February 1, 2024 |
Feeling blue? Burberry’s got your back. From February 1 to 29, the British heritage brand is taking over Harrods in celebration of its longstanding love of exploration and the great outdoors, from outfitting famed explorers to concocting equipment for adventurers, and kicking off Harrods’ 175th anniversary activations.
As soon as you hop off the Piccadilly line at Knightsbridge and start down Brompton Road toward the store, you’ll notice that something feels askew; that’s because Harrods’ quintessential green men (doormen who wear an instantly recognisable emerald green uniform) are nowhere in sight. For the first time in the retailer’s history, the green men have some new togs, and they’re decked in Burberry knight blue check – a new signature of the house introduced by chief creative officer Daniel Lee. New year, new threads, we suppose!
You’ll also see the building’s recognisable green awnings reimagined as colossal, peeled-back tent-inspired canopies rendered in a seasonal Burberry check. Window displays are bedecked with handy guy ropes, carabiners and hefty drapes of waterproof fabric. Step inside Door 6 and Door 9 and you’ll find a limited-edition 40-plus-piece capsule collection created by Lee, especially for the takeover, in the lead up to his third show at the brand. Including womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and accessories, there’s something for everyone. Stand out items include a new nappa leather Knight bag, fresh iterations of the Chess and Rocking Horse bags, new colourways of the Box sneaker, the Highland heeled mule and exclusive eyewear styles. The special collection is also available for your purchasing pleasures on the Harrods website. Aside from the dedicated pop-up spaces, there’s also an area overflowing with Burberry’s iconic rainwear and trench coats, and in line with the anniversary are 175 special teddy bears and a Harrods hamper filled to the brim with camping gear, edible goodies and a limited-edition Burberry picnic blanket in – you guessed it – knight blue.
In the ‘Camping Corner’ discover a special offering of British treats and hiking accessories like knight blue hot water bottles and bottle openers. There’s also a limited-edition orienteering map of Knightsbridge, created in collaboration with Open City charity, up for grabs – forget getting lost. And if you’re feeling a bit peckish, grab some Romney’s Kendal Mint Cakes – a Northerner’s confectionary delight popular among explorers and mountaineers. There’s also a Burberry food truck at Door 5 ready with British cakes and pastries, hot toddies, peppermint hot cocoa, flapjacks, and more for warming up your cold little heart. Pull up a knight blue bench, sit back and relax in the dedicated picnic space that sits next to the mobile kitchen before you head out.
If you’re more of a nightcrawler, don’t worry, because the esteemed department store will be illuminated in an abysmal knight blue light, from the street to the sky, each and every evening of the takeover. Or if you prefer to stay at home, the takeover can also be experienced through the popular immersive platform Roblox, enabling players to explore the virtual environment and unlock exclusive Burberry items. It’s not the first time Burberry has worked with the game, but for the first time ever, the Harrods facade has been recreated in the virtual realm. There’s also a virtual Snapchat lens giving visitors new and exciting ways to interact with the Burberry universe. You won’t want to miss this. Burberry forever!
Photography courtesy of Burberry.
