In his search for an accurate reflection of the contemporary British man, Christopher Bailey this season looked to novelist and travel writer Bruce Chatwin. 

The British nomad informed the fly-by-night feel of a collection that seemed to return to the ethos of what the Burberry man stands for – quite literally in the presence of words printed on a weekend bag, trench and coat: “Adventure” and “Exploration”.

Tees were printed with the covers of vintage tomes Bailey has over the years picked up in flea markets, while a headily rich palette of wine and bottle green suedes projected a luxurious feel – one that worked surprisingly well next to more summery linens in neutral shades.

There was also artfulness here, Chatwin having specialised in the work of the impressionists at Sotherby’s. It’s not a first: two seasons ago, Burberry returned to the London schedule and Bailey looked to the work of British artist David Hockney. Yesterday, we saw a house that has come into its own surroundings, in no small way supported by the confidence with which Bailey understands his man’s never static lifestyle.