CHAOS THEORY

HOW DOES A FASHION DESIGNER RECONCILE TODAY’S CONSTANT CHASE FOR THE NOVEL AND NEW WITH THE VALUES OF LONGEVITY AND FUNCTION?

HOW DOES A FASHION DESIGNER RECONCILE TODAY’S CONSTANT CHASE FOR THE NOVEL AND NEW WITH THE VALUES OF LONGEVITY AND FUNCTION? FOR BURBERRY’S CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER RICCARDO TISCI THIS SEASON, THE SOLUTION LIES IN UNEXPECTED DETAILS THAT GIVE CLASSICS A HYBRID TWIST AND MAKE SURPRISING SENSE (IF ONLY THE WORLD’S LEADERS COULD THINK THE SAME). FOLLOWING THE BRAND’S PRESENTATION IN HONG KONG, IMRAN JALAL GOES IN FOR A CLOSE-UP.

This tone-on-tone khaki ensemble was inspired by the maison’s 19th-century roots and Tisci’s personal fascination with Gothic Victoriana. What looks to be a sexy, lace-trimmed bodycon bustier dress is in fact made up of a corset top and miniskirt. The latter features a button on each side of the waist not only as a decorative element, but also to allow one to attach anything with buttonholes. In the case of the runway look, it was one of the brand’s signature trench coats that helped to create the illusion of a bustle-like skirt and lent a sense of formality. The bonnetmeets-baseball cap only adds to the drama yet wouldn’t look out of place worn with streetwear. Gabardine trench coat, leather and lace corset top, cotton miniskirt and cap, and leather sandals. All Burberry

What can be seen as a funky design detail on a pair of wide-legged trousers and that would appeal to the experimental streetwear set is in fact what the brand dubs “step-through cut-outs”. Essentially openings on each pant leg just above the knee, they can function as cuffs – pass one’s feet through and you get a pair of tailored bermudas with an elegant train effect down each leg. Pair with the matching madras-checked cropped jacket – inpired by the classic gentleman’s tailcoat – for a cool spin on the tailored suit. Meanwhile the tee here sports the same cut-out effect: Depending on how one wears it, it can look like a statement tee with a hole in front, or a mullet-style top. Cotton-blend jacket, matching pants, cotton T-shirt, and leather sandals

HAIR & MAKEUP SHA SHAMSI, USING KEUNE & BURBERRY MODEL KIM/MANNEQUIN

PHOTOGRAPHY VEE CHIN STYLING IMRAN JALAL

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