London Fashion Week Comes Into Bloom with Burberry’s Digital Livestream
Under the pandemic’s extinguishable haze, an unforeseen silver lining appears this season—virtual shows puts nature first for a more sustainable fashion week
Following New York’s condensed fashion week, London springs to action in salvaging this season by leaning heavily on virtual shows.
First on the docket—Burberry. Riccardo Tisci christened the week with an earthy collection entitled, “In Bloom.” With the British wilds serving as the backdrop, the show was entirely live-streamed in collaboration with performance artist Anne Imhof.
One-by-one models hiked through fern covered paths, some flanked by suited men to the disorienting melodies of artist Eliza Douglas. A few models dressed in head-to-toe white were perched on scaffolding towers, offering little more than a stern gaze. Back in the woods, glittering cocktail dresses that would stop anyone in their tracks weave towards the center of the show and soon a hypnotic dance begins.
One of the more powerful moments occurs when a black dancer trust falls into a small group and is slowly lowered to the ground. His face is pushed down into the dirt, church bells echo in the distance. Hauntingly the image brings to mind George Floyd’s death which ignited worldwide protests against police brutality and systematic racism. Every so often you catch a model stealing a quick selfie with their phone–this was a monumental moment however which way you interpret it.
The looks themselves were a mix of street and luxe. An unexpected surprise–blue was one of the bolder color choices, a play on the sea with shark illustrations and crystal fishnets.
Tisci released a statement in relation to his show, recognizing the importance of our natural world and those who live in it.
“As humans, we have always had a deep affinity to nature. We have had to respect and rely upon its power for our very existence, whilst marvelling and revelling in its extraordinary beauty. Especially recently, we have all yearned to reconnect again. For this show, I wanted to celebrate these feelings by bringing our community together in a creative experience that takes place within the beautiful, natural landscape of Britain.”
In addition to keeping safe under the pandemic’s harsh restrictions, the brand kept its promise to have a carbon neutral show, “reducing the presentations environmental impact.”
Burberry is a step ahead of the game both in fashion and in practice. Could this be the way of the future for fashion shows going forward? Only time will tell…
Images supplied.