar to how a pattern maker works with a fashion designer—helping refine a concept so it can be produced in a way that’s both beautiful and functional.
How did you come to do this activity?
In 2018 I bought my first 8mm on eBay and took it with me on my first trip to Paris, just me and my camera.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Honestly, I don’t have a single source of inspiration or any particular heroes. Sometimes listening to music puts me in the right mindset, but I don’t overthink it. I just let things come naturally.
Do you find it rewarding to do things yourself?
Absolutely. Sometimes, instead of paying someone for a mediocre job, you’re better off buying the tools, learning the skill, and doing it yourself. There’s also something really meditative about working alone in a garage, listening to music, and just being in your own world. It reminds me of when I studied photography—spending hours in the darkroom, measuring time by how many cassette tapes I flipped. Fabrication is similar. You lose track of time, but you’re fully immersed in the work.
Do you have a signature look when it comes to your metal work?
Not really, at least not with furniture, since I’m executing other people’s designs. But when I was working on motorcycles, I did develop a style. Early on, my custom builds had too many little details, and they ended up looking overdone. Over time, I refined my approach, aiming for a "factory custom" look—something that felt like it could’ve been made by the manufacturer, just subtly tweaked. I wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, just enhance what was already there.
What does New York City mean to you?
When I first moved here, I wanted to see everything—walk every street, take it all in. Now, after all these years, I appreciate that everything is available, even if I don’t go out and do it all. I like knowing it’s there. Walking down the street, you see people constantly moving, creating, doing something new. That energy is what makes New York special.
What does springtime mean to you?
Everyone is finally getting out of their winter layers. The city wakes up, people are in a better mood, and suddenly, bicycles are everywhere.
What is one quality you admire in others?
Treating people equally, no matter their title or position. At the end of the day, people are just people.
At the end of the day what’s it all about?
Hanging out with Cynthia, my cat. And maybe a surf trip.
Neil Fenton
Age
55
Location
East Village, NYC
Profession
Metal Fabrication
How did you first get into metal fabrication?
That would be my dad. Growing up in California, he had a garage full of tools, and I was allowed to use them—at least the ones that wouldn’t take my hand off. I built skateboard ramps, fixed bikes, and tinkered with whatever I could. When I moved to New York, I started getting into motorcycles, which led me to learn more about metalwork. I collected tools, read manuals, and taught myself as I went. It became a natural progression.
Talk to us about the chairs you make. Is there anything unique about them?
Every chair is unique in some way, especially when designers bring in their own vision. But if you look long enough, you realize that everything has already been done before—it’s just about finding the right execution.Good design comes down to solutions. Some ideas might look great in a photo but don’t work in reality. A chair, for example, needs to be more than just aesthetically pleasing—it has to be functional.
My job isn’t necessarily to design but to bring other people’s visions to life. Sometimes that means making adjustments so the design actually works without compromising the original idea. It’s similar to how a pattern maker works with a fashion designer—helping refine a concept so it can be produced in a way that’s both beautiful and functional.
Do you have a signature look when it comes to your metal work?
Not really, at least not with furniture, since I’m executing other people’s designs. But when I was working on motorcycles, I did develop a style. Early on, my custom builds had too many little details, and they ended up looking overdone. Over time, I refined my approach, aiming for a "factory custom" look—something that felt like it could’ve been made by the manufacturer, just subtly tweaked. I wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, just enhance what was already there.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Honestly, I don’t have a single source of inspiration or any particular heroes. Sometimes listening to music puts me in the right mindset, but I don’t overthink it. I just let things come naturally.
Do you find it rewarding to do things yourself?
Absolutely. Sometimes, instead of paying someone for a mediocre job, you’re better off buying the tools, learning the skill, and doing it yourself. There’s also something really meditative about working alone in a garage, listening to music, and just being in your own world. It reminds me of when I studied photography—spending hours in the darkroom, measuring time by how many cassette tapes I flipped. Fabrication is similar. You lose track of time, but you’re fully immersed in the work.
What does New York City mean to you?
When I first moved here, I wanted to see everything—walk every street, take it all in. Now, after all these years, I appreciate that everything is available, even if I don’t go out and do it all. I like knowing it’s there. Walking down the street, you see people constantly moving, creating, doing something new. That energy is what makes New York special.
