Burberry: Sans Models - Avec Fizz
Written by: Godfrey Deeny
LONDON, Feb 26, 2002/ FWD/ --- Counter-intuitively, there are times when the best way to
see a collection is not on a model, but in a skillfully prepared presentation, as Burberry
proved Thursday night.
The venerable British label presented its fall 2002 London collection on mannequins hung on
invisible thread in its Haymarket headquarters, a delightful early Edwardian building that
was originally Thomas Burberry's first London boutique.
The house produces two collections: Prorsum, a more directional and experimental line that
it presents in Milan; and London, a classic line, into which Burberry's young designer
Christopher Bailey has injected a clever melange of local references and British-quality
finish.
By being able to actually touch the clothes, one could not help admiring the excellent
quality of the Scottish cashmere V-necks and their minimalist thin waistbands, the clever
finish of distressed leather motorcycle jackets and the cool cut and neat placement of
buttons on a series of great Macintoshes.
"I don't like to have just one theme in any season. I'd dread the idea of not being able
to put a great idea into a collection because it didn't fit into my theme," Bailey told FWD.
Once again, Bailey largely eschewed Burberry's signature plaid, except for a modern
reinterpretation in black-toned tartan.
Other standouts included cool leather wraparound trenchcoats, great stripy sweaters and
a series of great wool bags in a telephone box red plaid.
Oh, and the rose champagne and beet root and salmon hors d'oeuvres were excellent.
Very occasionally one wonders, who needs models?
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