Burberry Prorsum Menswear SS14

Earlier this year when Burberry announced that they would bring their menswear collection back to London, a strange spell of anticipation was cast over their big return. We all knew that this move would impact on the future of British menswear, but would it also impact the younger generation of London designers? There will of course be an aftermath and I’m certain that over the next few seasons other fashion houses will make the move too, trying to capitalise on the fast-moving and on going success that is LC:M.

This season, it seemed almost fitting that Christopher Bailey paid homage to the British artist David Hockney for his highly-anticipated return. However, it wasn’t his paintings of Yorkshire landscapes that served as the inspiration – instead it was his pop coloured L.A. series of pool paintings. These works served as the colour palette of a beautifully crafted collection. Bright red ties were worn over yellow shirts – Bailey referencing the stark contrasts of Hockney’s interpretation of California luxury living. There were some bold polka dot print shirts, relaxed knitwear and neon perspex glasses and then came the very British Burberry classics, such as the mac. This collection wasn’t about a big change in style of design for Burberry, instead it was one that left its mark on London – Bailey telling us Burberry is back.