Tyra Banks has hit her stride—again. Some 24 hours after she made a triumphant (and viral) return to the runway after 20 years, Banks channeled the same catwalk-ready energy to make an entrance through the double doors of the Burberry flagship boutique, much to the delight of waiting photographers.
In fact, everywhere you looked around the refreshed and renewed three-story store on Wednesday evening, there were supermodels of the moment hanging out in the heritage brand’s quintessentially British clothes. Current campaign face Cara Delevingne could be seen having a chin-wag with fellow long-time muse of the brand, Agyness Deyn. It was pretty meta to see the real Delevingne nonchalantly leaning against the boutique’s glass jewelry cases in a leather skirt and fringed teddy bear brown jacket, given that a colossal ad featuring her face is currently splashed across the building’s facade.
There’s no mistaking the heartfelt nods to British history at the redesigned East 57th Street store—which Burberry has called home since 1970. There are installations by model-turned-textile artist Tom Atton Moore, replicas of coats once worn by significant explorers and soldiers, and, naturally, a focus on the backstory to the signature trench coats made at the Castleford factory in Yorkshire.
“I’m a trench girl for sure,” beamed Taylor Hill, a frequent collaborator of the house. Beside her, her close friend Jasmine Tookes echoed that a timeless trench is always a good idea. While Tookes has long since made her mark on the modeling world, she’s recently become a sensation amongst younger fans thanks to her TikTok uploads showcasing her elegant approach to getting dressed each day. “I’d style a trench with long trousers, ones that reach the floor,” she told Vogue. “I prefer that versus when you can see some ankle. I’d wear it with a silk shirt and heels…always heels.” Stylist Cary Robinson—her sounding board for all things chic, who also happens to be her mom—nodded in agreement.
Downstairs, chief creative officer Daniel Lee was ready to greet Cher and Alexander ‘AE’ Edwards as the couple breezed in around 7.30 p.m., stopping to chat with Jodie Turner-Smith. Later that evening, they’d all head downtown to Jean’s for an intimate dinner, joined by the likes of Caitriona Balfe, Maya Jama, Iris Apatow, Shanina Shaik, Carmelo Anthony, Deacon Phillippe, and Thomas Doherty.
It wasn’t just A-listers and industry regulars in attendance. There were plenty of VICs—very important clients—who were eagerly trying on gabardines, cashmere capes, and car coats over Champagne and canapés. An hour into the party, stylist DiAndre Tristan had already amassed a shopping list as long as his arm. The Upper East Side-based creative was scanning the assortment, wondering what to add to his personal collection next. As it was, he was already kitted out head-to-toe in Burberry pieces from various designers’ eras over the last decade. “Daniel Lee joining the brand has cost me a lot of money,” he laughed.
Tristan ultimately decided to mull over his purchase and come back soon, which is probably just as well: Burberry is said to be introducing a posh new tea service during client appointments. A special treat, and another incentive to avail of a made-to-order offering to create bespoke leather or suede trenches, debuting exclusively at the Manhattan flagship. Pop the kettle on!