Sitting between reverence for the past and sensible, thought-out innovation, our Foreign Correspondent's Jacket is a bit of an unsung hero in the FRAHM roster.
This type of belted, waxed cotton jacket has its roots in the motorcycling world. The first of its kind debuted in 1936, and across the ensuing decades, became a mainstay of high-octane bike races, most notably the Scottish Six Day Trial, a multi-day grueller that originally took riders from Edinburgh to John O’Groats. The smart design accommodated the gentlemanly attitudes of 20th century sporting pursuits, but the robust fabric kept riders scratch-free when speeding through bushes.
However, what was good then is not so useful now - something the original manufacturers have failed to consider with their poorly-made reproductions. An iconic British classic that’s fallen on hard times is exactly what gets main-man Nick’s jacket-obsessed brain a’whirling.
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Rather than take cues from the motorcycling world, Nick instead opted to pull inspiration from journalists and their nomadic lifestyles - his mum was a journo after all. Instilled with a lifelong admiration for reporters worldwide, Nick envisioned the Foreign Correspondent's Jacket as a smart travel jacket, ideal for long flights followed by even longer board meetings, that’s still sturdy enough for outdoor pursuits… which is exactly what it is.
How’ve we done this? Ditched the sticky, heavy, unfit-for-purpose, wet-look fabric for uncreasable, breathable, insanely-tough 8 oz dry waxed cotton, for a start. Then there’s the gorgeous, highly-functional details: Cobra belt-clasp, YKK Aquaguard waterproof zips, gunmetal Cobrax snaps, a whopping nine pockets, scalloped cuffs… the list goes on.
Without going overboard, it’s a truly special bit of kit that looks smart and performs under duress as a jacket of this calibre should. Here are some of the details that make this jacket so special:
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There's little need for carry-on with this jacket - after all, it’s got enough pocket-space to carry most travel essentials (except maybe one of those funny pillows). Of course, no FRAHM would be complete without loads of useful pockets. This has a whopping nine in total, and ranges from billowed cargo pockets to moleskin-lined hand-warmers.
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Not to discredit your average travel rotation, but anyone who's squared off with a queue shoulder-barger, or endured a weighty carry-on strap while waiting at JFK’s baggage claim, can appreciate the need for a jacket with quilt stitched reinforced shoulder panels.
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Tying it all together (literally) is an extremely strong belt, which not only looks stylish, but when fastened, keeps everything feeling secure, even if your cargo are full to the brim of travel essentials (over-ear headphones, a water bottle, a pret sandwich and a packet of wine gums).
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That gunsmoke beauty below is the clasp to keep everything secure. It’s one of the many thought-out, hard-wearing details that makes it so practical for real life. AustriAlpin Cobra buckles (patented) stand without equal, and are the world's safest, strongest load bearing quick-release fasteners. In other words, they’re the creme de la creme, and unless you’re some sort of superhuman strong man, you’ll have a very difficult time breaking them if the belt gets caught on meeting room doors and the like.
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