BURBERRY: THE TRIMMINGS

Trench showing was kept to a minimum. This is Burberry. This is what is called making a statement. The focus was on the accessory. Co-ordinated accessories. Clockwork Orange. Visualise it. Hold it. Can you see the bowler-cane co-ordination coming into focus? Admittedly, a quick flick through the show might lead you to think more huntsmen, as it did Vincent in the office, who quite rightly exclaimed: “Que?” But we will not let that deter us from pulling a random reference from the depths of our brain. Henceforth a breakdown of the bags, shoes, gloves and umbrellas. Remember: co-ordination.

THE BAGS

In the traditional, well-crafted-leather-with-two-handles sense. But also, more interestingly, in clutch form. Zip-around patchwork suede. A bit laptop case. A bit 1970s (patchwork in bag form was big then). Or fold over with a clasp. In vibrant mustard leather or black with silver studs. These are soft. Unstructured. They mould to fit the shape of your arm when carried, in the same way a memory foam pillow fits your head each night. This leads us to believe that they offer a superior carrying experience.

THE SHOES

Pointy. Cut low round the ankle and heel. A new vision of the classic Oxford for a new decade? Which makes us wonder, does this exposure of the ankle, be it bare or sock clad, signify a new male erogenous zone? Or merely a way to flash that other much-underrated accessory, the sock? Personally, we’re not advocates of a bare foot in a lace-up brogue. It requires a good ankle and few are blessed with these. Few could carry off such a look.

THE GLOVES

Leather and studded. Suede and brightly coloured. Knitted and graphic. A rainbow of gloves. We liken this to the wig of the accessory world. Why have one hairstyle when you can three or more? Why have one glove style when you can have as many as Christopher Bailey’s imagination decrees. Remember: you’re worth it – and so are your hands.

THE UMBRELLAS

Burberry are British. Britain is known for its rain. The umbrellas are duck topped. Ducks are also rather British. Is this a clever comment on Britishness? Or the saying “taking to something like a duck to water”? There were also owl-topped ones. So could the umbrellas be used as a nod to your personality? Ducks: I am versatile and adapt easily to tricky situations? Owls: I like the nightlife, I want to boogie?

www.burberry.com

by Natalie Dembinska