For more than 16 years, Christopher Bailey‘s name has been synonymous with Burberry, but the designer already has one (well-heeled) foot out the door. The president and chief creative officer just announced he is leaving the British luxury goods company in March 2018 after holding one of the longest-running posts in the industry. It was also one of the most extensive creative roles, as Bailey held the positions of both chief creative and CEO from 2014 until last year, when Marco Gobbetti took leadership of the London-based brand.
“Christopher will remain president and chief creative officer until March 31, 2018, when he will step down from the board. He will provide his full support to chief executive officer Marco Gobbetti and the team on the transition until Dec. 31, 2018,” the company said in a statement.
Regardless of his myriad responsibilities at the company, Bailey remained highly creative with the brand’s collections throughout his tenure. From the embellishment-heavy Prorsum line (which the brand dropped in 2015 to consolidate lines) to custom pieces for special events like the NFL’s London games, Bailey made his mark on shoes, bags and other accessories, often finding ways to cleverly incorporate Burberry’s signature check. Herewith, seven of Bailey’s most creative shoes during his Burberry reign.
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Socks and Sandals, Spring 2018
Bailey paired kicky argyle socks with strappy heels, many in Burberry’s signature check print, which was incorporated throughout the collection.
Pumped Up Loafers, Spring 2018
For men, Bailey punched up traditional loafers with pops of color. The footwear was paired with Burberry checked baseball caps, totes and track pants.
Architectural Heels, Spring 2017
Bailey’s spring 2017 collection featured basic black, pointed-toe sock booties, which were deceptively simple from the front. A side view shows the boot’s hollowed, circular heel.
Custom Cleats with Nike at the NFL’s London game
For the NFL’s Giants vs. Rams game in London last year, Bailey made the players custom Burberry checked cleats in collaboration with Nike.
Buckled Boots, Fall 2016
Burberry’s fall collection a year ago was dark and dramatic, featuring shearling coats paired with louche pajama pieces in silk prints. Bailey added weight to the looks with chunky cutout boots topped with heavy buckle accents.
Artist Inspiration, Fall 2014
Bailey’s fall 2014 collection was took inspiration Britain’s early-twentieth-century artist and creative Bloomsbury Group, with hand painted booties, bags and coats for the imagined artist muse.
Wood and Beads, Resort 2012
One of Burberry’s most lauded collections, the Prorsum line focused on embellishments and handcrafted details, like the beadwork on a pair of sandals from the brand’s resort 2012 collection, footwear that Solange Knowles later wore in 2015.
