Taking place at the Old Sessions House in Clerkenwell, London, one had to walk through a crowd of vociferous anti-fur protesters flanking the entrance to get into the venue for the British uber-brand Burberry SS18 show this evening which was quite the frisson.
Voguishly departing from elevated catwalk model, the show wended its way through two floors, up and down the stairs and linked rooms of the recently renovated venue. The collection (of mens and womenswear) was a chav-chic mash up celebrating British craftsmenship and eclectism – apparently Christopher Bailey sought the models’ views on their outfits – with Burberry reclaiming its classic print, shown here notably on baseball caps (as well as tartan too) and outsized reversible totes in tartan again: outdoing Balenciaga in the gigantic covetable cool bag stakes this season.
Traditional livery in red was seen in jackets, and boys were in skirts too, wearing dangly crystal chandelier earrings as well did the girls.
The palette featured an assortment of pastels in pink, green and blue to bold reds – seen on the reinterpreted ceremonial jackets – to black, camel and navy. Other looks included a very tactile mix of textures: from woolly socks pulled up high, to British traditional knits such as Aran, Fair Isle and Argyle on closely fitted tank tops, jumpers and oversized lolloping scarves as well as diaphanous pastel long macs and capes.
Knits were worn over lace gowns, tartan and plastic, there were also oversized camel car coats with sealed seams. Diaphanous pastel long macs and capes were seen as well; all accessorised with riveted clog boots tied with contrast laces, tartan sandals with cone heels, and loafers with kiltie fringing.
Walking for Burberry included models du jour such as Adwoa Aboah, Dilone, Jean Campbell, Kaia Gerber and Presley Gerber to a stirring Pet Shop Boys soundtrack. A very cool and charming collection in which the best of British eclecticism ruled the catwalk.
by Caroline Simpson
All images courtesy Burberry