In partnership with Burberry
As December rolls around each year, we're reminded – like clockwork – that the year that was, and all its moments, deserves to be celebrated. From milestone achievements, to the signalling and inauguration of new eras; there's nothing more precious than marking these memories in the company of great friends, excellent food, and of course, the perfect holiday-season outfit. Because what is a celebration without a fun, memorable look? In the spirit of doing just that, RUSSH and Burberry came together to host an intimate lunch soiree with some of the industry's leading creative minds across a multitude of disciplines, who are contributing to culture with their independant spirit. A serendipitous celebration to lead us into the new year.
On the first day of summer, and the (un)-official beginning of the holiday season, guests of both RUSSH and the iconic luxury British fashion House came together for a celebration at one of Sydney's most notable hospitality institutions, Ester. Renown as the restaurant visited by local chefs on their own day off, the full-flavoured Australian menu favouring quality seasonal produce and the unfussy urban interiors played perfect host. Splashes across the diner’s décor of a bold blue that nearly mimicked Burberry’s new house colour, Knight blue, the intimate space allowed guests to celebrate in good company. As the Sydney sunshine brought an aura of warmth through the restaurants panelled windows and guests caught up between sips of Gin Gimlets, London Dry Martinis and Champagne, the conversation was led by one hot topic: the clothes.
Travelling from near and far, faces around the table included artist Shaun Daniel Allen, choreographer and dancer duo Davide Giovanni and Chloe Leong, model Victoria Lee, and musicians Milan Ring and Danté Knows, to name a few. As guests began to settle, the first course of Ester's famous fermented potato bread, salmon roe and kefir cream was placed down – the delicious delicacies quickly snapped up and devoured in one mouthful. In the spirit of coming together with new and old friends alike, dishes were shared freely across the table.
It's a meeting of diverse creative minds that speaks intrinsically to Creative Director Daniel Lee's commitment to representing the multitudes of the British experience through his campaigns, creations and work. His first campaign for the House was a testament to this, featuring faces such as grime rapper Skepta, actor Vanessa Redgrave and footballer Raheem Sterling; continuing this celebration and recognition ongoingly in his role since.
Lee’s reimagining of Burberry’s iconic signature check bounced around the room, evoking a sense of the familiar yet offering a forward-looking twist on the House’s brand codes symbolic of his vision.
In amongst excited chatter of holiday plans, a shared respect and appreciation for the year that was and the year that is to come was felt amongst the table. 2023 marked a time for renewed and disruptive output; a testament to the vitality and leadership within the bubbling creative industry here in Australia. In many ways, this year followed a similar evolution for Burberry, with a new creative director at the helm and the extension of Lee's vision not only being represented on the runway, but in the physical details of the House's stores – most notably, the latest opening of its new Chadstone Sydney Westfield stores.
As the final course was placed on the table, guests found their way back to their seats, cherishing moments together in-between spoonfuls of fresh coconut sorbet. A toast to the company and a celebration of traditions, new and old, that reach beyond the festive season.
