City living isn’t for the weak, at least not according to Burberry creative director Daniel Lee. His Pre-Fall 2024 collection—filled with timeless trenches, puddling trousers, and thick-heeled boots—imagines an on-the-go customer who never sacrifices style at the behest of function.
Shearling aviator jackets are shown alongside streamlined sleeveless versions; a couple are even reworked as scarves. Oversized suede bags are toted in elbow crooks while the Shield Sling bag returns, this time with tassels. It’s at once effortlessly cool and strikingly wearable.
Lee’s Burberry achieves this elevated simplicity through a sharp attention to construction and penchant for layering, all while pulling from the house’s sporting heritage. Cargo pants with tear-away studs lend an athletic sensibility to a half-zipped moto jacket. Off-center hardware adds edge to otherwise traditional blazers.
Burberry Check sweaters—this time in a muted brown offset by teal or pops of red—playfully poke out from beneath buttoned-up coats. Turtlenecks nearly reach the earlobes, and scarf fringe fans over models’ shoulders. There are even hot water bottles in a matching print. Autumn 2024 isn’t just functional—it’s downright considerate.
Lee knows that his modern city-dweller, busy as they are, will still want to sartorially wink and nod at other in-the-know passersby. In some cases, it’s more obvious; the Knight bag has been transmuted to a leather mini skirt. Kitten heels are adorned with delicate chains or faux fur for a luxurious touch.
Yet, even in the styling, the creative director touched on a glamorously busy attitude: one pant leg catches on a stirrup boot’s buckle, like the wearer was too harried getting dressed to correct it. Burberry captures effortlessly what few can: fashion so put together it’s an afterthought.
