Burberry Festive Campaign c Courtesy of Burberry _ Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

Burberry’s Christmas Campaign Breaks Barriers

Ricardo Tisci selects the British brand’s most diverse cast yet

Burberry Festive Campaign c Courtesy of Burberry _ Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

Since Ricardo Tisci took the helm of Burberry last year, he’s been on a mission to shake things up. And his first festive campaign for the iconic house (which dropped today) is proof of his unabashed attitude.  

The Italian designer assembled the campaign’s most diverse cast yet, making history by casting the house’s first hijabi model Ikram Abdi Omar. 

Burberry Festive Campaign c Courtesy of Burberry _ Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott_004Tisci also brought along Italian-Egyptian singer Mahmood to star alongside Abdi Omar, a commendable move considering the racist remarks the singer has faced from Italian politicians during his rise to fame. 

‘I am connected to the idea of unity, togetherness and challenging the perception of what love is today. This for me is the real spirit of the season,” the creative director enthused in a statement. “I loved the idea of bringing together a group of people that have been so supportive of me since I joined Burberry to celebrate my first holiday campaign for the house,’ he added. 

Burberry Festive Campaign c Courtesy of Burberry _ Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott_006Burberry Festive Campaign c Courtesy of Burberry _ Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott_005The cast also includes legendary French-Italian singer Carla Bruni, Russian model Sasha Pivovarova, South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in and British models Fran Summers and Cecilia Chancellor. The campaign sees the cast dancing to the soundtrack of ‘What is Love?’ by Deee-Lite in a film shot by none other than renowned photography duo Mert & Marcus.

‘The shoot was magical – I had so much fun!” Abdi Omar said, reflecting on her experience. “It was my dream to work with Burberry – it was an honour to be a part of it.” Mahmood was just as excited about the campaign. “Riccardo is a truly fantastic person, he is concrete, genuine, authentic. I am honoured to have been able to work with a professional of his calibre,” he said.

Burberry Festive Campaign c Courtesy of Burberry _ Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott_008 Burberry Festive Campaign c Courtesy of Burberry _ Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott_007

Share this article