SYLVIA HUI
Associated Press
LONDON (AP) — As if to perk up audiences ahead of a dreary grey winter, Burberry Prorsum on Monday showed off a spring collection bursting with bright rainbow colors and cheerful prints of beetles, bees and dragonflies.
The luxury British clothing label’s show at London Fashion Week, always a highlight that packs in the crowds and celebrities, also confirmed that the humble sneaker and the flat sandal — the sporty, thick-strapped kind — are definitely the footwear of the moment come spring.
The casual shoes were worn with romantic tutu-like tulle dresses in jewel shades such as emerald and amethyst, finished with a pretty silk ribbon belt tied in a bow.
Also notably back on trend is the jean jacket, though here it’s far from humdrum. A cinched-in one in a dark wash, shaped like a bustier to accentuate the waist, opened the show. Later they came trimmed with luxury details like sheepskin and shiny, colorful leather collars.
No Burberry show is complete without some variation of the brand’s famous trench coat, and this season’s show finale spotlighted 35 of them, all in vibrant prints and loud shades covering the whole color wheel — from pinks and reds to greens, blues and purples. These are not jackets for the wallflower; they are meant to be worn as statement pieces to wow and dazzle.
Off the catwalk — itself painted with those same colors — an upbeat party spirit also prevailed.
Supermodels Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne, who both star in Burberry’s latest promotion campaigns, took a break from the runway and sat front row, giggling and taking selfies with fellow guest and celebrity photographer Mario Testino.
“I thought it was absolutely beautiful,” said actress Naomie Harris. “I love the use of color. It’s so vibrant and playful. It was amazing.”
Backstage, designer Christopher Bailey said he wanted to play with the idea of “strength and fragility” by using hardy fabrics such as denim and contrasting them with sheer tulles.
In recent years Burberry has sought to stand out in the crowded luxury market with technology and custom services. That includes live-streaming shows and allowing customers to order items online straight off the runway, with their initials added — months before the products arrive in stores. That service comes with a price, of course: A printed trench coat from this season is 2,500 pounds ($4,058).
Bailey said that will continue to be his strategy.
“I think no matter how big you become, that personalized product and service is what makes you stand out and what gives you authenticity as a luxury brand,” he told The Associated Press.
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