88 AND COUNTING
Burberry’s new bag takes inspiration from fabric at the heart of the brand
Burberry Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Bailey’s been in inspired form this year. No sooner had he wowed fashionistas in February, with his Henry Moore-inspired collection in London, than he’s back with the DK88 bag. “With the DK88 we wanted to create a timeless collection of bags which could have the same spirit and attitude as the iconic trench coat,” says Bailey.
Named after the house code for its signature honey-coloured gabardine, The DK88 is a tribute to the fabric at the heart of Burberry’s history and is crafted in exclusive new Trench Leather. Designed in England, the timeless silhouette reflects British sensibility through its classic and enduring shape and is defined by a structured top handle and a distinctive oversize lock. So far its been seriously slung-over-the-shoulder eye candy
for the likes of Naomi Campbell, Ruby Rose, Olivia Palermo and a host of the style set’s most discerning.
“Each DK88 is crafted from this incredibly rich trench leather, which we designed to reflect and celebrate the fabric at the very heart of our brand,” says Bailey. “The result is a collection of bags in painterly colours which is defined by its contrasts – effortlessly elegant, modern yet timeless, supple yet strong – and unmistakably British.”
The trench leather is embossed with a unique pattern reflecting the distinctive twill finish of cotton gabardine, the cloth Thomas Burberry patented in 1888, and which is still used today for Burberry’s signature made-inEngland trench coats.
The standout bag is the DK88 Top Handle which is defined by its timeless silhouette, oversize lock and sculptured handle, and which can be seen in the recent campaign shot on location by British photographer Josh Olins at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens in Hertfordshire, featuring, as is Burberry’s wont, a host of up-and-coming models.
Bailey has always been an admirer of Moore’s aesthetic. “I have been fascinated by the great British sculptor for as long as I can remember – his work has always had a powerful influence on me. Looking at, and thinking about, his work set up a series of conversations as we began working on our latest collaboration.”
The DK88 collection is available in a range of sizes for men and women, and features seven different styles including satchel and luggage-inspired shapes, anchored by a classic top handle bag in two sizes. The colour palette ranges from black, dark navy, honey tan, antique red and dark forest green, to painterly hues of slate blue, blossom pink, ash rose and celadon green.
Designed in England at Burberry’s headquarters in London and made in Italy, all styles come with an adjustable leather crossbody strap to allow for hands-free carrying. Selected designs feature an oversize brass tone lock, and an internal pocket made especially for the accompanying key.
And this being Burberry, Bailey and the DK 88, it’s not like there’s not a lot of competition when it comes to adorning the arms and shoulders of the world’s leading chicsters with iconic bags – mostly from itself. The brand’s Burberry Bucket, the Orchard, the Buckle - inspired by the military, the Bridle - inspired by British saddlery, the Alchester, the Banner tote, the Haymarket, the Knight, and heritage grain leather hobo bag, to name a few, are all highly sought after.
Stylista and blogger Olivia Palermo’s site has been waxing lyrical over the DK88: “It’s the perfect example of another pillar of keeping with the heart of the brand while pushing forward for new and forward-thinking design. An extension of timeless fashion which will evolve with new styles, sizes, and colours as time goes on.” To say Palermo and her like are fans of the house is an understatement, much like fashionistas current lusting for the DK88.