What does springtime mean to you?
Everyone is finally getting out of their winter layers. The city wakes up, people are in a better mood, and suddenly, bicycles are everywhere.
What is one quality you admire in others?
Treating people equally, no matter their title or position. At the end of the day, people are just people.
At the end of the day what’s it all about?
Hanging out with Cynthia, my cat. And maybe a surf trip.
Eny Lee Parker
Age
35
Location
Brooklyn, NY
Profession
Furniture and lighting designer
Was there anything in your life that led you to study design?
My mom always encouraged me to pursue the arts. She saw that I was drawn to it and had the skills, so she nurtured that interest from a young age. Originally, I was a painting major, but one of my professors advised me that it might be a tough industry to make a living in. He suggested I try design. I started rendering spaces, and it wasn’t even about the act of designing interiors—I just realized I had a talent for rendering. That led me to interior design, and from there, my path unfolded.
Why ceramics?
When I was in graduate school studying furniture design, the curriculum was heavily craft-based. We worked with wood, metals, and other materials, but none of them ever stood out to me in a way that felt natural. Then, I took a wheel-throwing class at a community space, and something clicked. I started wondering what ceramics could look like on a furniture scale. That curiosity led me to an artist residency, where I challenged myself to explore ceramics in a much larger format. That’s how I found my way here.
What makes a good piece of furniture or an object for the home?
A sense of intimacy. It’s interesting to think about creating an emotional connection with something that isn’t living, but I believe that knowing the story behind a piece—where it came from, who made it, how long it took to create—adds value. When you have that understanding, you cherish it more over time.
What’s your favorite color?
Red is often associated with passion, but when it has warm undertones, like terracotta, it feels more nurturing and intentional. It carries both energy and a sense of grounding, which I find really attractive. I started my studio working primarily with terracotta, often firing pieces without glazes to deepen the color. I experimented with beeswax finishes, which gave the surface a wet-stone sheen that I love.
Ceramics, like wood, require care—just like maintaining butcher blocks or wooden countertops, you have to continue treating them over time. That idea of nurturing materials is something I really connect with.
What kind of ideas are you exploring right now?
It’s funny—I got to a point where I wasn’t even building my own lamps anymore because my team was handling that. Now, I’m back in the studio, constructing them myself again, and it feels really good. I’m also focusing on improving my glazing techniques, which has always been a challenge for me. And I have two exciting collaborations launching this year—one with a rug company and another with a jewelry collection. It’s been fun to step into different mediums and expand my creativity beyond ceramics.
What does New York City mean to you?
New York City is home. Before I moved here, I never really felt like I had a place that truly fit. But the creative community here—especially in furniture design—is so open, inclusive, and supportive. It’s a place where independent designers can thrive without feeling isolated. There’s room for everyone. New York taught me how to be an adult, but also how to hold onto that Peter Pan sense of wonder, to work hard but also enjoy life.
What does spring mean to you?
Spring is the warm-up to my favorite season—summer. It’s the transition, the reawakening. Flowers bloom, outdoor dining begins, people start planning trips. It’s that first taste of the season to come.
What is one quality you admire in others?
Tenacity and staying positive. With everything happening in the world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But taking care of yourself and the people around you—continuing to move forward with hope—that’s something I really admire.
Eny Lee Parker
Age
35
Location
Brooklyn, NY
Profession
Furniture and lighting designer
Was there anything in your life that led you to study design?
My mom always encouraged me to pursue the arts. She saw that I was drawn to it and had the skills, so she nurtured that interest from a young age. Originally, I was a painting major, but one of my professors advised me that it might be a tough industry to make a living in. He suggested I try design. I started rendering spaces, and it wasn’t even about the act of designing interiors—I just realized I had a talent for rendering. That led me to interior design, and from there, my path unfolded.
Why ceramics?
When I was in graduate school studying furniture design, the curriculum was heavily craft-based. We worked with wood, metals, and other materials, but none of them ever stood out to me in a way that felt natural. Then, I took a wheel-throwing class at a community space, and something clicked. I started wondering what ceramics could look like on a furniture scale. That curiosity led me to an artist residency, where I challenged myself to explore ceramics in a much larger format. That’s how I found my way here.
