Burberry Prorsum – Spring Summer 2014 Collection
There has been many a word written in the past few weeks about the introduction of Burberry Prorsum menswear to the bi-annual LC:M and the anticipation built to a tangible crescendo as the gathered throngs eagerly awaited the first model on to the catwalk. Set in the leafy surroundings of Kensington Gardens, an idyllic location conjuring images of an English rose and her gent out for a leisurely Sunday stroll, the collection made a gargantuan leap away from the shiny, florescent metallics of last summer and took upon its shoulders a refined yet bold demeanour.
There was a real sense of David Hockney about the collection; boxy, sky blue artist jackets were teamed with green jumpers and red ties, high-hemmed trousers (which appear to be having a moment in the fashion limelight) were paired with formal footwear in an array of splendid colours, while the neck lines of the casual sweaters were cut on sharp, straight lines, veering away from the traditionalism of round or v-necks and creating a shape which brought the shirt and tie into the foreground.
There was so many interesting elements to this collection it was almost impossible to take everything in. Coats and jackets, hoodies and cardigans, ties, shirts and shoes all combined to create a masterpeice Hockney himself would have been proud of.
It marked a grand return to the English capital for a brand synonymous with all that is great about traditional British tailoring, retaining a deep sense of refined British elegance with a playful twist on colour and shape which showed why those of us in the fashion press are so pleased to see them return to their homeland. Rule Britannia, rule Burberry.
