AFP – London Fashion Week wrapped up with Burberry sending its Autumn/Winter collection down the catwalk, capping off a relatively muted event in the rainy British capital.
Even the British luxury house sought to ditch the gloom with a show themed around a countryside getaway, transporting its guests to the cozy, old-fashioned charm of a British country house.
Creative director Daniel Lee, who joined Burberry a little over two years ago, was “inspired by the incredible British interiors”, and luxurious fabrics like velvet were used in the famous trench coat, tailored suits and flowing dresses.
Quilted jackets and skirts covered in florals blended into the tapestries draped onto the white pillars of the Tate Britain, while other styles included oversized knit sweaters, perfect for an evening by the fire.
The somber hues, with flashes of bright orange, yellow or blue, were inspired by Lee’s time “in autumn walking in nature, in Yorkshire”, the 39-year-old English designer told reporters after the show.
Lee has tried to give the troubled British house a facelift while remaining true to its traditional, luxury roots, exemplified in his fifth and latest collection.
Alongside former supermodel Naomi Campbell, the runway featured actors who have starred in royal dramas The Crown and Downtown Abbey as well as Regency-era drama Bridgerton, as Burberry tried to slot itself into the roster of traditional storylines seeing a popular revival. The fashion giant famed for its trench coats and signature tartan print is the subject of rumours about the departure of its creative director, who could be replaced by English designer Kim Jones.
However, these were brushed off by Lee. “I love the brand, it’s an incredible brand. It’s really an honour to work for Burberry,” he said.
