In The Trenches

The London Olympics are just around the corner. Well, not even around the corner, they're essentially here!  With the opening ceremonies taking place Friday evening, London, and pretty much anything British, is definitely on the brain.  When I try to think of something iconically British, I immediately think of Burberry.  While the British fashion scene has been extremely up and coming in the past few years (Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Erdem... and um, Phoebe Philo is the one who convinced Bernard Arnault to move Cèline's atelier to London) Burberry is still the strongest standing.  Under the strong reins of Creative Director Christopher Bailey, the 156 year old house is hotter than ever - and the clear leader for luxury brands delving into social media and communicating with its consumers.

But aside from the brand's strength and the innovative designs Bailey presents each season, the house is still iconic.  Namely for the greatest piece of clothing ever invented - the trench coat.  It doesn't get more classic than the trench (which was actually invented as part of military uniforms to keep warm during the trench warfare of World War I).  It's the ultimate piece of clothing that every woman (and man for that matter) should have in their closet, even if it doesn't include the tell-tale Burberry check inside the lining.  To get into a British state of mind, here is Burberry's most current ad campaign for Fall/Winter 2012.  The black and white shots were taken on the streets of London by Mario Testino.  Notice, the photos are not lacking in the trench department.

Enjoy!

Fitted trench with a tweed peplum.  Do you every need anything else?? No. 

(images via Burberry's Facebook page)