THE JOURNAL

Four pieces that will endure, come rain or shine.
If we were to inhabit a world where monarchs could be usurped by fashion brands, Burberry surely would be first in line to the United Kingdom’s throne. Since its inception by Mr Thomas Burberry in 1856, Burberry has weathered over a century and a half of the fashion industry thanks to its proclivity for creating well-received outdoor attire, and then some. The beige checked print it is most famous for is among the most instantly recognisable patterns in the UK (if not the world), and after being appropriated from the lining of a coat onto shirts, caps and everything in between, has since been woven into the rich tapestry of Britain’s aesthetic history.
It is refreshing then, to see a brand with such a strong British heritage through the eyes of a non-British designer. Mr Riccardo Tisci, Burberry’s chief creative officer as of spring 2018, is an Italian known for his romantically gothic aesthetic and a flair for the theatrical. He may be an alumnus of London’s Central Saint Martins and au fait with the capital, but how his richly Italianate approach would mesh with a stalwart British brand caused ripples of apprehension at the time.
Mr Tisci named the collection ‘Tempest’, and says he was inspired by the mix of structure and rebellion in British culture, and the contrasts that it inspires
Mr Tisci has since earned his stripes (or, perhaps more accurately, his checks). His intention for Burberry’s autumn/winter 2019 collection, the designer told journalists after the show back in February, was all about “including, not excluding.” Mr Tisci named the collection “Tempest”, and says he was inspired by the mix of structure and rebellion in British culture, and the contrasts that it inspires. Part of this contrast, Mr Tisci explained, was about the ecstasy and agony one finds with British weather. Despite us Brits going through somewhat of an identity crisis of our own at the moment, for better or worse, there is nothing that unites us more than the weather. Often grumbled about, the famously frequent rain, snatches of sun and spells of sleet and snow dictate the mood of the nation even more so than the status of Brexit.
It makes sense, then, that Burberry’s collection for autumn/winter this year is a hotchpotch of brilliant clothing that will see you through everything from the ebbing heatwaves of summer to the overcast freeze of winter. Dressing for the weather is not, usually, the most stylish priority when choosing clothes, but when it’s done by Burberry… Well, see for yourself, courtesy of our favourite pieces from the collection, below.
The Fair-Weather Tee
With today’s whiplash climate (not to mention the stuffiness of the daily commute), no gentleman is sure when it comes to dressing for the weather. A T-shirt may once have been something a man wore for warmth under his shirt, but nowadays it’s the kind of thing you’re more likely to want to show off, especially if it’s one of Burberry’s logo tees. The rhombus style is one of our favourites and was designed by Mr Tisci in collaboration with the renowned graphic designer Mr Peter Saville.
The Fall-Proof Hoodie
What’s in a logo? Quite a lot, thanks to the creative nous of Mr Tisci, who has designed a number of new ones for Burberry in recent seasons. The geometric initials on this hoodie are in homage to the founder Mr Thomas Burberry, and illustrates Mr Tisci’s proclivity for pushing the brand forward while still keeping its storied legacy in full view. A handy go-to for transitional weather, the hoodie is crafted in Italy and will look the part layered under one of the brand’s shell jackets when the mercury begins to drop.
The Autumnal Sweatpants
Think beige, think Burberry, right? Although it’s perhaps not the most charismatic hue on the colour wheel, beige takes on a fresh look in the hands of Mr Tisci. The classic colour of one of the brand’s smart trench coats, reimagined on a tactile pair of velour sweatpants? Strangely brilliant. Here, the colour shares space with Mr Tisci’s other favourite shade – black – and the pants are a streetwise addition to a casual autumn wardrobe. They are cuffed with elastic for comfort and are lined with breathable mesh so that you can keep your cool whether you’re commuting hurriedly about the city or simply enjoying some time off.
The Staple Shirt
Some clothes, of course, needn’t be dictated by the weather at all. Burberry’s shirts are a brilliant example of this – the cotton-flannel is a versatile fabric that will fly well in most temperatures or layer nicely over one of the brand’s logo tees or under a sweatshirt, so you can switch it up as you please. You’ve likely seen an iteration of this iconic shirt before but note the details: the archive-inspired printed flannel is incredibly soft and is finished with winking mother-of-pearl buttons that lend it a satisfyingly luxurious feeling that will endure, come rain or shine.