10 Ways Riccardo Tisci Is Already Changing Burberry
This month, visitors to planet fashion may have thought that aliens invaded. A cheerily insistent "B" pattern appeared worldwide on buildings, sidewalk graffiti, and even on inflatable teddy bears in London and New York. The beach umbrellas on Shelter Island were covered in it; so was a Seoul skyscraper. In turn, the internet obviously was, as well.
The logo invasion was out of this world, but the culprit wasn't UFOs. It was Riccardo Tisci. The 44-year-old debuts his first collection as Burberry's Chief Creative Officer today, and thanks to his galactic imagination-and the company's marketing genius-several key elements of the beloved heritage brand are already on the fashion world's radar.
Here's what you need to know before Tisci's big Burberry unveiling...
1. The Logo Got a Remix...
Created by Tisci and album art legend Peter Saville, the new logo interlocks the letters "T" and "B" for the company's famous founder, Thomas Burberry. On repeat, it looks like an M.C. Escher tessellation or-as Diet Prada gleefully noticed-like a really chic soft pretzel. Isolated, it looks a little more like a baseball team logo.
2. ...and Its First T-Shirt Drop
The sports team vibe is especially true with Burberry's first merch drop, which happens today (!) and includes tees, crewnecks, and even sweatpants with the Thomas Burberry monogram logo. Nicknamed "The B Series," it's been spotted so far on the A-List, including Rihanna, Lily James (above), and Tisci himself.
3. Millennial Pink Gets Its Moment
Enter the Burberry flagship store on Regent Street in London, and see a vision of top-to-bottom Millennial Pink. Sure, one could call it "dusty rose" or "blush" or even rosé, but it's still the most popular color on Instagram's fashion and beauty accounts, and-much like a Burberry hoodie- a signifier for influencer status worldwide.
4. There Will Be Hoodies
Speaking of hoodies, voila: they're already for sale at the Burberry flagship in London, available in black or white. They're simple. They're cozy. They're branded. And they come in men's sizes, so Pete Davidson can buy one, then Ariana Grande can sport it as a dress. Practical!
5. Getting High Is an Option
If shoes are a drug then these stilettos will get you high, literally and otherwise. With an embossed croc pattern and (honestly) the softest, smoothest leather we've ever felt on a heel, these new shoes bring a wham! bam! sex appeal that's a bit unfamiliar to Burberry, but frequently tread by Tisci, especially during his Kardashian-approved tenure at Givenchy.
6. Get Ready for Red
One of Burberry's most exciting new drops has been their matte lip stain, because it actually works and comes in the perfect cherry red. Tisci's embraced the hue, too, with these monochrome kitten heels and shiny lace-ups.
7. There's a Bag Launch, Too
Also available in red: the new Burberry Belt Bag, revamped by Tisci with a simpler shape, more streamlined hardware, and a Millennial Pink lining that peeks just a teeny bit through the edges. Hedi Slimane's first new bag for Celine is getting lots of attention thanks to Lady Gaga and Angelina Jolie-inevitably, famous faces will boost this one, too. The question is, which ones?
8. Fanny Packs-and Signature Check-Are Still a Thing
Tisci may have revamped the label's logo, but Burberry's classic check pattern is still a major presence here, as seen on their new "bum bags," a.k.a. fanny packs. Expect the signature check to surface on some clothes, too... at least if Beyoncé's early support of Burberry's new man is any indication.
9. Thomas Burberry Bear Got a Makeover
This little guy is a bear and a purse. He's made of faux fur, holds a surprising amount of stuff (wallet, keys, water bottle, lipstick, phone, iPad...) and his paws come with curved golden spikes instead of claws. For those who covet more fun fashion, this bag might be Spring 2019's ultimate must-have. (It comes in a bunny version, too!)
10. Burberry is now...kind of... really... funny?!
As a proven creative force in luxury fashion, Riccardo Tisci gets sh*t done. But he's also got a mischievous streak, emerging in small but smart ways. Check out these cheeky sandals, stamped BURBERRY KINGDOM and sure to be an instant hit with hype apostles. There's also the content coming from @burberry, including an IGTV video where Tisci films his team in the Burberry elevator, frantically trying (and sometimes failing) to dodge questions about the secret new collection.
Burberry's always been an optimistic brand, the kind that knows happiness is its own form of chic. But arch, unscripted humor? That's something that only comes with confidence, and that's always worth watching.
