Burberry Resort 2021

Though there may be rumors that Riccardo Tisci is leaving Burberry, Tisci’s design aesthetic is part and parcel at the iconic brand. And the Burberry Resort 2021 collection proves that Tisci is still at full strength.

Since Tisci’s tenure at Givenchy, a post that he left in 2017, the fashion industry has adored Tisci’s use of architectural structure and minimalism. Aesthetics that are serving him well at Burberry.

For his Resort 2021 collection for Burberry, Riccardo Tisci aptly demonstrates his mastery of combining a high-end streetwear aesthetic with his special brand of sophisticated tailoring. Staying true to Burberry’s DNA of elevated outerwear—particularly trench coats and jackets—Tisci injects his own brand of bold color and architectural structure in this season’s Resort collection. Interestingly, Tisci has found an easy balance between whimsy and Burberry’s signature austerity in this collection, which is in an unexpected departure from what one would expect from Burberry.

In this collection, Tisci uses the bold and the subtle. The bold is expressed in large, oversized plaids as seen in a more traditional Burberry trench and a plaid suit ensemble. Elsewhere Tisci used minimalist silhouettes and with delicate pink rose prints that decorate a black button-down, trousers, and a puff-shouldered shirtdress all highlight Tisci understated design aesthetic which works so well in this outing.

Though this Resort 2021 collection is quite small—only 11 pieces—Tisci with his ingenious use of form, structure and silhouette makes a strong statement. And like many brands of this ilk, Tisci employs huge logos, as evidenced on a classic beige trench coat. And putting the logos is a bold red color not only demonstrates Tisci’s ability to follow trends—there is also some athleisure wear in this collection—but also highlights his affinity for the tongue-in-check irreverence and satire.  

—William S. Gooch