Responding to a world in a constant state of flux, major fashion houses like Burberry have drastically altered their traditional business models to remain relevant to consumers.
Designing a direct-to-consumer collection for the second consecutive time, Burberry’s Makers House has once again developed the conventional runway show by creating a space where the general public can view Christopher Bailey’s inspiration and design development first hand, giving a more in-depth, expansive experience.
As Bailey states himself, "I think every industry is trying to find its identity in a world that’s changing dramatically. Art, film, music, industrial design, health, food – all these worlds are trying to find what feels relevant and appropriate for all the changes."
This season the creative director has taken inspiration from the iconic British sculptor, Henry Moore. Forty of the artist’s sculptures, working models and found objects sat alongside Burberry’s handcrafted clothes, and 78 couture capes, at this year's Makers House, which took place last week.
Cotton workwear and thick cable knits draw from Moore’s everyday attire while the intricate, heavily embellished capes show off the technical skill of the Burberry atelier. Volume and shape from the sculptures are beautifully echoed within the forms created by Christopher Bailey in his collection.
The design development, which can be seen in sketches and photographs within the exhibition, gives a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of both the designer and artist. Rope on a jumper is manipulated into shape to mimic Moore’s experiments with light, captured in photographs displayed throughout the space.
The Cape Reimagined exhibition will be travelling to cities including Paris, Tokyo and Los Angeles.
All images copyright and courtesy of Burberry
