Raf Simons, Burberry Cancel Shows, Department Stores Go Dark as U.K. Mourns Queen Elizabeth II
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LONDON — British fashion brands and retailers have joined the nation in mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, temporarily shutting stores and postponing events scheduled for the coming weeks.
Burberry, a Royal Warrant holder, or official supplier to the royal family, has canceled its spring 2023 fashion show, which had been scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. on Sept., 17 during London Fashion Week, scheduled for Sept. 16 to 20.
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As reported, the British Fashion Council has said that shows and presentations of collections can continue, “but we are asking that designers respect the mood of the nation and period of national mourning by considering the timing of their image release.”
Raf Simons has also decided to pull out from showing during London Fashion Week. The Belgian designer was scheduled to make his London debut and showcase his spring 2023 collection next Friday night. The brand has yet to reveal its next step.
“As the country enters a period of official mourning, we will pause during this time of great sadness. We will take this time to respect the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her 70 years on the throne. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family and the people of the Commonwealth,” the brand said in a statement sent to WWD.
Purdey, the high-end British brand specializing in countryside sports and is owned by Compagnie Financière Richemont, has postponed its spring 2023 preview during London Fashion Week as well.
A date for the queen’s funeral has not yet been set, but it is expected to take place between Sept. 17 to 19. The day will be designated as a public holiday.
As soon as news of the queen’s death was announced on Thursday, hundreds of mourners have been gathering outside of Buckingham Palace to pay their respects and leave flowers. On Thursday night, they gathered in the pouring rain to bid farewell to the monarch, who died, aged 96, at her Scottish home, Balmoral.
As of Friday, the public continued to gather outside Buckingham Palace, despite heavy rains in the afternoon, as they welcomed King Charles III and Queen Consort back to London from Scotland. He is scheduled to address the nation in the evening.
Landmarks in London, such as the giant LED screen at Piccadilly Circus, the BT Tower and all the screens at bus stops, shopping centers and train stations, are covered with images of the late Queen Elizabeth.
Burberry has held a warrant from Queen Elizabeth for trenches and weatherproof clothing since the 1950s. It holds another warrant from King Charles III for clothing.
On Thursday, in the wake of the queen’s death, Burberry CEO Jonathan Akeroyd said the late monarch “will forever be remembered with deep admiration, respect and affection by everyone at Burberry. We join the royal family in mourning her loss.”
More than 800 companies, in Britain and elsewhere, are Royal Warrant holders, supplying goods and services to the royals. Although these companies do not have to follow royal protocol and pause business, many of them have made the decision to do so.
Selfridges, which holds a warrant from Queen Elizabeth as a supplier of food and household goods, said its stores in London, Manchester and Birmingham, England, would be shut from Thursday at 8 p.m., and remain closed all day on Friday. They will reopen on Saturday.
“Over the past 70 years, Her Majesty has been dedicated to the service of our country and the Commonwealth, demonstrating an enormous sense of duty and commitment,” the retailer said on Instagram. “Our thoughts are very much with the Royal Family at this time, as the country comes together to pay tribute and remember Queen Elizabeth II.”
Other Royal Warrant holders include Launer, the maker of Queen Elizabeth’s favorite handbags; John Lobb, Tricker’s, Crockett & Jones and Hunter for footwear; Barbour, and Lyle & Scott. The list also includes many tailors such as Anderson & Sheppard, which has been making suits for Prince Charles (now King Charles III, for decades); Gieves and Hawkes, which looks after royal military uniforms; Henry Poole & Co., and Turnbull & Asser.
Anderson & Sheppard said on Instagram that due to the queen’s death, “and profound loss to the nation, we will be closing the bespoke shop and the haberdashery at noon on Friday. Everyone at Anderson & Sheppard shares a great appreciation and respect for Her Majesty’s service to the nation.”
Anda Rowland, chair of The Savile Row Bespoke Association, added that: “Queen Elizabeth II was a steadfast supporter of the craftsmen and women on Savile Row, with tailors being responsible for ceremonial, livery and military wear throughout her reign.”
Mulberry, Moschino and Liberty also closed their U.K. shops on Friday. While Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Marks & Spencer paid tribute on social media.
On its website, Launer described the queen as “a truly remarkable monarch, dearly loved and admired worldwide. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family at this gravely sad time.”
In extending her condolences, Margaret Barbour, chairman of Barbour, said she has been “very proud and honored to hold Her Majesty’s Royal Warrant since 1982.”
John Smedley, which was granted a Royal Warrant for fine knitwear in 2013, said the brand has had a longstanding association with the British royals for many years and welcomed the queen to its Lea Mills factory twice, in 1968 and in 2014. “Both visits retain wonderful memories for the company and individual staff who noted Her Majesty’s warmth, candor, and personable nature.”
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