In September 2022, Burberry’s Spring 2023 ready-to-wear collection was unveiled. Sultry lace tops decorated by the brand’s heritage monogram and extravagant pastel suits with flowing, wide legs were paraded down the runway. A daring choice in footwear was observed on every single model: flip flops. With Burberry’s posh, British attitude, many were surprised to see casual beachwear paired with formal attire. However, all were in agreement that the brand’s unlikely pairing was nothing short of incredible, and that Burberry’s influence would likely result in a flip flop resurgence the following Spring.
However, a big change foe the label was just around the corner, with a new creative director in the legendary Daniel Lee being introduced the following month. With the brand’s popularity on a downtrend for a few years, many fashion-lovers are eager to witness the next chapter for the iconic British label, and have high hopes for its future success.
Daniel Lee is perhaps best known for his efforts at the Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta. He was appointed by the brand in 2018, and the label experienced a tremendous resurgence through his influence. With the brand’s sales and its products’ desirability raising through the roof, Lee will be greatly missed at Bottega.
He was able to update Bottega’s signature “intrecciato” woven leather by inflating it and creating, bulkier designs that reflected trends at the time. He also designed the Pillow Clutch, a now-famous handbag that has become the fastest selling Bottega accessory to date.
With such a good track record for restoring a brand’s fame, Burberry’s fans are excited to see how Daniel Lee will reshape the label and inspire its creativity.
His first Burberry collection was unveiled in February 2023, and it further demonstrated Lee’s ability to recreate a label’s signature. The brand’s hallmark check pattern was seen in textures and colors it had never been before.
Models were observed trekking Lee’s Burberry runway in lush knitwear, adorned with the Burberry check monogram in a rotated orientation. The pattern was also seen in a deep violet, which isn’t a color Burberry is known for using.
With the brand being inspired by the outdoors, Lee was certain to include handbag styles that evoke utility and equestrian purpose. Models wore riding boots and carried bags that resembled saddles. Notes of shearling helped to convey this theme even further.
It appears that Burberry’s creative future is in good hands, and VALLEY is excited to see how Daniel Lee continues to reinvent the label.
What are your thoughts about this revival? Let us know by tweeting us @VALLEYmag!
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