Burberry brought the spirit of British music festivals to life at London Fashion Week on September 22, 2025. The luxury brand unveiled its spring/summer 2026 collection in a massive tent at Kensington Palace Gardens. With a Black Sabbath soundtrack blasting, models strutted on a sandy runway that mimicked the muddy fields of festivals like Glastonbury. Creative director Daniel Lee mixed hippie-inspired crochet dresses, fringed jackets, and bold tailored suits in bright colors like acid green, yellow, and pink. This show was a love letter to British counterculture and music.
The collection marked Lee’s sixth for Burberry and the third under new CEO Joshua Schulman. Schulman has been shaking things up to boost sales. He’s focusing on what makes Burberry special: its iconic trench coats, classic check pattern, and outerwear. The show closed London Fashion Week with a bang, proving Burberry is back with a clear story about British style.
A Nod to Music and Culture
Music and fashion go hand in hand, and Burberry leaned into this big time. The brand’s press release explained that Lee drew inspiration from Britain’s legendary music scene. Think rock ‘n’ roll, punk, and hip-hop. Burberry’s recent ads feature music stars like Oasis’s Liam Gallagher, 90s DJ Goldie, and rapper Loyle Carner. This vibe carried onto the runway. The collection screamed festival energy with its mix of free-spirited and edgy looks.
Models wore boots and sandals that crunched on the sand-covered runway. It felt like a festival field after a rainy weekend. Crochet dresses gave a nod to 1960s hippies, while fringed jackets added a rockstar edge. Bright suits in neon shades popped against metallic finishes and mirrored details. The famous Burberry check showed up on chainmail mini dresses in black, silver, pink, and neon green. Trench coats got a bold twist with snakeskin and tarot card prints.
David Thielebeule, fashion director at Bloomingdale’s, loved the mix. “Burberry has sharpened its focus on its most powerful assets—the trench, the check, and outerwear,” he said. “This season Daniel carried that momentum forward, infusing the classics with a modish rock-and-roll edge.”
Schulman’s Plan to Revive Burberry
Since Joshua Schulman became CEO, Burberry has been on a mission to grow. Sales had dipped, so Schulman doubled down on what makes the brand unique. His strategy is simple: tell a strong story about British culture. From social media to runway shows, every move ties back to the UK’s global influence, especially in music. The September show proved it’s working.
Simon Longland, director of fashion buying at Harrods, called the collection a “confident embrace of a younger client.” He said it’s “rooted firmly in British culture and the energy of music festivals.” Younger shoppers, who love festivals and bold style, are Burberry’s new target. The brand wants to feel fresh while staying true to its roots.
Schulman’s changes go beyond design. Marketing now feels cohesive. Ads, posts, and shows all scream “British pride.” This focus helps Burberry stand out in a crowded luxury market.
Key Looks That Stole the Show
The collection was packed with eye-catching pieces. Here’s what stood out:
- Crochet Dresses: Light, lacy, and perfect for a festival vibe. They mixed hippie charm with modern flair.
- Fringed Jackets: These gave a nod to rockstars, swaying as models walked.
- Neon Suits: Tailored in acid green, yellow, and pink, they screamed confidence.
- Check Chainmail Dresses: Burberry’s classic check got a futuristic twist in black, silver, and neon.
- Bold Trench Coats: Snakeskin and tarot card prints made these classics feel new.
Every piece felt like it belonged at a concert or festival. The mix of textures—like crochet, chainmail, and leather—kept things exciting.
Why This Matters for Fashion Fans
Burberry’s show wasn’t just about clothes. It was a statement. The brand is betting on young shoppers who love music, festivals, and standing out. By tying fashion to Britain’s music legacy, Burberry feels alive again. It’s not just coats and scarves—it’s a lifestyle.
For shoppers, this means more exciting options. Want a dress for a summer festival? Burberry’s got you. Need a bold suit for a night out? They’ve got that too. Prices are high—Burberry is luxury, after all—but the brand’s new energy could spark deals or dupes in mainstream stores.
The show also sets the tone for 2026 trends. Expect crochet, fringe, and neon to pop up everywhere. Festivals like Coachella or Reading might see Burberry-inspired looks next summer.
Burberry’s Bigger Picture
Under Lee and Schulman, Burberry is finding its groove. The brand faced tough years with sales dips and competition from labels like Gucci. Now, it’s carving a clear path. By focusing on British roots, music, and iconic pieces, Burberry feels relevant again.
Fashion experts are impressed. Thielebeule noted Lee’s skill in updating classics. Longland praised the young, bold vibe. With Schulman steering the ship, Burberry’s future looks bright.
As London Fashion Week ended, Burberry left a mark. The sandy runway, rocking soundtrack, and fearless designs showed a brand ready to lead. Whether you’re a festival-goer or a luxury lover, Burberry’s 2026 collection is one to watch.
