Last year, Christopher Bailey announced that he would be leaving Burberry after 17 years. Ahead of his last collection, that will debut at LFW on February 17, the British designer has unveiled his inspiration. 

Bailey has revealed that he has reimagined the classic Burberry check to incorporate the rainbow flag – universally recognised to symbolise pride. The motif will appear throughout the collection to show Burberry’s support of the global LGBTQ+ community. In addition, the British label has made donations to three charities – Albert Kennedy Trust, Trevor Project and ILGA – all of which work to provide mentoring and resources to LGBTQ+ people worldwide.

“My final collection here at Burberry is dedicated to – and in support of – some of the best and brightest organisations supporting LGBTQ+ youth around the world,” Bailey said. “There has never been a more important time to say that in our diversity lies our strength, and our creativity.”

As an openly gay man, Bailey has been married since 2012 and has two young daughters with his husband. He also became the first openly out FTSE 100 CEO in 2014. While his last show will take place this season, he will remain in his position at the label until the end of the year. It is still unknown who will replace him.