Burberry Unveils New Outerwear Campaign Featuring Oscar-Winning Talent
LONDON – Burberry, the iconic British luxury fashion house, has launched an innovative outerwear campaign titled “It’s Always Burberry Weather: Postcards From London.” This campaign marks a significant collaboration with Academy Award-winning director John Madden, renowned for his work on the beloved film “Shakespeare in Love.” The initiative not only showcases Burberry’s latest outerwear collection but also pays homage to British culture, food, and history.
A Star-Studded Cast
At the heart of this campaign is the celebrated actress Olivia Colman, who brings her unique charm and versatility to a series of four short films. Colman, an Oscar winner herself, embodies various characters that reflect the vibrant tapestry of London life. From a cheerful spectator enjoying ice cream at a cricket match to a busking piano player, her roles are designed to resonate with both locals and tourists alike.
In one memorable scene, Colman serves as a chip shop lady, dishing out traditional deep-fried cod and haddock while engaging with first-time visitors to the city. “Cod’s a classic, but haddock is tastier in my opinion,” she advises her customers, encapsulating the warmth and humor that Londoners are known for.
Celebrating London’s Diversity
Daniel Lee, Burberry’s Chief Creative Officer, emphasized that the campaign aims to celebrate the myriad characters one might encounter in London. The glamorous tourists featured in the films are portrayed by a diverse lineup of models, including Amelia Gray, Liu Wen, Lucky Blue Smith, Mona Tougaard, and Tyson Beckford. This blend of personalities not only highlights the brand’s commitment to inclusivity but also reflects the multicultural essence of London itself.
Pop-Up Shops: A Journey Through Time
Accompanying the campaign is a series of pop-up shops designed to evoke the spirit of rail adventures and the romance of returning to London by train. These pop-ups will feature interiors inspired by the fall 2025 show, merging the industrial aesthetics of historic train stations with Arts and Crafts detailing. This design choice pays tribute to the rich history of British craftsmanship, a hallmark of Burberry’s identity.
Lee’s inspiration for the collection draws from the interiors of stately homes, particularly their intricate wallpapers and luxurious textiles. The outerwear features wintry colors transformed into distressed leather trenches, fur-lined bombers, and belted poncho raincoats, showcasing a blend of modernity and tradition.
Global Reach and Heritage
The campaign will extend beyond the UK, with themed pop-ups set to appear in select locations across China, Japan, and Korea. These international installations will include ticket booths and gifting kiosks designed to resemble station platforms, further enhancing the travel theme.
In a nod to Burberry’s storied past, replicas of a 1930s clock from the brand’s former flagship on Haymarket will be featured in select pop-ups. This clock, recently restored and installed at Burberry’s Horseferry House headquarters in Westminster, serves as a tangible connection to the brand’s heritage. Made from gold leaf, cast iron, and German opal glass, the clock was originally removed from the Grade II-listed Haymarket building in 2015 and has since been meticulously restored.
A Continuation of a Legacy
The outerwear campaign, photographed by Drew Vickers, follows Burberry’s first major campaign under CEO Josh Schulman, which debuted last October. That campaign also featured Olivia Colman alongside other notable figures such as Barry Keoghan, Cara Delevingne, and Little Simz. Shot in both London and the British countryside, it was inspired by the archival slogan “It’s Always Burberry Weather,” reinforcing the brand’s commitment to its roots while looking toward the future.
Conclusion
Burberry’s latest outerwear campaign is more than just a marketing initiative; it is a celebration of British culture, history, and the diverse characters that inhabit London. By collaborating with acclaimed talents like John Madden and Olivia Colman, Burberry not only showcases its fashion prowess but also reinforces its position as a cultural icon. As the campaign rolls out, it promises to engage audiences both locally and globally, inviting them to experience the unique charm of London through the lens of Burberry’s rich heritage.
