Pre-Fall 2012: Burberry Prorsum
Burberry Prorsum’s Spring 2012 collection may have featured bright notes of African tribal inspiration, but for Pre-Fall 2012, Christopher Bailey abandoned the beading and woven raffia to rewind to the 1930s for a sobering pre-World War II theme. It was a less playful collection than his last, but Bailey still incorporated Burberry Prorsum’s greatest hits, including, of course, signature outerwear and oversized handbags.
The British designer focused on a somber palette of chocolate, navy, mustard, olive green, gray and beige to portray the stern mood of the ‘30s. It was a no-nonsense collection. Bailey paired this moody rainbow with firm silhouettes of high-waisted knee-length pencil skirts, bold shoulder outerwear, flared trousers, feminine drop-waist dresses, full skirts and ribbed knit tops. Borrowing from the boys of the era, laced-up heeled chukka boots with lambswool lining offered a masculine feel to the ensembles. Juxtaposing with the harsher vibe, Bailey softened things up with sweet bow belts to cinch the waistline.
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War or no war, every Burberry Prorsum season needs must-have outerwear. Last Spring’s colorful trench was reincarnated into Pre-Fall as a double-breasted military coat in navy or black wool, completed with extended shoulders, touches of fur and a nipped waist. The look was simple yet pristine.
The eveningwear finale consisted of four gowns with tasteful thigh-high slits, ruched bodices, bow belts and long, lean silhouettes. While it wasn’t a red-carpet moment with the muted shades and demure quality, it was fitting for a pre-war night out with a dashing young gentleman boasting a paperboy hat and a military jacket of his own.
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The Pre-Fall collection may not have been a showstopper – perhaps partly because the British designer hasn’t jumped onboard with a full collection for the interim season yet – but he managed to deliver covetable outerwear that could easily become a versatile staple in any wardrobe. And a classic piece is always well worth the investment.
This article was contributed Annette Tang of the Versastyle. You can follow Annette and her fashion adventures on Twitter at @theversastyle.
Tagged in: london, runway, burberry prorsum, christopher bailey, pre-fall, pre-fall 2012,
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