What kind of ideas are you exploring right now?
It’s funny—I got to a point where I wasn’t even building my own lamps anymore because my team was handling that. Now, I’m back in the studio, constructing them myself again, and it feels really good. I’m also focusing on improving my glazing techniques, which has always been a challenge for me. And I have two exciting collaborations launching this year—one with a rug company and another with a jewelry collection. It’s been fun to step into different mediums and expand my creativity beyond ceramics.
What makes a good piece of furniture or an object for the home?
A sense of intimacy. It’s interesting to think about creating an emotional connection with something that isn’t living, but I believe that knowing the story behind a piece—where it came from, who made it, how long it took to create—adds value. When you have that understanding, you cherish it more over time.
What’s your favorite color?
Red is often associated with passion, but when it has warm undertones, like terracotta, it feels more nurturing and intentional. It carries both energy and a sense of grounding, which I find really attractive. I started my studio working primarily with terracotta, often firing pieces without glazes to deepen the color. I experimented with beeswax finishes, which gave the surface a wet-stone sheen that I love.
Ceramics, like wood, require care—just like maintaining butcher blocks or wooden countertops, you have to continue treating them over time. That idea of nurturing materials is something I really connect with.
What does New York City mean to you?
New York City is home. Before I moved here, I never really felt like I had a place that truly fit. But the creative community here—especially in furniture design—is so open, inclusive, and supportive. It’s a place where independent designers can thrive without feeling isolated. There’s room for everyone. New York taught me how to be an adult, but also how to hold onto that Peter Pan sense of wonder, to work hard but also enjoy life.
What does spring mean to you?
Spring is the warm-up to my favorite season—summer. It’s the transition, the reawakening. Flowers bloom, outdoor dining begins, people start planning trips. It’s that first taste of the season to come.
What is one quality you admire in others?
Tenacity and staying positive. With everything happening in the world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But taking care of yourself and the people around you—continuing to move forward with hope—that’s something I really admire.
Charlie Mitchell
Age
32
Location
NYC, NY
Profession
Executive chef of Saga Restaurant
What are your earliest memories of cooking?
Some of my earliest memories of cooking are with my grandmother. As a kid, I would wander into the kitchen, drawn by curiosity and the warmth of her presence, eager to help in any way I could—even if it was just small tasks. Those moments, simple as they were, planted the seed of my love for cooking.
As I got older, that interest only grew. By high school, I was spending more and more time in the kitchen, refining my skills and deepening my connection to food. Cooking became more than just something I did—it became a part of who I am.
What is your favorite type of food to cook?
Cooking rice may seem simple, but it demands patience, skill, and muscle memory to get it just right every time. It’s an understated yet essential staple across countless cuisines, and its versatility is something I truly appreciate—I could eat it with almost any meal.
As you grow in your culinary journey, you often start by chasing complexity, drawn to intricate techniques and elaborate dishes. But over time, you begin to refine your approach, finding a deeper appreciation for the beauty in simplicity. There’s something profoundly satisfying about mastering the fundamentals, about perfecting the seemingly effortless. A perfectly cooked pot of rice is a testament to that—a small but essential act of precision, care, and understanding.
What does spring mean to you?
Spring is my favorite season to cook in—without a doubt. The spring menu is always the one I look forward to the most because it’s when some of the most beautiful, luxurious produce makes its return. Every year, it reignites my passion for cooking, like a reset that gets me excited all over again.
Even beyond the kitchen, spring in New York feels like a collective awakening. After months of cold, the city comes alive—the energy shifts, people are outside again, and there’s this sense of anticipation in the air. For me, that’s when the year truly begins, both in a culinary sense and in the rhythm of life here.
What does style mean to you?
Finding your style as a chef doesn’t happen overnight. It comes through repetition, trial and error, and creating again and again until certain flavors, techniques, and ideas begin to feel like home. It’s in that constant refining and reimagining that a chef’s true identity starts to take shape.
For me, this process is unfolding in phases. Right now, I believe flavor is what truly sets chefs apart—the personal touch we bring to each dish, the way we want people to feel when they experience our food. It’s more than just technique; it’s about intention.
