Burberry September Collection

Burberry debuts its new runway-to retail concept with a show inspired by Virginia Woolf's Orlando

Models wearing burberry's september collection
(Image credit: Jason Lloyd-Evans)

Mood board: Christopher Bailey looked to Orlando, Virginia Woolf’s daring novel that hints at her romantic relationship with Vita Sackville-West. As this was Bailey’s first time presenting men’s and women’s on the same catwalk, the conceptual reference was germane to the practical concept: Orlando, is a ‘biography’ that relates the life of a poet who oscillates from male to female over the course of several centuries. Models embodied that spirit while wearing richly decorated brocade jackets and tapestry jumpers with wide slouchy trousers in velvet or in silk pyjama patterns, dainty ruff collars and romantic silk robes.

Scene setting: Held in Burberry’s Makers House – an outdoor haven for artists and artisans to create, scattered with classical sculpture among twinkling lights and greenery – this A/W 2016 collection was the brand’s first see-now, buy-now retail effort. An ambitious venue for an equally ambitious venture.

Finishing touches: Based on the form of a saddle, Burberry’s new bag, The Bridle, an accessory that is meant for both genders, is an elaboration of this collection’s blending of the masculine and the feminine. The signature Burberry check pattern lends the bag a soft structure underneath the supple equestrian leather.

Signature Burberry check pattern lends the bag a soft structure underneath the supple equestrian leather

(Image credit: Jason Lloyd-Evans)

Models wearing cardigan jackets

(Image credit: Jason Lloyd-Evans)

Buberry's summer collection

(Image credit: Jason Lloyd-Evans)

Based on the form of a saddle, Burberry’s new bag, The Bridle, an accessory that is meant for both genders

(Image credit: Jason Lloyd-Evans)

INFORMATION
Photography: Jason Lloyd-Evans

Siska Lyssens has contributed to Wallpaper* since 2014, covering design in all its forms – from interiors to architecture and fashion. Now living in the U.S. after spending almost a decade in London, the Belgian journalist puts her creative branding cap on for various clients when not contributing to Wallpaper* or T Magazine.