Neil Barrett (fashion designer)

Neil Barrett (born in Devon) is an English fashion designer. He built his business around minimalist menswear.

Born in England, a fourth generation tailor, Barrett studied at both Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art. Immediately after his graduation, Barrett was recruited to work at Gucci, where he was appointed Senior Men's Designer.

After five years with Gucci, Barrett approached Prada's CEO Patrizio Bertelli proposing the start of a men's line: a few months later Prada Menswear was born with Barrett as Design Director. Enormously influential, Barrett's work under the Prada label was instrumental in establishing a blueprint of minimal menswear that combined luxurious fabrics and unparalleled Italian craftsmanship with high-tech sportswear and a forward-thinking approach to the modern man's wardrobe. The very same approach still lies at the roots of the Neil Barrett label, founded in 1999 and debuting on the runway in 2000, at Pitti Uomo.

Since its foundation the Neil Barrett fashion brand has been at the forefront of progressive menswear, delivering innovative and distinctive designs, blending sartorial and athletic elements. The hallmarks of the Neil Barrett label are a modern interpretation of the timeless staples, masculine and ageless with acute attention to fit, fabric development, and accurate detailing.

The very same approach lies at the roots of Neil Barrett womenswear, established in 2006. Inspired by Neil Barrett's menswear, the women’s collections are conceived with the very same integrity of sartorial menswear, blending bespoke-quality finish and luxurious materials with Barrett’s signature style.

In 2009, Neil Barrett created a production division based in Tuscany, where all sampling, production, and distribution are coordinated. Moreover, the decision to independently reinvest in the production platforms coincided with the belief in focusing on Made-in-Italy artisan producers, new technologies, and exclusively developed fabrics.

The brand has over 550 multi-brand doors worldwide alongside a total of 31 mono-brand stores and shop in shops, whose concept has been developed with Zaha Hadid Architects.