Burberry Fall 2026 Ready to Wear Runway, Fashion Show & Collection Review

Burberry’s latest collection, unveiled against the backdrop of a recreated London, draws inspiration from the city’s famously wet weather. Designer Daniel Lee noted that the constant rain visible from his studio windows at Horseferry House in Westminster heavily influenced the designs, resulting in a collection deeply rooted in the realities of urban winter life.

A London Winter Brought to Life

The show, held at Old Billingsgate market, went beyond simply presenting clothing. Burberry constructed a detailed replica of Tower Bridge, complete with twinkling lights and a runway scattered with imitation puddles, mirroring the streets of London. Old Billingsgate itself offers a prime view of the actual Tower Bridge, which was illuminated against the night sky.

Did You Know? Burberry’s origins lie in outfitting British military personnel during World War I, a heritage that informed Daniel Lee’s reimagining of the trench coat.

The Trench Coat Reimagined

Lee focused on evolving the iconic trench coat, adding feminine details like dramatic ruffled collars and sparkly fringe reminiscent of rain streaks. The collection featured a diverse range of trench coat styles, including elongated knits with leather accents, bouclé and leather combinations, and designs incorporating woven checks and fur collars. Lee expressed particular enthusiasm for a trench coat featuring a vintage map of London woven into its fabric.

Beyond the Trench

While the trench coat was central, the collection also included other weather-appropriate garments. These included buttery leather kilts, bomber jackets paired with slim tracksuits, and sharply tailored coats with leather lapels, all hinting at a military influence.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on core Burberry items – trenches, scarves, and sturdy accessories – suggests a strategic focus on leveraging the brand’s established strengths and authenticity, a direction championed by CEO Josh Schulman.

A Strategic Alignment

The cohesive nature of the collection underscores the alignment between Daniel Lee and Burberry’s chief executive officer, Josh Schulman. Schulman’s strategy centers on capitalizing on areas where Burberry possesses the strongest authenticity, and the current focus on classic pieces appears to be yielding positive results, with sales and profits on the rise as the brand approaches its 170th anniversary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who attended the Burberry show?

Guests included Skepta, Kate Moss, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Kristin Scott Thomas, Erin O’Connor, South Korean boy band Stray Kids, and actors Noah and Jacobi Jupe.

What inspired the design of the collection?

The collection was inspired by the rainy weather in London, which designer Daniel Lee observed from the windows of his studio.

What is Josh Schulman’s strategy for Burberry?

Josh Schulman’s strategy is to focus on areas where Burberry has the most authenticity, such as scarves, trenches, and sturdy accessories.

How do you think a brand’s connection to its historical roots impacts its modern designs and appeal?