Elton John Leads a Star-Studded British Front Row at Burberry’s London Fashion Week Runway Show
Some evenings in London feel like a love letter to style. As the sun slipped behind the trees at Kensington Palace Gardens, the city’s closing show of London Fashion Week unfolded in a scene equal parts polished and delightfully imperfect. A tent, a hint of “mud,” and a mood that felt distinctly British set the tone. For those of us who live for fashion’s texture and beauty’s quiet power, it was a night to savor.
A Festival Dream, Tailored by Burberry
The set evoked Britain’s enduring obsession with festivals—romance, rebellion, and the weather’s stubborn unpredictability. The “mud” might have been theatrical, but the feeling was real: a celebration of music-meets-style that spoke to the house’s roots and its modern ambitions.
On the same day, there was another reason to cheer. Burberry returned to the prestigious FTSE 100—an important vote of confidence after a challenging year and a reminder of the brand’s cultural and commercial resilience.
Sound, Style, and a Very British Sky
The show opened just after an ultra-discreet entrance ushered in Elton John, with the runway soundtracked by Black Sabbath. Inside, a canvas ceiling painted with drifting clouds amplified the fantasy; outside, the sky turned the truest blue. It felt like a quiet omen—clearer horizons ahead for a heritage house leaning into its strengths.
Elton John, Vanessa Williams, and Olivia Dean brought starry warmth to a crisp London night.
The Collection: Weatherproof Glamour
Burberry leaned into a refined festival vocabulary, filtered through the brand’s tailored eye. There were Mod-leaning skinny suits, 60s-flavored fringed jackets, and sleek leather trousers that moved with precision. Raincoats—a true national treasure—arrived in multiples, while crocheted mini dresses felt playful and modern.
Styling was practical-chic: boots, skinny scarves, and the occasional parka. Layering did the heavy lifting, offering not just a look, but a solution—whatever the forecast. The effect was well-judged and distinctly British: romantic, resilient, and ready for anything.
Waterproofing, But Make It Fashion
Chief creative officer Daniel Lee kept things witty and sharply focused backstage. He and the team challenged themselves to make as many fabrics weatherproof as possible, from denim to woven raffia—a clever nod to the brand’s DNA. The message was clear: Burberry is more than a trench; it’s an attitude toward the elements.
A festival fantasy: fringed leather in glossy aqua, engineered to brave the breeze.
Tailoring tapered and elegant: a pivot away from oversized silhouettes toward clean, precise lines.
Modern codes, classic soul—outerwear reimagined with clarity and confidence.
A Strategy Built on Icons
This was Lee’s sixth show for the house and the third under new CEO Joshua Schulman. Schulman’s focus is sharp: adjust pricing where it counts, double down on hero categories, and champion the pieces that made Burberry iconic—especially the trench coat and outerwear. The aim? Reassert the brand as a symbol of timeless British style amid a trend-obsessed market.
Beauty Notes We Loved
- Polished, lived-in textures that felt effortless in the open air
- Understated glamour—skin that looked fresh, not fussy
- Hair and accessories styled to move, not sit still
The Front Row: British Legends and Bright New Voices
The guest list was a gallery of British culture, with a few global icons for good measure. Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders sat alongside Naomi Campbell and Twiggy; Anna Wintour appeared with tennis star Jack Draper. Musicians Olivia Dean and Raye represented the new guard, while Elton John’s presence added pure joy.
Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders—proof that wit and wardrobe go hand in hand.
Global star Bright brought sleek polish and a camera-ready calm.
Raye, radiant and razor-sharp—very London, very now.
Twiggy’s presence bridged eras, echoing the collection’s modern Mod undertones.
Skepta, a festival headliner who knows the power of outerwear in any weather.
Vanessa Williams with Elton John—two icons, one very British night out.
Clear Skies Ahead
There was poetry in the scene: a tent painted with clouds, a real sky turning crystal blue. With Burberry back in the FTSE 100 and doubling down on what it does best, the mood felt quietly optimistic. When fashion and music meet like this, culture follows.
Ready to bring a touch of weatherproof elegance to your own routine? Start with pieces that feel as good as they look—and let your beauty tell the rest of the story. If you try a festival-chic twist this season, tag us. We’d love to see how you make it your own.
