Burberry Back to the Forefront of Fashion
The designer brand Burberry was founded in 1856 by 21 year old Thomas Burberry who was a former draper’s apprentice. Thomas began his career in fashion when he opened up his own shop located in Basingstoke in Hampshire which specialised in selling waterproof overcoats. The shop quickly became popular in the area and his name and profile as a designer was raised. Thomas Burberry is a classic example of a designer who had always maintained a strong passion for all the elements associated with fashion design and his love of fine, high quality fabrics – something which Burberry is iconic for today, ultimately led him to becoming so highly regarded from a young age.
One of the most popular items created by Burberry which has also led to its iconic status was designed in 1914 and is still today a wardrobe staple for many – the Burberry trench coat. The design element which completely defines 
Burberry from other brands without the need of a physical label is the famous Burberry check which with its black, tan, and red pattern is known as the “Haymarket check” or the “Burberry classic check” and this is what lines the famous trench coats and is still found on perfume bottles, clothing and accessories including the range of Burberry sunglasses. The coat went through years of re-design and improvement, was finally launched in 1924 and is now a timeless classic.
Burberry is regarded as one of the most sought after luxury brands and favoured for its exquisite and classic style. Fans and customers of the brand even include Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Wales.
When a label has existed for such a long period of time, it is inevitable that it will need re-vamping in order to keep up with current trends and style. Near the end of the 20th century, Rose Marie Bravo was brought in to modernise the image of 
Burberry and she was responsible for rebuilding the Burberry brand in the UK and Europe and ensured it was only sold to select luxury retailers which has created a sought after and elite image. She also hired Italian-American Roberto Menichetti as her new head designer in 1998, who quickly made Burberry’s Prorsum brand the hot brand for any fashionista to be seen in. Now Burberry has branded stores and boutiques around the world, and the products maintain a classic, practical and functional use with a completely unique sense of style. Whilst balancing its classic styling with contemporary trend injections Burberry is popular among a wide age range and respected for its significant historical value.
Burberry sunglasses are one of the most modern additions to the Burberry line can be described as beautifully classic but have modern twists to keep the style in keeping with current trends and appeal to a wide range of ages. The iconic Burberry check pattern is also featured on many of the styles, some more subtle such as on a section of the arms. Due to Burberry having such an extensive history, it has been featured in many fashion exhibitions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the collection includes ranges for men, women and children as well as swimwear and accessories including the fantastic range of Burberry sunglasses.
During the 1970s, the brand became associated with the British football scene which led it to bing labelled as the brand for ‘chavs’ or ‘hooligans’. However, during the past two years, with models such as Agyness Deyn, Lily Donaldson and Lara Stone being featured in the Burberry advertising campaigns and the brand being focused upon in publications such as Vogue, Harpers Bizarre and Tatler, the Burberry image has reverted back to its rightful classic and sought after status and loved for its elegant and refined and typically English dishevelled and effortless style.
Diggin’ Fossil
Fossil are perhaps best known for the quirky tins in which their branded wristwear is sold. These novel tins have created a buzz for Fossil since the company began repackaging their watches in 1989 – to such an extent that they almost threaten to overshadow the wristwear itself. The tins have become highly collectible and are traded in markets and antique shops around the world. The graphic design teams that create them have won countless awards and there’s even been a coffee table book published in the humble tin’s honour.
All this for a watch?! What is clear is that when you buy a Fossil watch you are entering into the history books and at the same time acquiring your very own collectible product from the get go!
Fossil watches have a vintage, irreverent style – designed with creativity and humour which extends throughout their collections. The company’s tag line is “What vintage are you?” pointing to the fact that the brand have a timepiece to suit everybody’s style and taste.
Not just a pretty (watch) face, or the sum of their tins (sorry!), Fossil have been approached by 
a number of big name luxury brands to create licensed watch lines for them. These include Adidas, Burberry, Diesel, DKNY, Armani, Michael Kors and Marc by Marc Jacob, all of whom Fossil now design, manufacture and distribute for. It is very apparent therefore that Fossil’s own watches are made by the very best in the business and are of the highest quality. This is further backed up by celebrity designer collaborations. Fossil’s current partnership with Philippe Starck, a media darling and the visionary designer who transformed major hotels across the globe is a coup for the brand and just goes to show how innovative and appealing Fossil watches really are.
Metallic Mash-up
This season all that glitters doesn’t have to be gold – a splash of silver can go a long way too. And if you’re looking to add some extra pazazz to your outfit, why not mix those metals and go all out with a shiny showdown.
Your mum might not like it but it’s officially ok to combine the two without it all looking a bit too trashy (no matter how hard you try). Whether you pile on the precious metals in bangle form, or pick out a subtle shimmery clutch, you’ll find the trend will lend itself to every occasion and is one of the easiest ways to update your summer look – fact! Metallic magpies should also keep a beady eye out for multi-metal wedges, watches and sunnies, all of which will look gorgeous when draped over a tanned torso.
Glitterati fans of the recent trend include the oh so stylish Kate Hudson and designer’s dream Victoria Beckham, both of whom have been seen twinkling in the spotlights donning some fabulous silver and gold fashions. But as always, it was the catwalks that kicked off the clash. Dior, Lanvin, Fendi and Burberry all combined pewter tones with burnished bronzes to create show-stopping pieces that ranged from totes to tops.
All that’s left to do now is grab those two-tone treats, jump on that bandwagon and start glamming up your wardrobe!