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For Londoners, rain is just a fact of life. But for Burberry, it’s the inspiration for a seemingly endless variety of luxury outerwear, from the heritage brand’s best-selling trench coat to oversized duffles and fur-lined bombers.
The British fashion house unveiled its latest designs at London Fashion Week on Monday, with a soulful Amy Winehouse soundtrack interspersed with a woman’s voice saying, “I love London…The smell of London when it rains.” It is being
‘Saltburn’ star Barry Keoghan and ‘The Crown’ actress Olivia Colman were among those on hand to see the show, which focuses on the historic house’s military history and its distinctive check print. He was among the celebrities who appeared in the VIP front row.
The models wore double-breasted coats buttoned up to the neck to withstand the British weather. Some wore mannish oversized coats in military green or brown with matching wide-legged pants, while others wore elegant silk scarves wrapped around their heads.
Some models strutted down the catwalk clutching folding umbrellas – Burberry’s trademark checks, of course.
It’s no surprise that this element features so prominently in the show. The fashion house’s founder, Thomas Burberry, invented gabardine, a breathable material used in rainwear, in the late 1800s. Invented around the time of World War I, this brand’s trench he coat boasts functional designs such as the storm he shield, epaulettes, and gun he flaps.
It’s not all about functionality and practicality. Cherry red tartan, lined on coats and glimpsed at the hem of skirts, brightened up a muted palette dominated by khaki and earth tones. Tough bomber jackets and chunky duffel coats were softened with furry hoods and collars and plush fur accessories.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell closed the show in style in a shimmering bronze strapless column dress.
Burberry is traditionally the most glamorous event at London Fashion Week, with catwalk shows from designers such as Erdem, JW Anderson, Roksanda Ilincic and Molly Goddard.
The London exhibition ends on Tuesday, and fashion insiders flock to Milan Fashion Week for more new season runway shows.