BURBERRY FW25: DANIEL LEE’S MODERN TAKE ON BRITISH HERITAGE

In a grand finale to London Fashion Week, Burberry’s creative director Daniel Lee unveiled the Fall/Winter 2025 collection at the iconic Tate Britain museum. The showcase drew inspiration from British country estates and equestrian fashion, reflecting the brand’s rich heritage. The collection featured leather trench coats, velvet brocade suits, jodhpur trousers, and high leather boots, all presented in a color palette reminiscent of the British countryside. The runway was adorned with bright blue hues, a signature of Lee’s designs, complemented by impressionist prints and stately home-inspired motifs. 

The event was a star-studded affair, with notable figures such as Naomi Campbell, Lesley Manville, Richard E. Grant, Elizabeth McGovern, and Lila Moss gracing the runway. Richard E. Grant’s appearance, in particular, stood out as he donned an olive tweed coat, a stylish nod to his iconic role in “Withnail and I.” The presence of these esteemed personalities underscored Burberry’s commitment to celebrating British culture and talent. Nicholas Hoult, Skepta and Lauryn Hill were also in attendance 

Accessories played a pivotal role in the collection, emphasizing Burberry’s focus on outerwear and British heritage. Oversized scarves and signature check leather boots were among the standout pieces, aligning with the brand’s strategy under CEO Joshua Schulman to reinforce its identity as a global luxury outerwear label. The collection’s designs paid homage to traditional British aesthetics while infusing modern elements, showcasing Lee’s vision for the brand’s evolution. 

The runway ambiance was meticulously crafted to evoke the essence of a grand, dissolute country home, enhancing the collection’s dark-romantic vibe. This setting resonated with the themes of the collection, which drew inspiration from the film “Saltburn,” evident in the dressing-gown coats and velvet smoking jackets that graced the runway. The fusion of fashion and cinematic elements created a captivating narrative, engaging the audience and highlighting Burberry’s innovative approach to design. 

Despite recent financial challenges, including Burberry’s exit from the FTSE 100 in September, the brand is undergoing a strategic transformation. Under the leadership of CEO Joshua Schulman, Burberry is focusing on becoming a global luxury outerwear brand. This repositioning has been well-received, with a notable recovery in share price and better-than-expected sales during the pre-Christmas period. Daniel Lee’s creative direction is central to this evolution, as he continues to infuse the brand with fresh perspectives while honoring its storied heritage. 

The Burberry Fall/Winter 2025 showcase not only highlighted the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and British culture but also served as a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving fashion landscape. As London Fashion Week drew to a close, Burberry’s presentation stood out as a celebration of tradition infused with contemporary flair, setting a promising tone for the brand’s future endeavors.