UPDATE: It's here! Watch the full-length Burberry Festive Film, "Celebrating 15 Years of Billy Elliot," below.
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Let the holiday season begin!
Of course, it would be Burberry to usher in the most wonderful time of the year right on schedule (or a little early, but who cares?). Building on last year's dance-filled "From London with Love" holiday film, Christopher Bailey and his Burberry team are christening the cold-weather season with a tribute to the classic flick, Billy Elliot, and they've recruited 13-year-old Romeo Beckman to return for a starring role.
"Billy Elliot is an incredible film full of so much joy and energy, so it was a real thrill and a great honor to be able to celebrate its 15 year anniversary through our Festive campaign," Bailey, who serves as the esteemed British brand's chief creative officer and CEO, said via press release. "It was also a huge privilege to work with such amazing and iconic British talent—the cast are quite simply some of the biggest names in film, music and fashion and it was so much fun working with them all to make this special film."
As for that cast, the Burberry campaign—which includes both print elements and a proper campaign video, premiering tomorrow night in London—includes a medley of top tier British talent, with the likes of Naomi Campbell and fellow supermodel legend Rosie Huntington-Whitely stepping up to don the label's classic trench coats, tartans and gorgeous seasonal wear. And to make it a family affair, Rosie's little brother, Toby Huntington-Whitely, also makes an appearance.
Now, could it truly be a Billy Elliot-themed campaign if Sir Elton John, who wrote the music for "Billy Elliot the Musical," weren't included? Well, it looks like we won't have to find out, as the knighted star appears center stage in the ads wrapped in a festive red plaid scarf. And rounding out the all-star cast model call sheet are even more acclaimed British talents, including Michelle Dockery, James Corden, James Bay, Julie Walters and George Ezra.
Shot by Vogue-adored photographer Mario Testino, the high fashion-meets-holiday ads are just the jolly pick-me-up to whisk us into the 2015 season. And if the film is anything like it's Gene Kelly-esque counterpart last year, then we can't wait to lay eyes on the cheery flick—or get our hands on the jolly new collection, which hits stores today.
(Originally published on Monday, November 2, 2015, at 2:28 p.m. PT.)