Anyone caught up in the heritage of Burberry's trenches and tartan plaid need only look to Christopher Bailey's runway to see there's much more on offer from the British brand.
Since Bailey took over as chief creative office in 2001 (and was most recently named Burberry's CEO), the label has, while staying true to its rain-friendly roots, undergone a renaissance that continues to surprise us. See the styles that have us bowing to the majesty of Burberry season after season and have us feeling more than ready to kick off London Fashion Week!
Floaty silhouettes were belted at the waist over watercolor-print scarves, layered with cozy-looking blanket coats or heavy shearling painted with purple, orange, and pink blooms.
Christopher Bailey took Burberry Prorsum down a more bohemian path this season, with hand-painted prints, bias-cut crepe silk, antiqued, sheer lace, and liberal use of scarves and ponchos.
The collection gave rise to the monogrammed poncho street style trend that the models have started to carry out.
And even when there weren't prints, the designs were eye-catching with bold hues and high-shine fabrics.
One of the label's most graphic collections came with Fall 2013's high-contrast prints.
Bailey dared to pair jewel tones with a memorable sapphire, emerald, and gold ensemble (not to mention those ruby-red lips).
Capes amped up many of the designs but none so much as the iridescent swimwear.
Burberry may have started the animal sweater craze with its Fall 2012 owls.
While staying true to its Burberry-brand heritage, this striped wicker trench stole the show and once again reinvented the coat.
Paired with beaded sandals and a straw tote, this floaty dress seemed ready to escape to far-off destinations.
However, tweed added a menswear tone to the Fall 2011 designs, especially when paired with suiting.
Punctuated by more bright leather (this time piped along a trench's seams) accessories, it was clear that this was a whole knew era of Burberry.
By teaming military green with bright chartreuse, this piece became an absolute standout.
For Spring 2010, Bailey pumped up the volume (on his designs shoulders, that is).
By keeping this trench unbuttoned and layering it over a breezy white dress, Bailey reinforced the collection's relaxed vibe.
The show's neutral knits looked so cozy that showgoers may have been tempted to wear them right off the runway.
For a hint of uptown polish, high-shine separates dressed the collection up for night.
Bailey went to a darker place for his streetwear collection of Fall 2008.
Ruffled coats and dresses looked sweet but had a bit of edge, as well.
Trademark tartan made an appearance throughout the Spring 2008 show.
Quilting added a layer of rich texture to some of the outerwear, too.
Another iridescent application found its home on ruched dresses in the Fall 2007 collection.
Iridescence and pastels would play a role in later collections too.