Mackintosh and CP Company Unite: A Fusion of Scottish Heritage and Italian Innovation in Outerwear

In a landmark collaboration that celebrates over two centuries of textile innovation and iconic design, Scotland’s venerable Mackintosh has partnered with Italy’s renowned technical sportswear purveyor, CP Company, to unveil a capsule collection of two meticulously crafted outerwear pieces. These garments, born from a shared dedication to quality, functionality, and enduring style, represent a compelling synergy between two brands with rich and distinct legacies. Both pieces are proudly manufactured in Scotland, a testament to Mackintosh’s unparalleled expertise in producing its signature waterproofed cotton, a material that has defined outerwear for generations. The distinctive touch of CP Company is evident in the inclusion of their instantly recognizable goggles seamlessly integrated into the hoods, a nod to the brand’s utilitarian origins and its enduring appeal in contemporary fashion.

The creation of these coats is a testament to artisanal craftsmanship. Each garment is handmade within Mackintosh’s historic factory in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Here, skilled artisans meticulously sew, attach, and seal every panel, employing techniques honed over decades. The critical seams are then expertly coated with a water-repellent treatment, ensuring unparalleled protection against the elements, whether facing driving rain or biting winds. The collection features two distinct silhouettes: the longer, sophisticated Goggle Car Coat and the more casual, yet equally functional, waist-length Goggle Jacket. Both styles boast elegant raglan sleeves, designed for ease of movement, discreet hidden fastenings that maintain a clean aesthetic, and adjustable cuffs for a personalized fit.

To truly appreciate the significance of this collaboration, it is essential to delve into the foundational histories of both brands, tracing their shared lineage of material innovation. The story begins in 1823, when Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh revolutionized the world of textiles by developing a groundbreaking method of bonding a layer of rubber between two pieces of cotton. This ingenious process yielded the world’s first successfully patented waterproof fabric. The garment that emerged from this innovation, the Mackintosh – affectionately known globally as the "Mac" – quickly became a ubiquitous and indispensable item of clothing across Britain. Its pioneering status is further underscored by the fact that it predates other iconic outerwear pieces, including Thomas Burberry’s invention of the trench coat in 1879 and Aquascutum’s earlier iterations that gained prominence around the mid-19th century. The Mac’s robust waterproofing and durability made it a vital asset for the British Army during both World Wars, as well as for police forces and countless other professions that required steadfast protection from the notoriously capricious British weather. Despite undergoing refinements over the years, the fundamental design and functional integrity of the original Mac have remained remarkably consistent, a testament to its timeless efficacy.

Fast forward over 120 years, and the fashion landscape was irrevocably shaped by the visionary Massimo Osti. Much like Charles Macintosh, Osti possessed an insatiable fascination with material innovation and its potential to redefine clothing. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found two influential companies: Chester Perry, which would later be rebranded as CP Company, and the equally celebrated Stone Island. It was with CP Company, however, that Osti truly cemented his legacy, pioneering and popularizing several transformative techniques. Among his most significant contributions was garment dyeing – a revolutionary process where entire garments, rather than just the fabric, were dyed. This method imparted a uniquely lived-in, washed appearance, imbuing each piece with character and depth. Furthermore, Osti explored the concept of coating yarn, including natural fibers like linen and wool, with rubber to create waterproof textiles. In essence, this was an ingenious evolution of Charles Macintosh’s original concept, applying modern sensibilities and aesthetic goals to a time-tested principle.

The indelible link between CP Company and outerwear functionality took a decisive turn in 1988 when the brand became the sponsor of the Mille Miglia, Italy’s legendary 1,000-mile endurance car race. This partnership spurred the creation of the first iteration of the iconic Mille Miglia Coat, a design that famously incorporated a pair of integrated goggles within the hood. These were conceived to shield drivers from the dust and debris encountered during the challenging race conditions. Over time, these distinctive goggles transcended their practical origins to become a signature element of the CP Company brand, as recognizable to streetwear enthusiasts as any globally renowned logo. They became a coveted symbol, deeply embedded in British casual fashion culture and the vibrant scene surrounding football terraces, a testament to their enduring cool factor. The brand’s contemporary influence is further highlighted by its current role as the official fashion partner of Manchester City Football Club, a collaboration that grants CP Company significant global visibility and cultural reach.

Currently, Mackintosh operates under the ownership of the Japanese group Yagi Tsusho. This strategic stewardship has guided the historic coat maker toward a more contemporary and fashion-forward trajectory. Under Yagi Tsusho’s direction, Mackintosh has actively engaged in a series of high-profile collaborations with globally recognized fashion houses and designers. These include partnerships with luxury brands such as Celine, Balenciaga, and Vetements, as well as more recent ventures with Carhartt, Studio Nicholson, and Victoria Beckham. These collaborations underscore Mackintosh’s evolution from a traditional manufacturer to a dynamic force in contemporary fashion, adept at blending its heritage with avant-garde design sensibilities.

The Mackintosh x CP Company collection offers two timeless colorways: fawn and black, ensuring versatility and enduring style. These highly anticipated pieces are available from February 26th and can be purchased directly from the official websites of both brands: mackintosh.com and cpcompany.com. Additionally, they will be available at select CP Company flagship stores located in key global fashion capitals, including Milan, London, Paris, Seoul, Tokyo, and Shanghai. The Mackintosh x CP Company Goggle Car Coat, featuring a practical removable hood, is priced at £1,360 (approximately $1,853 USD). The Mackintosh x CP Company Goggle Jacket, a more compact option, is available for £1,270 (approximately $1,731 USD). These price points reflect the exceptional quality of materials, the meticulous handmade craftsmanship, and the heritage value inherent in each garment.

This collaboration represents more than just a meeting of two brands; it is a dialogue between two distinct but complementary philosophies of design and manufacture. Mackintosh, with its deep roots in Scottish textile history and its unwavering commitment to waterproofing, provides the foundational integrity and time-tested expertise. CP Company, on the other hand, brings its forward-thinking approach to technical fabrics, its iconic visual language, and its urban-inspired aesthetic. The result is a collection that honors the past while boldly embracing the future of functional, stylish outerwear. The inclusion of the signature CP Company goggles on garments made from Mackintosh’s legendary waterproof cotton creates a powerful visual and tactile statement, symbolizing a shared dedication to performance and an enduring appreciation for iconic design elements. This partnership is a compelling narrative of how heritage can be reinterpreted for the modern era, proving that true innovation often lies in the thoughtful fusion of established excellence with contemporary vision. The enduring appeal of both brands lies in their ability to create pieces that are not merely garments, but rather artifacts of design history, built to withstand the test of time and the rigors of everyday life, all while maintaining an undeniable sense of style.