burberry collection riccardo tisci | riccardo tisci designs

Riccardo Tisci's first collection for the storied British brand hit the runway today—and Instagram shortly thereafter. When it was announced that Tisci would be taking the helm as Creative Officer of Burberry, replacing Christopher Bailey, the fashion world held its breath. Bailey had successfully steered Burberry through years of evolution, maintaining the brand's heritage while injecting a modern sensibility. Could Tisci, known for his darker, more avant-garde aesthetic honed at Givenchy, successfully navigate the delicate balance required to honor Burberry's legacy while forging a new path? The answer, judging by his debut collection, is a resounding and complex "sort of."

The collection, unveiled at London Fashion Week, was immediately dissected and disseminated across social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Twitter, reflecting the modern realities of fashion consumption. The digital age demands instant access and immediate judgment, and Tisci's Burberry was no exception. The flurry of images and opinions showcased a collection that was both a departure from and a respectful nod to Burberry's past.

A New Era at Burberry: Tisci's Vision

Tisci's appointment as Creative Officer marked a significant turning point for Burberry. His tenure at Givenchy, spanning over a decade, was characterized by a distinctive blend of gothic romanticism, street style influences, and a strong emphasis on tailoring. He transformed Givenchy into a coveted brand among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike. The question on everyone's mind was: how would this aesthetic translate to the quintessentially British brand that is Burberry?

The collection provided a multifaceted answer. It wasn't a complete overhaul, but rather a strategic recalibration. Tisci cleverly deconstructed and reassembled Burberry's iconic design elements, introducing new silhouettes, prints, and textures while retaining the brand's core identity. The result was a collection that felt both familiar and refreshingly new.

Riccardo Tisci Designs: Deconstructing the Icon

At the heart of Burberry lies its iconic trench coat. Tisci didn't shy away from this cornerstone of the brand, instead, he reimagined it in a multitude of ways. Classic silhouettes were streamlined and modernized, some featuring unexpected cutouts, asymmetrical hemlines, and updated hardware. He played with the proportions, offering both oversized and more fitted versions, catering to a wider range of tastes.

Beyond the trench coat, Tisci explored the brand's heritage through other avenues. The classic Burberry check, a symbol recognized globally, was deconstructed and reinterpreted. He introduced new variations of the check, playing with scale, color, and placement. Some looks featured the check in its traditional form, while others incorporated it subtly as lining or accent details. In some cases, the check was completely absent, replaced with solid colors and more minimalist designs, a bold move that sparked considerable debate.

The collection also showcased Tisci's signature design elements. There were nods to his gothic aesthetic, with dark color palettes and strong silhouettes. Tailoring played a prominent role, with sharp suits and structured dresses that exuded a sense of power and sophistication. Streetwear influences were also evident, with oversized hoodies, bomber jackets, and sneakers incorporated into the mix. This juxtaposition of high fashion and streetwear, a hallmark of Tisci's work, injected a youthful energy into the collection.

Riccardo Tisci Givenchy: A Legacy of Innovation

To truly understand Tisci's vision for Burberry, it's crucial to examine his legacy at Givenchy. During his time there, he transformed the brand from a relatively traditional couture house into a contemporary powerhouse. He introduced streetwear elements, collaborated with artists and musicians, and embraced a more inclusive approach to fashion.

His designs at Givenchy were often characterized by their dark romanticism, edgy aesthetic, and strong silhouettes. He was known for his use of leather, lace, and graphic prints, creating collections that were both luxurious and rebellious. He also championed diversity on the runway, casting models of different ethnicities and body types, a move that resonated with a younger generation of fashion consumers.

The influence of his Givenchy years can be seen in his Burberry collection. The emphasis on tailoring, the use of dark colors, and the incorporation of streetwear elements are all echoes of his previous work. However, Tisci also demonstrated a keen understanding of the Burberry brand and its heritage. He didn't simply transplant his Givenchy aesthetic onto Burberry; instead, he adapted it to fit the brand's DNA.

Riccardo Tisci Creative Officer: A Balancing Act

The role of Creative Officer at a brand like Burberry is a complex one. It requires a delicate balance between honoring the brand's heritage and pushing it forward into the future. Tisci had to navigate this challenge, respecting the brand's iconic designs while also injecting his own unique vision.

His collection reflected this balancing act. He paid homage to Burberry's heritage through the use of the trench coat and the Burberry check, but he also introduced new silhouettes, prints, and textures that felt fresh and modern. He didn't completely abandon the brand's traditional aesthetic, but he did push it in new directions.burberry collection riccardo tisci

This approach was met with mixed reactions. Some praised Tisci for his innovative take on Burberry, while others criticized him for straying too far from the brand's core identity. However, even the critics acknowledged that Tisci's collection was a bold and thought-provoking statement.

Ricardo Burberry Instagram & Twitter: The Digital Response