“My earliest memory of the brand is when I went to the original Burberry HQ in London. I was struck by the beautiful black-and-white imagery that lined the corridors and how timeless and relevant their vision was then and still is today” – few people have seen Burberry evolve like Erin O’Connor. Since first working with the brand three decades ago when her career began in the 90s, she has remained a mainstay in their universe. As she makes her return this season for Daniel Lee’s Resort 2025 lookbook – alongside Will Chalker and Edie Campbell – we speak to the British supermodel about Burberry’s ever-lasting appeal and Lee’s ability to mix tradition and modernity.

Since his appointment at the helm of Burberry at the end of 2022, Daniel Lee has presented numerous campaigns featuring casts of A-listers from across the Isles, taken over London landmarks and presented collections woven with British humour and sensibility.

Continuing his vision for Resort 2025, the Bradford-born designer presents a collection of refined silhouettes and archival checks, turning to the brand’s storied archive to unearth rare motifs and archetypes. Guided by a distinctly British sense of easeful sophistication, the brand’s outdoorsy heritage sees trench coats reimagined in silk, linen and tweed, while bombers and Harringtons are refreshed in tri-layer cotton. Traditional craft meets youthful expression as trousers are equipped with cargo pockets and zips, and traditional Savile Row-inspired suiting is crafted in fuzzy mohair pinstripes. Like SS24, floral patterns become a recurring motif, celebrating the joy of English gardens across coats, dresses and knitwear.

Each Burberry collection is underpinned by the brand’s storied history and innovative spirit, something Erin O’Connor has witnessed first-hand – read our interview below.

Ella Joyce: What was it like shooting the campaign and how does Burberry resonate with you?
Erin O’Connor: It was a joy to shoot Burberry this season, not least because I was first introduced to them almost three decades ago.

EJ: What were your earliest memories of the brand?
EO: My earliest memory of the brand is when I went to the original Burberry HQ in London. I was struck by the beautiful black-and-white imagery that lined the corridors and how timeless and relevant their vision was then and still is today.

EJ: How would you define Daniel Lee’s Burberry vision? What’s it like working with him?
EO: Daniel was a joy to get to know on set. What better environment to carve out an exciting new connection when you’re in the thick of creating something collaboratively? I’m in awe of how humble Daniel is. If you combine the uniquely modern and powerful vision he has, along with the history of the house it is a vital balance that has been struck between honouring the past and invigorating the future. The DNA of Burberry is central to British culture and will always attract worldwide style appeal.

“The DNA of Burberry is central to British culture and will always attract worldwide style appeal.”

EJ: You’ve been central to the British fashion industry for many years now, how have you seen it shift and change?
EO: The industry has changed unequivocally, as it should. If Man Ray were alive today, he would have been the pioneer of modernity and technological innovation. We must evolve at all costs to allow for freedom of expression to expand.

EJ: What makes you feel most confident when doing your job?
EO: I am the same and altogether different person I was when I began my profession in the late 90s. I am both a mum and a fashion model and the two identities inform the other in making me a whole person. It is my great pleasure to be given the opportunity to continue to evolve in an industry that I love and celebrate.

See Burberry’s full Spring 2025 lookbook in the gallery above.