Penelope Cruz and Naomi Campbell fly in for Burberry's Tudor-heavy London Fashion Week show

Lauren Sharkey
<i>The Elizabethan period was heavily referenced in Burberry’s latest collection [Photo: PA]</i>
The Elizabethan period was heavily referenced in Burberry’s latest collection [Photo: PA]

Arguably the biggest show in the London Fashion Week schedule, Burberry showed its second see now, buy now collection this evening.

Located in its new spot at Soho’s Makers House, the show mined another British artist as inspiration. Last season’s Virginia Woolf references had moved into decadent designs taken from the work of sculptor Henry Moore.

<i>Sailors and stripes popped up [Photo: Getty]</i>
Sailors and stripes popped up [Photo: Getty]

Models walked slowly to a dramatic soundtrack. Whether this decision was in order to make more of an impact or a way of driving sales, only Christopher Bailey knows.

Elizabethan-style ruffled capes were draped across male models while the women’s looks consisted of asymmetric shirt dresses and knits. Military brocade was threaded onto shirting with black-and-white stripes dominating the first portion of the collection.

버버리 쇼는 실용적인 차림이던 컬렉션을 뒤엎은 반전 날레가 압권이었습니다. 갖가지 려 장식의 케이와 덮개들로 180도 바꿈 거죠. 리스 베일리의 위에 레스는 물론 고요. 네, 쇼는 역시 끝까지 봐야 니다. #burberry #londonfashionweek #christopherbailey

A post shared by 데이즈드 코리아 Dazed Korea (@dazedkorea) on Feb 20, 2017 at 12:18pm PST

Each and every look was incredibly textured with pearls, feathers and chainmail appearing throughout. The colour palette was mainly monochromatic (a good commercial decision) with pops of sailor blue. Oversized rope detailing gave an extra seafaring vibe.

<i>Burberry’s new boots can already be yours [Photo: Instagram/dilettamalhotra]</i>
Burberry’s new boots can already be yours [Photo: Instagram/dilettamalhotra]

For a collection that is already up for grabs, some of the designs were barely wearable. The shoes, however, are set to be a sell-out. Way more sculptural than anything Burberry has showcased before, the black knitted boots were fitted with circular heels.

<i>Stars including Suki Waterhouse and Naomi Campbell turned up [Photo: PA]</i>
Stars including Suki Waterhouse and Naomi Campbell turned up [Photo: PA]
Olivia Palermo arrived wearing the military wool cape from the brand’s AW17 collection. [Photo: PA}
Olivia Palermo arrived wearing the military wool cape from the brand’s AW17 collection. [Photo: PA}
Penelope Cruz was just one of the A-listers who made a surprise appearance. [Photo: PA]
Penelope Cruz was just one of the A-listers who made a surprise appearance. [Photo: PA]
Model Laura Bailey donned a trench coat for the occasion. [Photo: PA]
Model Laura Bailey donned a trench coat for the occasion. [Photo: PA]
‘The Night Manager’ star Elizabeth Debicki wore Burberry’s Cotton chambray sculptural wrap dress. [Photo: PA}
‘The Night Manager’ star Elizabeth Debicki wore Burberry’s Cotton chambray sculptural wrap dress. [Photo: PA}
British model Jourdan Dunn also put in an appearance. [Photo: PA]
British model Jourdan Dunn also put in an appearance. [Photo: PA]

As for the front row? Well, it featured somewhat different celebrity faces to usual with stars such as Penelope Cruz, Suki Waterhouse and Olivia Palermo taking centre stage. Previous Burberry models including Naomi Campbell and Jourdan Dunn also made an appearance.

“[Henry Moore’s] work has always had a powerful influence on me,” Bailey commented before the show. In fact, it’s had such an effect on the designer that he has grouped together 40 of the artist’s sculptures for a new exhibition in partnership with Burberry.

The see now, buy now strategy has clearly been a success for the British brand as their SS17 checked Bridle bag sold out extremely quickly. Just as with last season, several looks from tonight’s collection will be available to buy online and in Burberry stores right now.

Live from London Fashion Week AW17: All the catwalk and FROW action

From catwalk to checkout: Shop Burberry’s AW17 ‘see now, buy now’ collection immediately with our edit

Latest stories