Introducing the limited edition collection in collaboration with the iconic Belstaff. Bringing together two British legacy brands with adventurous spirit and a deep-rooted connection to the great outdoors, together we’ve put a new spin on Belstaff archival pieces, bringing our connection to life.
Coming to the Nigel Cabourn Japan online store cabourn.jp on 1st November.
Nigel Cabourn describes Belstaff, a brand that shares the same British heritage as himself, in one phrase:
"The essence of British."
The brand's history dates back to the early 20th century. The Industrial Revolution gave rise to a prosperous middle class, and with the dawn of motorisation, motorcycles emerged as a cutting edge activity. Eli Belovitch, who had been supplying the British military with waterproof fabrics for capes and tents since the First World War, recognised the potential of the new era early on. In 1924, he partnered with his son-in-law Harry Grosberg, to establish Belstaff.
Their outerwear, crafted from advanced waxed cotton fabrics at the time, quickly gained a strong reputation among motorcyclists and adventurers alike. By 1933, Belstaff proudly declared itself "the most popular coat in the British Empire." The brand's popularity is also evident in its clientele, which is said to have included not only make adventurers, but also pioneering female aviators like Amelia Earhart and Amy Johnson.
Belstaff's recognition extended beyond motorcyclists. It was also adopted by the British military during the Second World War, where the company's expertise in crafting exceptional flight jackets further elevated its technological prowess. In addition to jackets for field sports such as camping and fishing, Belstaff produced numerous uniforms for government and civil services, including the police.
A true breakthrough came in 1948 with the creation of the Trialmaster motorcycle jacket. By the 1950's and 60's, this iconic design helped Belstaff establish its position as a leading outerwear brand that symbolised British style. Featuring a shorter length that typical motorcycle coats of the time and four functional pockets, the Trialmaster's innovative design included a pivot sleeve and three-dimensional tailoring to accommodate the rider's forward-leaning posture while maintaining comfort. Its high performance waxed cotton provided excellent waterproofing and cold resistance.
The Trialmaster's timeless function and design won the hearts or cultural icons such as Steve McQueen and Che Guevara, who embodied the spirit of their era. As motorcycle culture exploded among the youth, Belstaff's popularity grew into a global movement – a legacy that still resonates today.
It was perhaps inevitable that Nigel Cabourn, born in Britain in 1949 would, would eventually cross paths with Belstaff — a meeting shaped by the spirit of the era. During his teenage years, Cabourn was drawn to Mod culture and, by his own admission, wasn't initially interested in the wilder, opposing world of biker style. However, it was through attending races that he discovered Belstaff. At the age of 20, he purchased a rubberised cotton riding coat from a local specialist store. The coat's exceptional functional beauty became a key moment of inspiration for what would later become a signature in his design work: design with purpose.
As it turned out, this connection ran even deeper. Years later, Cabourn learned that his own father—who had been stationed in Burma as a British Army soldier during the Second World War—had been issued a Belstaff cape made in 1940. What's more, one of Nigel's childhood heroes, British F1 driver Mike Hawthorn, was also known to be a Belstaff wearer. These personal connections only served to strengthen his affection and admiration for the brand.
"We British were quick to explore the world, to win races, to climb mountains, and to create the best motorbikes like BAS and Royal Enfield," Cabourn explains. "For all of that, we needed tough, practical clothing like Belstaff."
Today, Cabourn owns a collection of rare vintage Belstaff garments—particularly the iconic Trialmaster—which continue to influence his design philopsophy. He is often credited as the first designer to incorporate waxed cotton into the world of fashion, but his fascination extends far beyond fabric. From beautifully weathered brass buttons and heritage woven labels to customised pockets added by previous owners, every detail plays a role in informing and inspiring his work.
"Looking back, Belstaff has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my near-60-year career as a designer," says Cabourn. "It remains one of the few brands today that still upholds a genuine commitment to both design and quality."
This newly released collaboration could well be interpreted as a heartfelt love letter—or even a thank-you note—from Nigel Cabourn to Belstaff.
Words by Eisuke Yamashita
