Burberry and Highgrove unveil creative partnership to “welcome British springtime”

Springtime may be nearly two months in (and with recent sunny weather, Britons may already be thinking of summer) but Burberry has linked up with the King and Queen’s private residence, Highgrove to “welcome springtime” via a capsule collection.

It celebrates the label’s “relationship with Highgrove Gardens, which surround the private residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Honouring our British heritage as a proud Royal Warrant holder, the Highgrove x Burberry collection promotes the work of The King’s Foundation, which acts as custodian of Highgrove Gardens, and reflects King Charles III’s long-standing interest in environmental conservation”. 

The company said the 28-piece capsule is “full of British charm, [it] celebrates the vibrant designs of artist Helen Bullock. Taking her cues from the natural world, Bullock has created four artworks inspired by the Kitchen Garden at Highgrove – a walled oasis where nature’s design meets careful cultivation”.

She’s drawn inspiration from its trees, arbours and cascading flowers – alongside its honeybees and fountain for menswear, womenswear and accessories and said she “fell for the tangled sway of wildflowers and that special combination of dancing poppies and cosmos”.

As well as the natural inspiration from Highrove the collection also speaks of “Burberry’s deep-rooted relationship with the outdoors” and the main material of each piece is made from either certified wool, organic cotton or organic silk.

It’s the fourth joint collection from the label in conjunction with the charity and Scott Simpson, retail director for The King’s Foundation, hailed the “strong relationship between Burberry and Highgrove”.

The supporting campaign showcases the Highgrove x Burberry collection alongside a selection of core pieces, in a series of family moments amid “the beauty of a British country house and garden”.

Actors Elizabeth McGovern, Laura Carmichael and Sope Dirisu wear a selection of pieces in a portfolio of portraits, shot by photographer Camille Summers-Valli. The use of McGovern and Carmichael is likely to add to the appeal as they’re known for their roles in the acclaimed TV series Downton Abbey (much loved by British heritage fans globally), while Dìrísù recently played the title character in period drama film Mr Malcolm’s List.

In-store selected locations will feature window displays with “a standout display in Qingdao, China, inspired by the work of Helen Bullock”. Bespoke installations can also be seen in Miami, Sanlitun in Beijing, and Regent Street, London, which will also feature, adorned with florals and benches reminiscent of a British country garden.