Welcome to News Bites, BoF's regular feature of the stories that get the industry talking.

Gosha Rubchinskiy collaborates with Burberry.

Rubchinskiy's skater-inflected, Comme des Garçons-owned fashion brand — born from Moscow's youth scene — unveiled a collaboration with Burberry at its rave-themed Spring/Summer 2018 show, held at Saint Petersburg's DK Svyazi, a venue known for hosting underground rock concerts in the 1980s that later became the site of Russia's first rave. The collaboration with Burberry consists of eight pieces — including new interpretations of the British megabrand's iconic trench coat, reimagined in oversized shapes — created in collaboration with chief creative and chief executive officer Christopher Bailey.

Gosha Rubchinskiy's collaboration with Burberry | Source: Courtesy

“I have been a big supporter and admirer of Gosha’s creative work for a long time,” said Bailey. “He has an innate cultural sensibility and I was honored when he asked us to collaborate together for his new collection. His reinterpretation of some of our most iconic designs feels exciting, new and relevant whilst paying enormous respect to their British cultural heritage.”

“Burberry has always symbolised the epitome of classic British style to me,” added Rubchinskiy. “Their timeless pieces are the perfect balance to our modern streetwear, creating a great mix. I’m very happy with the result of our collaborative work.”

The move seemed to signal that Burberry may be shaking off what some observers have come to see as an overly restrained creative vision. The British luxury brand has fought hard to restore its sheen following a period of brand dilution, over a decade ago, when its signature check was adopted by so-called "chavs" and pasted on cake tins, doilies and aprons.

The show also featured hats designed in collaboration with the British milliner Stephen Jones, as well as new looks from the label's existing partnership with the football division of German sportswear giant Adidas, which first debuted at Rubchinskiy's Autumn/Winter 2017 show, held in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad in January. The tie-up with Adidas is a long-term initiative, unfolding over three seasons in the run up to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The latest Adidas Football x Gosha Rubchinskiy pieces combine references to the rave scene of the 1990s, vintage tracksuits and Russian football gear. — Vikram Alexei Kansara

Do you have a story for News Bites? Email newsbites@businessoffashion.com.