When Burberry throws a house party, it’s bound to surpass the average. Perched atop a tiny hill overlooking Sunset Boulevard, Riccardo Tisci gathered friends and family at a private residence to celebrate Burberry’s Lola bag, the supple crossbody handbag Tisci introduced at his first collection as the house’s Creative Director. At first glance, the event was a still and hushed one, but as arriving attendees inched further up a long, outdoor staircase lined with plush greenery as walls, the hum of lively chatter and the thump of ’70s-era tunes were indicators of an exciting night ahead.
If Burberry’s last trip to Los Angeles (for a dinner at its Rodeo Drive store’s rooftop) welcomed a star-studded guest list, then last night’s affair did that and more. Timothée Chalamet kicked it in the corner of a balcony with friends, Michèle Lamy took to the dance floor like no one was watching, and Madonna, in platform boots and colossal sunglasses, had a photo shoot of sorts before taking to the dance floor herself. Others in attendance for the night included Irina Shayk, Anitta, Chloe Bailey, Lori Harvey, and Fai Khadra.
For a while, guests scattered about the home, immersed in the various moods each space offered. Some admired the projection of the brand’s iconic Burberry check and short campaign video cast upon the exterior of the neighboring Chateau Marmont hotel. Others lounged in an open bar area, and the majority caught up on a cozy carpeted patio, sipping espresso martinis and spicy margaritas. What brought everyone to the intimate dance floor in a flash was a surprise DJ set and performance from Erykah Badu. Huddled together for the private rendition of classics such as “Window Seat” and “Bag Lady,” it was the kind of experience you only come by once. However, while most events come to a close around 9:00 or 10:00 pm, it seems Burberry knew this would be an evening to savor, and everyone lingered well past midnight.