There was no show quite like the one Burberry Prorsum displayed during London Fashion Week yesterday afternoon. Proving to be the perfect brand to globally promote and commercialise eclectic British fashion and creativity, Christopher Bailey, Chief Creative Officer of Burberry, set a new high standard for what is arguably the most eccentric and flamboyant fashion week of the four major capitals.
The 1940s inspired collection saw the models parade down the runway in tweed flat caps, cord skirts with flipped hems, oversized knits, full-sleeved blousy shirts, cropped bomber jackets, pencil skirts featuring a pretty spiral ruffle up the front and of course, THAT trench coat. Classic but with a twist.
With statement textures such as velvet, herringbone tweed, suede, quilt and fur-lined tartan alongside a palette of muted shades of mustard, deep burgundy and olive, the Prorsum collection announced an official trend statement: British countryside fashion is back. Bow detailing, ruched belts, studded leather gloves, oversized hexagonal handbags and finally lace-up stiletto boots completed the prim and polished looks. The collection itself would have undoubtedly made the headlines in the fashion world but no, Burberry didn't stop there.
Pulling out all the stops to ensure a dramatic finale for their brand worshippers seated in the Kensington Gardens tent, they let open the heavens with a thunderous rumble initiating Burberry-made rain to run down the outside of the tent. Murmurs echoed throughout as spectators in awe of the genius behind the production team at Burberry were fascinated. After a moment of silence, in military fashion led by the striking Cara Delevingne, the models marched out onto the runway one last time with umbrellas held above their heads shielding them from the confetti that rained down. The house of Burberry got what they were most probably after....to steal the headlines from all the other shows. They got it but deservedly so because the drama and unexpectedness, the atmospheric melancholy of the rain, the whole creativity and ingenious of it all produced something much more than just fashion.
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