For the upcoming SS12 season Baracuta have introduced the Ridley G46 summer parka in Tobacco, Rust and Navy allowing you to embrace those April showers. This classic parka features the iconic umbrella pattern on the back and has features such as a Fraser tartan lining, metal chain loop hanger, Baracuta engraved buttons and is made from 100% cotton with a coating finish.
The word parka first entered the english language in 1625, derived from the Nenets language the word translates as ‘animal skin’.
In early history a parka was a type of heavy jacket with a hood, generally fur lined, so as to protect the face from freezing temperatures and high winds. This kind of garment, originally made from caribou or seal, was invented by the Eskimos of the Arctic region as a type of clothing to offer them protection from extreme wind chill and wetness whilst hunting and kayaking.
In 1951 the Fishtail Parka was introduced and began life with the US Army, however in 1960’s Britain the Fishtail Parka took on a whole new life and came to symbolise an entire lifestyle concept … MOD. The rise of the parka lay in its practicality, cheapness and availability. The army surplus coat was ideal for beating the elements either on a scooter, or on the way to a club. Its place in history was assured by the newspaper clippings of Mods and Rockers fighting during the Bank Holiday riots at British coastal resorts.
Nowadays the army’s reject supplies are rarely seen and more fitted options are readily available which vaguely resemble the traditional parka.
Check out the Baracuta G46 Ridley Summer Parka for yourself, and relive those glorious days of the MODs and Rockers!
