If you’re a fan of Stone Island, you may or may not be aware of the large community of collectors both on and off the grid, and one of them is Leigh. If you’re not familiar, you can check out his Instagram profile, where he goes by the well-suited alias, “The Stone Island Barber.” Known not only for his skills as a barber at Clippers Barbers in Harlow, Leigh has become something of a well known collector within the Stone Island community. Over the years, he’s amassed an extraordinary collection of the brand’s most iconic pieces. Recently, the opportunity arose to meet Leigh in person, explore his collection, and share his story with The Hoxton Trend and our audiance of loyal supporters.
Walking into Clippers Barbers felt almost like stepping into a time capsule, with Leigh’s passion for collecting artifacts reflected in every corner from Star Wars memorabilia to retro bikes on the wall and old scchool skateboards. As soon as I arrived, we started reminiscing about how we first connected six or seven seven ago during a livestream on instragram. At that point, Leigh’s collection already boasted around 40 to 45 coats, but as we spoke, it was clear that his journey was only just beginning at that time, alass many of the jackets he owned have been sold but they can still be found on his personal instagram
Leigh shared how an music video with music artists Dave, featuring one of Stone Island’s most innovative thermo jumpers that changed colour, sparked his obsession with the brand. After seeing the video Leigh came across our video of the same thermo Jumper we reviewed whuch reignited his passion and prompted him to track down even rarer pieces like the Wool Ice Jacket and the Thermo ice Knit which retailed for around £1200 —each purchase became significant milestone in his growing expertise as a collector.
Leigh’s collection has evolved remarkably over the years, beginning with vintage finds through Facebook groups and his connections within mates through the casual football scene. Over the years Leigh built a wardrobe that stood as one of the finest examples of Stone Island collecting.
One of his standout pieces is the 1996 Formula Steel jacket, designed by Paul Harvey. The jacket’s vibrant Dutch rope blue inner lining is still as striking as it was when it was first created, and despite being nearly 30 years old, it looks as though it was made yesterday—a true testament to the craftsmanship of Stone Island from that era.
Leigh also brought out another classic—a pre-2000 piece, another design by Paul Harvey. Although the jacket’s hood is missing, its robust construction and timeless appeal make it a standout piece. As Leigh aptly put it, “They don’t make them like this anymore.”
Each piece in Leigh’s collection tells a unique story. Take his waxed ice trench coat, for instance—a heavy, colour-changing masterpiece that commands attention wherever he goes. The weight and craftsmanship of the coat are so remarkable that wearing it feels akin to draping oneself in a work of art.
Another example is the Dyneema jacket from 2018. Known for its extraordinary durability—Leigh described it as “stronger than steel per weight”—this jacket features a Dutch rope system and detachable down gilet, combining both functionality and style in one stunning piece. Watching Leigh try it on was a reminder that these jackets aren’t merely garments; they are investments in both style and history.
Interestingly, Leigh’s collection hasn’t remained static. Recently, he made the decision to downsize, selling over 30 jackets in just 12 months. This change was partly inspired by his marriage, with his misses encouraging him to part with some of the pieces that he didn’t wear regularly, making room for others to enjoy them, as well as to fund his special day getting married. Despite parting with some items, Leigh’s remaining collection is still nothing short of extraordinary.
Leigh’s approach to collecting is thoughtful and intentional. Rather than chasing the latest trends, he seeks pieces that align with Stone Island’s rich heritage and values. Whether it’s the rugged durability of the brand’s older designs or the groundbreaking innovation in its newer pieces, every jacket in Leigh’s collection has a purpose and a personal significance.
It’s clear that Leigh’s passion for Stone Island goes beyond just owning rare jackets. His wardrobe is a living archive of the brand’s legacy, showcasing the evolution of a brand that has defined cutting-edge fashion for decades.
Meeting Leigh and getting a glimpse into his legendary collection was a true privilege. His dedication to Stone Island is evident in every piece he owns, and the stories behind each jacket bring them to life in a way that few collectors can truly achieve. If you’re a Stone Island fan—or simply someone who appreciates the journey of passionate collectors—Leigh’s collection is a must-see.
For those of you in the Harlow area, I highly recommend stopping by Clippers Barbers for a fresh cut and a chat with Leigh. Not only will you get an expert trim, but you’ll also have the chance to talk about one of the most iconic collections in the Stone Island community.
