aniel Lee (Chief Creative Officer of Burberry Group) used Burberry’ Spring 2026 collection to connect music with fashion in clear, direct ways. The runway was set under a sky-patterned tent in Perks Field at Kensington Palace. The setting felt like a festival backstage. The floor showed dirt while the guests laughed and moved like a crowd waiting for a headline act. The clothes kept British tailoring, offering a music lover’s wardrobe with polish for the stage and durability in the mud. The result balanced heritage with hedonism, with utility pieces built for performance and weather.

Lee referenced decades of British music culture—from the Mod period to folk rock and the current indie revival—and filtered them through Burberry’s practical design, giving each reference a modern shape.

“Musicians have always had incredible style and together with fashion they form a really strong culture,” Lee said. The clothes followed this idea, with cropped A-line coats in Pop-Art checks and tartans in apple green and acid yellow. Camel coats kept a classic structure while allowing a swinging hem.

The front row added to the festival feel. Twiggy (Dame Lesley Lawson), a British cultural icon, arrived before a group of musicians. “I want to get in before the boy band arrives,” she said. Elton John, Vanessa Williams, Skepta, Central Cee and Naomi Campbell were also present. Anna Wintour was there with US tennis star Jack Draper. Benji B (one of the world’s most respected music curators) mixed Black Sabbath into the soundtrack to underline the connection between rock heritage and new audiences.

Shine and weather protection stayed central. Sequinned mini kilts flashed Burberry checks in pink and green. Glossy bomber jackets and wet-look leathers reflected light while trench-inspired pieces appeared in denim, raffia, and waterproof cotton. Lee reminded guests that Burberry still designs for the elements. Crochet and chainmail dresses came with fringe and flat lace-up shoes for festival grounds. Suits stayed slim and short in silhouette, often with a Canadian-denim twist. Others featured hot pink polish or brown coatings with 1960s edges. Accessories included oversized fringe bags, skinny crochet scarves and belts with prominent buckles. Each piece served a practical purpose while adding visual impact. Lee delivered a focused idea. Rock and roll style work when adapted for a modern mindset. In this latest collection, heritage pieces met a festival mood and England felt ready to swing again.

– Images: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD