Scene setting: A huge raised runway greeted guests as they entered the vast National Hall at Kensington Olympia, with the sound of a clanging bell reverberating into the space. The runway was formed from squares of shimmering mosaic and the tiered catwalk featured two grand pianos at its highest point. As the show began, the famed pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque and producer Arca performed Distant Places composed by David Chalmin, Fantasy in F Minor composed by Franz Schubert and Four Movements for Two Pianos composed by Phillip Glass.
Mood board: Burberry has a long and prestigious history (it patented its signature Garbadine fabric back in 1988), so it was serendipitous that chief creative office Riccardo Tisci chose memory as his A/W 2020 theme, dipping into the references he developed in his formative years as a designer (think sportswear, romantic gothic and Italianate) and the heritage tropes of Burberry as brand. This meant an over 100 look trip down memory lane featuring smart deconstructed trenchcoats, shirt dresses and duffle coats in boldly hued check, bold rugby stripe knitwear and a host of alluring eveningwear looks, shimmering with rhinestone fringing and chainmail.
Finishing touches: The supersize bag was a standout on the S/S 2020 catwalk last season, and for A/W 2020 Tisci went all out with a supersize pocket bag and a weekender constructed from naturalistic weaved leather. §
