Parvi: Burberry - A Twist on Feminine Strength

Day four of London Fashion Week featured the Burberry Prorsum show. I have to say, the women’s fall 2011 line was BEAUTIFUL. We’ll get to the clothes momentarily, but let’s just talk about the show itself.

How beautiful was the beginning? The snow, the lights, the drama. It set the tone for the entire show. A classic air breathing a sense of bold sophistication into the show. I was little on the fence about the music initially but it was genius how well it represented the overall feeling of show. Sure it was slightly melancholy but the lyrics evoked a sense of strength and independent beauty that resonated within the pieces. The jackets were structured and well defined while still maintaining a gorgeous feminine flair. The entire line emanated a sense of strong female presence. The colors were bold and beautiful. Each piece demanded attention in a very sophisticated manner. It reminded me of 1920’s women – Strong, independent and demanding while being feminine.

"Poodle" Coat

I loved the transition from colors, to flannel, to pure white all in the most luxurious fabrics. Just watching the show even over the internet you could feel the rich lushness of the material. It looked luxurious – fabulous in every way – soft, rich, stunning. Now speaking of luxurious materials, let’s talk fur. As far as I am aware, Burberry has not done fur at this scale before. The fluff and glamor that it added was spectacular though there were a few coats that reminded me mildly of poodles (picture left). Even better was the sharp contrast of the white coats following. Removing all color from the pieces added a new level of simple sophistication bolstered by fabulous glamor courtesy of full fur coats, daring cutouts, and simple yet fun berets. Much of the collection had a mild military flare to itself as well which was interesting to see. I could have sworn that was last season, but I guess it’s good to see it come back. Burberry made it work in the coats, though I was on the fence about its presentation in the few sweater pieces I saw strut down the runway. I did appreciate the variety in the collection though that was tied together by simple lines that toned down the femininity of the collection yet maintained it in the flair and drama present in other components of the pieces.

There were times my internal shopping addict went into overdrive watching the show.  I wanted almost every piece walking down that runway. Wearing those coats, carrying those purses it makes you feel in control in whimsical way. Like a women who knows she is fabulous but doesn't need to flaunt it and really, let’s be real here, what woman doesn’t want to be that way? Strong, sophisticated, beautiful and demanding of deserved attention but in the most simple understated way.