The Burberry Blues: Christopher Bailey channels Derek Jarman

Photo: Xevi Muntane

Under the guidance of designer Christopher Bailey, Burberry is becoming a label less known for the print, and more for the product. In Out's new fashion spread, The Last of England, found in our November issue, fashion director Grant Woolhead and photographer Xevi Muntane infuse the melancholic sentiment of Burberry's simplistically beautiful Spring/Summer '09 collection -- inspired by late gay auteur Derek Jarman -- into a stunning, yet lonely photo narrative.

The story itself was also conceptualized with Jarman in mind and shot in his hometown of Dungeness, England. "I was really blown away by the beauty of the location," Muntane told Out. "It is such a strange place, almost desert-like, but with a power station, lighthouses, a beach, and a freaky tourist train." Muntane's photos and Woolhead's styling showcase Burberry's edgy but relaxed outerwear and disheveled layers in a way that feels true to Bailey's own description of the collection: crumpled classic.

In addition to the exclusive spread, iconic fashion journalist Tim Blanks sat down with Bailey to discuss the new collection and the sometimes despondent notions behind not only the S/S '09 Burberry line, but also Bailey himself. "There's a U.K. show called Mastermind, where contestants are grilled on their pet subjects, and I feel like Christopher Bailey is one of mine," Blanks told Out. As for his one wish for Bailey's design future? "Lately there are elements of romance, worn luxury, and a hint of paganism in his work. He's been letting loose a little -- but I want him to let loose a lot."

-- SETH PLATTNER