Every plate tells a story, and the flavors we choose become our language. Whether evoking comfort, nostalgia, or something entirely unexpected, the message behind the meal is where a chef’s style is most clearly expressed.
What is one quality you admire in others?
Unwavering confidence. I think that’s the place we all hope to arrive at. Believing in yourself is one of the most important things you can achieve—the ability to trust your own vision, to motivate yourself every day, to wake up and push forward with conviction. It’s not easy, but when you truly believe in your passion, your dream, or your perspective, it changes everything.
At the end of the day, what’s it all about?
For me, at the end of the day, it all comes down to how we spend our time. The older I get, the more I realize that time is our most valuable resource. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, and what truly matters is how we choose to use them—whether it’s working, being with loved ones, pursuing our passions, or simply being present in the moments that matter.
Charlie Mitchell
Age
32
Location
NYC, NY
Profession
Executive chef of Saga Restaurant
What are your earliest memories of cooking?
Some of my earliest memories of cooking are with my grandmother. As a kid, I would wander into the kitchen, drawn by curiosity and the warmth of her presence, eager to help in any way I could—even if it was just small tasks. Those moments, simple as they were, planted the seed of my love for cooking.
As I got older, that interest only grew. By high school, I was spending more and more time in the kitchen, refining my skills and deepening my connection to food. Cooking became more than just something I did—it became a part of who I am.
What is your favorite type of food to cook?
Cooking rice may seem simple, but it demands patience, skill, and muscle memory to get it just right every time. It’s an understated yet essential staple across countless cuisines, and its versatility is something I truly appreciate—I could eat it with almost any meal.
As you grow in your culinary journey, you often start by chasing complexity, drawn to intricate techniques and elaborate dishes. But over time, you begin to refine your approach, finding a deeper appreciation for the beauty in simplicity. There’s something profoundly satisfying about mastering the fundamentals, about perfecting the seemingly effortless. A perfectly cooked pot of rice is a testament to that—a small but essential act of precision, care, and understanding.
What does style mean to you?
Finding your style as a chef doesn’t happen overnight. It comes through repetition, trial and error, and creating again and again until certain flavors, techniques, and ideas begin to feel like home. It’s in that constant refining and reimagining that a chef’s true identity starts to take shape.
For me, this process is unfolding in phases. Right now, I believe flavor is what truly sets chefs apart—the personal touch we bring to each dish, the way we want people to feel when they experience our food. It’s more than just technique; it’s about intention.
Every plate tells a story, and the flavors we choose become our language. Whether evoking comfort, nostalgia, or something entirely unexpected, the message behind the meal is where a chef’s style is most clearly expressed.
What does spring mean to you?
Spring is my favorite season to cook in—without a doubt. The spring menu is always the one I look forward to the most because it’s when some of the most beautiful, luxurious produce makes its return. Every year, it reignites my passion for cooking, like a reset that gets me excited all over again.
Even beyond the kitchen, spring in New York feels like a collective awakening. After months of cold, the city comes alive—the energy shifts, people are outside again, and there’s this sense of anticipation in the air. For me, that’s when the year truly begins, both in a culinary sense and in the rhythm of life here.
What is one quality you admire in others?
Unwavering confidence. I think that’s the place we all hope to arrive at. Believing in yourself is one of the most important things you can achieve—the ability to trust your own vision, to motivate yourself every day, to wake up and push forward with conviction. It’s not easy, but when you truly believe in your passion, your dream, or your perspective, it changes everything.
At the end of the day, what’s it all about?
For me, at the end of the day, it all comes down to how we spend our time. The older I get, the more I realize that time is our most valuable resource. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, and what truly matters is how we choose to use them—whether it’s working, being with loved ones, pursuing our passions, or simply being present in the moments that matter.
Erica Stanley-Dottin
Age
51
Location
Brooklyn, NY
Profession
Community Marketing Manager for Tracksmith
How did you come into running?
I’ve been running for most of my life. I started as a sprinter in track and field when I was a child, and later, in my 30s, I transitioned into long-distance running and marathons. My main events were the 400-meter dash and the 200-meter dash. They’re both very different from marathons, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the 200 meters.
