Neil Barrett Seals Production MILAN — Neil Barrett is stepping up his game with a recent production partner.

The British, Milan-based menswear designer has inked an agreement with HIM Co. SpA, previously referred to as Onward Luxury Group, for the manufacturing of his namesake collections and to “guarantee the longer term development” of the brand, the corporate said in an announcement.

The deal will come into full effect with the autumn 2023 collection to be presented in January in Milan, although the spring 2023 lineup is to be partially produced by HIM Co.

As reported, in 2021 Barrett charted a recent course for the brand, not renewing his previous production licensing agreement and starting collaborations with different manufacturing firms to make the collections more accessible, at the identical time managing distribution in-house.

The take care of HIM Co. will allow Barrett to take care of oversight on wholesale and retail operations.

The brand counts around 200 stockists, including Modes, LuisaViaRoma, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols Dubai, amongst others. It also operates several flagships in China and South Korea.

“I’m enthusiastic about this recent chapter, and I think that along with HIM Co. we will construct strong foundations to deliver creative, wearable and desirable collections in the longer term,” Barrett said.

A champion of ’90s minimalism with stints at Prada, Barrett’s fashion lexicon is defined by exacting silhouettes, sharp tailoring and military inflections.

In 2020 Onward Holdings Co. Ltd. sold its European subsidiary Onward Luxury Group, formerly referred to as Gibò Group, signaling a possible change of strategy for the Tokyo-based apparel giant.

Through a management buyout, entrepreneur Franco Pené, the founding father of Gibò, along with Fabio Ducci and Antonello Orunesu Preiata, chief executive officer and chief financial officer of OLG, respectively, took full control of the corporate, renaming it HIM Co SpA — High Italian Manufacturing.

The manufacturing and distribution company boasts production agreements and licenses with a spread of luxury fashion and footwear brands, including Jil Sander, JW Anderson, Proenza Schouler, Rochas and Victoria Beckham, amongst others. It also runs the home brands Hyina, F_Wd and Carlotha Ray.