Barbour, the iconic heritage brand, has joined forces with the much-loved children’s character Paddington Bear for its highly anticipated Christmas campaign. This exciting collaboration marks the first time that Barbour has worked alongside Paddington Bear, resulting in a campaign that is both nostalgic and heartwarming.
The campaign film pays homage to the original 1958 Peggy Fortnum illustration style, which has never been animated before. This unique approach adds an extra layer of charm and nostalgia to the campaign, drawing on the sentimental value that this iconic character holds for many generations.
In line with the campaign, Barbour is also launching a delightful children’s Paddington Bear collection. The collection features soft jersey sweats and hoodies in classic colors such as navy, red, grey, and ecru. Additionally, the collection includes nightwear adorned with whimsical Paddington Bear illustrations by Peggy Fortnum, some of which have a playful Barbour twist. This collection offers a perfect opportunity for families to share the magic of Paddington Bear and the enduring charm of Barbour.
At the heart of the campaign is the idea of the joy of giving a meaningful present. Paul Wilkinson, the marketing chief at Barbour, explains that Paddington Bear is renowned for his kind-heartedness and good intentions, even in the face of adventure and mishaps. In this campaign, Paddington Bear selflessly gives the gift of re-waxing Mr Brown’s beloved Barbour jacket for Christmas, commemorating Barbour’s Re-Waxing Centenary. This heartwarming and humorous narrative beautifully captures the deep love and attachment people have for their Barbour jackets, which can be cherished for many years if properly cared for.
The production team behind this exceptional campaign includes the highly acclaimed Passion Pictures, a triple Academy-Award winning production company. Their expertise brought the Peggy Fortnum illustrations to life through meticulous 2D animation, ensuring that every frame of the animation was painstakingly hand-drawn and painted. With the talented trio againstallodds leading the direction, it is estimated that nearly 3,000 hours of work were dedicated from May to the completion of this masterful campaign.
Barbour’s collaboration with Paddington Bear for their Christmas campaign truly encapsulates the essence of tradition and nostalgia. By intertwining timeless illustrations and heartwarming storytelling, the campaign emphasizes the sentimental value that Barbour jackets hold for families. The addition of Paddington Bear injects a touch of childhood wonder and excitement into the brand, making it an unforgettable and endearing campaign for the holiday season.
To learn more about Barbour’s partnership with Paddington Bear and explore their delightful collection, visit their website here. For a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the campaign and to witness the magical animation process, take a look at this exclusive video.