Running gives me balance. I have a busy life—between work, being a mom, and everything else—so running is the one thing that is truly mine. It allows me to focus, challenge myself, and be intense about something purely for myself. That time alone, out on a run, helps stabilize everything else in my life.
What does community mean to you?
Community is everything. Running changed for me when I found Knox Robinson and the Black Roses running group. Before that, I had teams growing up, but I didn’t have community in the endurance running space. Now, I’m part of something bigger—a network of people who push each other, inspire each other, and show up for one another. That has made all the difference in my journey.
Community, to me, is about bringing people together and creating space for others. It’s not just about organizing events or marketing a brand—it’s about serving others by creating a place where they feel seen, supported, and connected.We all exist as individuals, but we don’t move through the world alone. Building community is about reminding people of that.
What does New York City mean to you?
New York City is the best city in the world. I was born and raised here, and after college, I came right back—there was never a question about it. Yes, it’s hectic, crowded, and expensive, but the energy here is unmatched. That’s what I love about it.
What does spring mean to you?
Spring is about new beginnings. It’s when we shed the heaviness of winter, both physically and emotionally. It’s a time of refreshing energy, when things start to bloom, and the days feel lighter and full of possibility.
What do you think about when you run?
My family, my work, current events, or just how my body feels—I check in with myself a lot. Some days, my mind is filled with things I need to do, and other days, I’m just listening to my breath, feeling my pace, and noticing how my legs, ankles, and stride feel. Each run is different, and I try to stay in tune with my body.
Where is your favorite place to do the thing you love the most?
The beach. I love being near the water, running on the sand, feeling the ocean breeze. It’s where I feel the most at peace.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
From my family, my fellow runners, and the people who have mentored me. But also, I get inspired by hardworking people—anyone who puts in the effort and goes all in on their passions. That kind of relentless drive really motivates me.
What is one quality you admire in others?
Persistence. The ability to go after something without giving up, no matter how hard it gets.
Erica Stanley-Dottin
Age
51
Location
Brooklyn, NY
Profession
Community Marketing Manager for Tracksmith
How did you come into running?
I’ve been running for most of my life. I started as a sprinter in track and field when I was a child, and later, in my 30s, I transitioned into long-distance running and marathons. My main events were the 400-meter dash and the 200-meter dash. They’re both very different from marathons, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the 200 meters.
Running gives me balance. I have a busy life—between work, being a mom, and everything else—so running is the one thing that is truly mine. It allows me to focus, challenge myself, and be intense about something purely for myself. That time alone, out on a run, helps stabilize everything else in my life.
What does community mean to you?
Community is everything. Running changed for me when I found Knox Robinson and the Black Roses running group. Before that, I had teams growing up, but I didn’t have community in the endurance running space. Now, I’m part of something bigger—a network of people who push each other, inspire each other, and show up for one another. That has made all the difference in my journey.
Community, to me, is about bringing people together and creating space for others. It’s not just about organizing events or marketing a brand—it’s about serving others by creating a place where they feel seen, supported, and connected.We all exist as individuals, but we don’t move through the world alone. Building community is about reminding people of that.
What do you think about when you run?
My family, my work, current events, or just how my body feels—I check in with myself a lot. Some days, my mind is filled with things I need to do, and other days, I’m just listening to my breath, feeling my pace, and noticing how my legs, ankles, and stride feel. Each run is different, and I try to stay in tune with my body.
What does New York City mean to you?
New York City is the best city in the world. I was born and raised here, and after college, I came right back—there was never a question about it. Yes, it’s hectic, crowded, and expensive, but the energy here is unmatched. That’s what I love about it.
What does spring mean to you?
Spring is about new beginnings. It’s when we shed the heaviness of winter, both physically and emotionally. It’s a time of refreshing energy, when things start to bloom, and the days feel lighter and full of possibility.
Where is your favorite place to do the thing you love the most?
The beach. I love being near the water, running on the sand, feeling the ocean breeze. It’s where I feel the most at peace.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
From my family, my fellow runners, and the people who have mentored me. But also, I get inspired by hardworking people—anyone who puts in the effort and goes all in on their passions. That kind of relentless drive really motivates me.
What is one quality you admire in others?
Persistence. The ability to go after something without giving up, no matter how hard it gets.