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MR. BURBERRY: Q&A WITH JOSH WHITEHOUSE

Before Eddie Redmayne became a household name, he wore a Burberry suit and stood beside other models for the British brand’s 2008 campaign. Actor Josh Whitehouse is set to follow in Redmayne’s footsteps. The boyish-looking thespian with the curly locks is the face of the new Mr. Burberry fragrance. In the film, he romances Amber Anderson across London while the dreamy baritone voice of Benjamin Clementine sings in the background. Whitehouse reveals a little more about the scent and the campaign.

How do you feel about being in a fragrance campaign and cast as Mr. Burberry?

Being cast as Mr. Burberry is a new feeling, but a good one. I can’t say I ever imagined being asked to be in a fragrance campaign. I feel incredibly honoured, shocked and delighted to be cast as Mr. Burberry.

In this campaign, it’s your job to define Mr. Burberry and what he represents. Can you describe him?

Mr. Burberry is a mysterious character. I was trying to encapsulate a mood today’s Burberry man would recognise. He’s relaxed and in control. He’s cool but enjoys adventure. He works hard because he’s ambitious. He’s a little bit rebellious, but with a classy English attitude. Stylish but never pristine. Maybe he has a little bit of stubble.

If Mr. Burberry were a real person, where would his London hangouts be? What kind of guy is he?

Probably decent whisky bars ‒ I reckon he’s a whisky drinker. He also probably enjoys fine theatre and listens to the entire Burberry acoustic catalogue.

What do you think happens after the final credits?

The characters in the Mr. Burberry film are in love and it’s more than just a one-off thing. I think it might happen once or a couple times a year, but with both of them being so busy, they save these occasions to get together and treat themselves to something special. So when the credits roll, Mr. and Mrs. or rather, Ms. Burberry get back to saving the world. They’re too busy to spend all of their time together. They’re passionate and driven people. Those two are the only two who could handle each other and that lifestyle.