London fashion week has been making headlines since it started. Other than a lot of glitz and glamour, it offered a few firsts too that shall set the trend for seasons to come. Burberry, joined the FTSE 100 at the beginning of September, and managed its first Burberry Prorsum show at London Fashion Week. Its switch to home territory from Milan Fashion Week where its shows are normally staged was definitely a first that hit the fashion world.
A long list of high profile figures and celebrities turned up to see the show. The celebrity list included Samantha Cameron, The First Secretary of State, Lord Mandelson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham, Frieda Pinto, Dev Patel, Liv Tyler, Emma Watson, Mary Kate Olsen, American Vogue’s Anna Wintour, French Vogue’s Carine Roitfeld and Glenda Bailey of American Harper’s Bazaar. A shower of silver sequins rained down on 1,500 guests as they moved towards the climax of the show.
Christopher Bailey designed the collection for spring/summer 2010. He is the talent that turned Burberry into a luxury brand. He joined the company eight years ago. Burberry hit the catwalk in shades of pale rose, lilac, celadon, beige and gold. Burberry’s traditional trench coat – once worn in World War 1 – was transformed into a puffed sleeve, thigh skimming mini, in sugar pink satin and shimmering crystals.
Silk chiffon and gauze were knotted into the briefest of skirts, and paired with cashmere sweaters, crisscrossed with matching straps in the manner of an army rucksack. Dresses were short and flowing, with shades of purple and neon yellow. While the jackets retained the strong shoulder cut. Pastel socks with strappy cone-heeled platform sandals or high-heeled boots peeped out from under the dresses.
The audience wowed as they sat through the chic, cool display.