Walker Greenbank tie-up is set to give Barbour a softer look

The tough Barbour jacket is to get a softer edge in a tie-up with the fabrics printer Walker Greenbank, which is to supply William Morris Arts & Crafts trims and linings for the brand.

Walker Greenbank will also provide material for new handbag ranges. Barbour's profile has been raised in the younger fashion market with Peaches Geldof, Lily Allen and Alexa Chung sporting the jackets.

Walker Greenbank will use designs from its Morris & Co original Arts & Crafts archive.

The Morris & Co fabric, to be made at Walker Greenbank's factory in Lancaster, will be available from August.

Walker Greenbank has sales of about £80m a year.