Football teams, rain, and Britpop are some of the first things that spring to mind when Manchester is mentioned. Yet when it comes to fashion, Manchester has been at the forefront of some of the UK’s biggest subcultures and since its launch in the 1930s Baracuta has remained one of the city’s most prolific brands. 

First released just a year after Baracuta’s launch, the G9 Harrington Jacket has remained the label’s most iconic piece. Throughout its almost 100-year history, the G9 Harrington Jacket has been embraced by various subcultures, from Mods and punks to skinheads and ska fans. It has also been a staple in the British music scene, appearing on the likes of the Clash and later Britpop icons such as Liam Gallagher and Damon Albarn.

Originally designed for Manchester’s golfers by Baracuta founders John and Isaac Miller, the G9’s distinctive features, such as the umbrella back yoke, the dog ear collar, and the iconic Fraser tartan lining, have solidified its iconic status in British fashion. The name itself also reflects its golfing origins, with ‘G’ symbolising golf and ‘9’ representing the number of holes on a golf course.

To honour its history, Baracuta has returned to its Mancunian roots to capture what the G9 jacket has meant to different people across multiple generations. In a brand new book, the label has collated 13 stories from diverse British individuals who each have their own memories and connections with the Original Harrington Jacket.

The roster of contributors also includes chef Joseph Otway, DJ Andy Votel, artist Luke Passey, Royal Ragz founder Charlie Ballet, designer Ben Kelly, vintage enthusiast Ladi Kazeem, artist Stanley Chow, DJ Anton Stephens, Laura Kennedy of Piccadilly Records, singer Victoria Jane, journalist Matty White, legendary post-punk band A Certain Ratio and the legendary Beryl, a master craftswoman behind Baracuta's G9 Harrington in Manchester.

Below we spoke to Royal Ragz founder Charlie Ballett and vintage expert Ladi Kazeem about being involved in the project, their first Baracuta and their favourite thing about Manchester.

CHARLIE BALLETT

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, what you do and where you’re from?

Charlie Ballett: I am 27 years old and from Bristol in the southwest of England. I get up to all things ‘fashion’, I guess! From running Royal Ragz to working freelance for brands, both in front of and behind the camera. 

What does Baracuta represent for you?

Charlie Ballett: Baracuta for me signifies history after creating iconic pieces that have shaped fashion and, in the G9’s case, stayed relevant for 85 years. Not many brands out there can do that & remain such a staple when it comes to British culture. 

How would you define your own personal style? 

Charlie Ballett: My own personal style is a representation of myself and how I’m feeling. It fluctuates from one style to another on a daily basis depending on how I want to step out that day. Growing up skating has led me to love all things baggy but it doesn’t leave me bound to that. You might catch me wearing slimmer trousers with smart shoes. To put it simply if I like it, I like it, so I’ll wear it. And if I don’t, I don’t, so I’ll leave that for others to make look good.

What was the first Baracuta piece you owned?

Charlie Ballett: The first Baracuta jacket I owned was the recent Needles collaboration. After wearing that a few times I was baffled it has taken me this long to get my hands on one. That piece is an essential in my wardrobe now. 

Describe Baracuta in three words.

Charlie Ballett: Defining British culture.

LADI KAZEEM

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, what you do and where you’re from?

Ladi Kazeem: I’m originally from the northeast of England but I’ve lived in and out of Manchester for the last 10 years. I’m the owner of The Vault MCR, Surrealism Habituary and Tranzmissions FC. 

I’ve been buying and selling [garments] for around 15 years. I’m mostly known for my first project, The Vault, which is now a time capsule for vintage music, movies, art, cartoon t-shirts, and nostalgia. The original vault on Stevenson’s Square, in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, was a treasure trove of old relics I’d found hunting. Over the last few years, I’ve taken the brand around the world and met so many amazing and talented people. 

What does Baracuta represent for you?

Ladi Kazeem: Baracuta screams quality authenticity and attention to detail. The town I grew up in is en route to one of the main scooter rallies in the UK, so I’d always be seeing mods on their Vespas and Lambrettas pitching up whilst wearing a G9. I was introduced to bands like The Style Council. The Modfather and Paul Weller by one of my closest friends Jake JP – who we used to call ‘king of the mods’. He was a purveyor of the culture and the first person to introduce my friends and I to the G9 Harrington jacket. 

How would you define your own personal style? 

Ladi Kazeem: Relaxed, practical, and trans-seasonal. If I’m into it I’ll give it a go whatever the weather. I draw much of my influence from original rudeboys and the Jamaican SKA movement. I often reference bands like Steel Pulse when having a conversation about personal style.

What was the first Baracuta piece you owned?

Ladi Kazeem: I was gifted a white G9 and a tanned G9 by my landlord a few years back. I then went on to purchase a G10 trench which I still wear regularly to this day.

Describe Baracuta in three words.

Ladi Kazeem: A real classic.