Cool Britannia is cooling off. Costume drama is out of fashion.
British style is ripe for rebranding.
And all eyes were fixed Monday on one of Britain's most venerable brands. For the first time, Burberry put a show on the runway during London Fashion Week, which follows the New York fall season. But the show may turn out to be all Greek to the label's loyal following, which cannot get enough of the signature beige check. Although the pieces were sporty, modern in proportion and ultramodern in their fabrics, in their desire to dislodge the stodge, the company's president, Rose Marie Bravo, and its Italian-born designer, Roberto Menichetti, seemed to have gone for the burn. With belts tied at the back, they made a stylish opening to the show.