IMAGE: BURBERRY

Ahead of Burberry’s next show in London on 19 September, the British luxury house has released a preview of the new advertising campaign, shot by famed photographer Mario Testino at Walker Art Gallery. Showcasing Jean Campbell, Alex Dragulele and Cavan McCarthy in a setting inspired by Virginia Woolf’s Orlando, Burberry’s next collection will contrast masculine and feminine styles across different periods in history.

Besides showing collections for both men and women on the same runway, Burberry will also be offering the collection to be purchased immediately globally, its first straight-to-consumer initiative which I personally think is exciting. I mean, if I see something I like, I would naturally want to buy it right away. What’s the fun in waiting for up to 6 months, right?

IMAGE: BURBERRY

And because I wouldn’t be known as Bagaholicboy if we didn’t focus a little on the bags, you can study both already-released campaign images for some clues on the new pieces. The first image features the Patchwork that’s from the current collection in stores now, but if you look closely, it now comes with (and I’m guessing, exotic leather) ruffles along with a completely reworked sling now made up of shiny links.

Then there’s the new Bridle, which you’ll see on the second image. As far as I can tell, it is a saddle-style shoulder that comes complete with chunky hardware on the sling, gusseted sides in Burberry’s iconic checked fabric and in a size that’s big enough to fit an iPad Mini at least, which would make it a great bag for work or play. Whilst the Patchwork was more fun and ornamental, the Bridle looks set to be most everyone’s function everyday bag come September. What do you think?

Images: Mario Testino, Burberry