First time I see this term mentioned in the US:
http://www.jpressonline.com/outerwear_jackets_detail.php?ix=2
Americans used to talk about Baracutas/ G9s...
It was a John Simons/ London thing, and it became popular with youth culture all over Europe, but the Americans didn't talk about Harrington jackets...
Presumably called that as they're made by Baracuta? I've always preferred the check lining to the zip edges rather than a self coloured band. My leather Baracuta for some reason doesn't have the tartan face all the way to the zip, which as it's slightly padded also causes a visible bump down the fonrt sides of the zip.
Interesting that Press is doing that though instead of the usual US wide cut 'barracuda' styles. Japanese owners?
I got a look at the current Baracuta catalogue yesterday. Well-known picture of John Simons with friends, enjoying life. A different world. When I spoke of the Harrington the shopkeeper said - rather loftily - We call it the G9.
Well, blow me down.
I used to have a natural Van Heusen number. Americana shops did them at about 25 quid a time only three or four years ago. About time they went the way of the Ben Sherman shirt.
No, in the murky Midlands. A shop strictly for trendies. Tuesday I saw rails of zippered jackets all labelled as Harringtons' - including Penney, Campus, Peters and London Fog. When I told them they weren't Harringtons they just looked at me gone out. Poor old codger, don't know what he's talking about. Pacified, however, by picking up a Purist candy stripe for 1.99. I was wearing a more or less identical BB. These Americana shops are a bit of a joke - the staff wouldn't know Ivy if it kicked them in the butt.
I don't want to sound too harsh, but I think Baracuta - and maybe Press - deserve a good kick in the pants over this. Johnny Simons ought to get something for his trouble.
A few black knock-offs around at the moment, invariably teamed with rubbish - swinging open over a beer belly. It's over.