Burberry Ends LFW AW24 with an Outdoorsy and Elegant Collection

Burberry, the British heritage brand, closed out the autumn/winter 2024 season of London Fashion Week with an outdoorsy and elegant catwalk showcase in a giant circus-like tent in Victoria Park, East London. The collection, designed by creative director Daniel Lee, was inspired by the landscapes and people of the UK and Ireland, and featured outerwear, loungewear, and modern suits, that combined functionality and elegance, for a new generation of men and women. In this article, we will review the main themes and details of the collection, and the background and vision of the brand.

The Inspiration: The UK and Ireland’s Nature and Culture

The collection, titled ‘The Land’, was inspired by the nature and culture of the UK and Ireland, and their influence on Burberry’s identity and heritage. Lee said in the show notes that he wanted to explore “the landscapes and people that have shaped our brand”, and that he wanted to create “a collection that is rooted in our history, but also looks to the future”.

The collection drew inspiration from various sources, such as:

• The archives of Burberry, which date back to 1856, and which contain iconic pieces, such as the trench coat, the duffle coat, and the field jacket, that were originally designed for outdoor and military purposes.
• The mills of Lochcarron and Donegal, which are located in Scotland and Ireland, and which produce traditional and high-quality fabrics, such as tweed, tartan, and wool, that are used in Burberry’s garments.
• The works of British and Irish artists, such as David Hockney, Francis Bacon, and Jack B. Yeats, whose paintings and portraits capture the colours, textures, and emotions of the UK and Ireland’s landscapes and people.

The Collection: Functionality and Elegance

The collection, which consisted of 49 looks, showcased a range of garments that were designed for functionality and elegance, and that appealed to a new and younger consumer, who is looking for quality, innovation, and style. The collection featured a mix of outerwear, loungewear, and modern suits, that were made from high-quality fabrics, such as moleskin, shearling, cashmere, and leather. The collection also used a warm and earthy colour palette, such as beige, brown, grey, and burgundy, that reflected the tones and moods of the UK and Ireland’s nature.

The collection highlighted the brand’s skills and expertise in tailoring, as well as its ability to innovate and experiment with new shapes and silhouettes. Some of the standout pieces included:

• A beige trench coat with a shawl-drape top, paired with beige joggers, that created a sophisticated and comfortable look.
• A brown suit with a double-breasted jacket and stirrup jodhpurs, that added a sporty and modern twist to the classic suit.
• A grey jumper with cut-out detailing on the sleeves and chest, paired with grey trousers, that added some edge and texture to the knitwear.
• A burgundy overcoat with a wide collar and a belt, paired with a burgundy top and trousers, that created a refined and monochrome look.

The collection also featured some accessories, such as leather gloves, leather shoes, and leather bags, that complemented and enhanced the outfits.

The Brand: Burberry

Burberry is a British heritage brand that was founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a draper’s apprentice, who invented gabardine, a waterproof and breathable fabric, that was used to make the first trench coats. The brand is known for its iconic pieces, such as the trench coat, the check pattern, and the Burberry Knight logo, that have become symbols of British style and culture.

The brand is currently led by Daniel Lee, who joined as the creative director in 2021, after working at Bottega Veneta, Celine, and Balenciaga. Lee has been credited with bringing a fresh and contemporary vision to the brand, while respecting and celebrating its heritage and legacy. Lee has also been praised for his focus on sustainability and social responsibility, as he has implemented various initiatives, such as using recycled and organic materials, supporting local communities and artisans, and donating to charitable causes.

A Celebration of Burberry’s History and Future

The catwalk showcase of Burberry at London Fashion Week AW24 was a celebration of the brand’s history and future, as it showcased a collection that was inspired by the UK and Ireland’s nature and culture, and that featured garments that were designed for functionality and elegance, for a new generation of men and women. The collection, designed by Daniel Lee, highlighted the brand’s skills and expertise in tailoring, as well as its ability to innovate and experiment with new shapes and silhouettes. The collection, and the brand, represented a balance between tradition and innovation, and between heritage and modernity.