Perilous garments
HEAD- TO- TOE classic BURBERRY? Check!
The Burberry check pattern is its own celebrity. We’ve witnessed its ups, its downs, its cheap imitations and winced on more than a few occasions to see it draped across a Z-lister. It’s the kind of brand that would do well to pay certain people not to wear it. Sort of a reverse ambassadorship. The Love Island kids could cancel their kebab shop appearances and really start raking it in with my avoidance-specialist representation strategy. ‘Hi Burberry, my client is interested in a dynamic collaboration with your brand wherein she refrains from naming her baby “Amburberry”. You have two hours to accept our terms or she’s having the pram upholstered.’ *slams down the phone and lights cigar*
What counts as overdoing it? No one can dispute the timeless elegance of a wool check scarf, or a hint of the pattern on the lining of a Burberry rain coat. But sheer instinct prevents most of us from going head to toe. It’s fashion, not a routine physical exam for health insurance. So you can imagine my surprise when, early one morning, I was confronted by pics of Rihanna going ALL OUT in cap-to-calves Burberry check. I spat out my gin and demanded answers. The sales associate in my local Argos didn’t have them and instead just kept going on about how you’re not supposed to bring in outside drinks… It’s amazing how some people can get the most perilous looks so right. I am not some people. One year, while in Edinburgh and with a fringe, I fell in love with a Pringle of Scotland jacket. I wore it every time it rained (which turned out to be always), prompting snide remarks from my friends who thought I looked ‘too busy’. Well, yes! Good! I’m a very busy lady. It’s times like this where styling becomes so important. The look WORKS on Rihanna and on the runway. After careful analysis, I think it’s the socks. I’m so glad we’re wearing socks with sandals again. And who doesn’t love a cap! Who’s that over there? A sportswoman? A spy? A legend, that’s who. Perilous though it seems, if you’ve got good instincts and great accessories, you can make the head-to-toe Burberry check work for you. As for me: ‘Hello, Pringle? My client is interested in a dynamic collaboration with your brand…’