Burberry and its now iconic Nova Check were the better part of half a century in the making when the Bridgerton saga chose 1813 as the starting point for its fictional journey across nineteenth century high society.
Now long established as Britain’s premium elite heritage brand, Burberry took centre stage on Monday evening at a star-studded London Fashion Week show that included two of the historical drama’s principle stars.
With Kensington Gardens serving as the backdrop, screen siblings Jonathan Bailey and Hannah Dodd enjoyed what appeared to be a happy reunion as the legendary brand unveiled its latest collection.
Bailey, 37, best known for his role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the hit show, was seen warmly embracing Dodd shortly after arriving at the outdoor venue.
The actor looked appropriately stylish in a coordinated Burberry roll-neck and matching burgundy corduroys as the pair posed for photos before taking to their front row seats.
Dodd, 30, who found fame as Bailey’s on-screen sister Francesca Stirling in Bridgerton, looked equally smart in a fitted leather jacket and delicate lace mini-dress while mingling with guests at the event.
Bridgerton siblings Hannah Dodd and Jonathan Bailey were reunited at Burberry’s London Fashion Week presentation on Monday evening
Bailey, best known for his role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the hit show, was seen warmly embracing Dodd shortly after arriving at the Kensington Gardens venue
(L-R) Jonathan Bailey, Hannah Dodd, Twiggy, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley occupy front row seats during the heritage brand’s latest catwalk show
While many of the guests took their front row seats wearing trench coats – either in suede, patent or classic cotton gabardine – there were yet more iterations on the catwalk, including versions in turquoise leather, snake print and an eye-searing green and red house check.
According to the brand, it’s always Burberry weather: the rain wasn’t so much an inconvenience as an opportunity to sell more outerwear.
And for spring/summer 2026, the offerings included a raft of silk bomber jackets, glossy raincoats and oversized wax cotton parkas that strongly channelled Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.
Indeed creative director Daniel Lee celebrated the connection between fashion and music by presenting a wardrobe fit for a classic British festival such as Reading or Glastonbury.
Other festival looks included crocheted bralettes, skinny knitted scarves, shrunken T-shirts, mini shift dresses and leather boots that looked sturdy enough to withstand the muddiest field.
One of Britain’s most well-known luxury heritage brands, founded by Thomas Burberry in 1856, Burberry is currently on a commercial and creative high.
After announcing in May the loss of 1,700 jobs – almost a fifth of its workforce – shares have since doubled in value, with the company currently worth an estimated £4.5billion.
By doubling down on its British heritage, and enlisting a slew of well loved British stars to front its advertising campaigns, it has succeeded in selling an idealised, sanitised version of the grubby British festival to a global audience.
Dodd, who found fame as Bailey’s on-screen sister Francesca Stirling in Bridgerton, wore a fitted leather jacket and delicate lace mini-dress
Many of the guests, among them Jennifer Saunders, took their front row seats wearing trench coats – either in suede, patent or classic cotton gabardine
The show was an upbeat end to an upbeat week, the first overseen by Laura Weir, the new chief executive of the British Fashion Council.
Other highlights of London Fashion Week included presentations by Simone Rocha, Erdem, Roksanda and Richard Quinn.
Meanwhile the fourth instalment of much-loved Netflix series Bridgerton will return to screens in 2026, with ‘Netflix sharing a huge update on the show’s future’.
According to The Sun, the streaming giant has bagged a multi-million pound investment to make series five and six.
A TV insider told the publication: ‘After introducing the controversial gender swap at the end of series three which saw Michael Stirling switched to Michaela, there is a chance execs could skip ahead to Francesca’s story.
‘They certainly weren’t afraid to dabble with Julia Quinn’s timeline by swapping the order of Colin and Benedict’s tales.’
Meanwhile the fourth instalment of much-loved Netflix series Bridgerton will return to screens in 2026 and now ‘Netflix has shared a huge update on the show’s future’
