Lesley Manville and Richard E Grant among A-listers to walk the runway for Burberry as new collection pays tribute to British way of life, writes LAURA CRAIK

It wasn’t so long ago that models were the new actresses. Now, it seems that actresses are the new models. Last night’s Burberry show, held at the Tate Modern in London, saw Elizabeth McGovern take to the catwalk – an actress better known for playing Countess Crawley in Downton Abbey than for her modelling skills, though she certainly looked lovely in a long black leather trenchcoat.

Elizabeth, 63, was joined by the actress Lesley Manville, who also wore a black coat, and actor Richard E Grant, who sported a khaki green wool coat tied with a belt - as well as a pair of corduroy trousers and carried a yellow tartan umbrella. English actor and star of White Lotus' third season Jason Isaacs, 61, opted for a more subtle Burberry look as he wore a dark brown double-breasted coat and matching pleated trousers with a grey cable knit scarf.

So why the latest trend? In Burberry’s case, it’s a clear way of aligning the brand with a quintessential Britishness that sells well overseas – which is something the storied British brand needs to do, given sales have recently been in the doldrums.

But models hadn’t been dispensed with entirely with longtime Burberry muses Naomi Campbell, 54, and Erin O'Connor, 47, among those on the catwalk. For autumn/winter 2025, Burberry’s designer Daniel Lee said he had been inspired by classic British film and television themes, country house interiors, and Londoners who leave the city for a weekend away.

Clearly they’re not expecting good weather, since the collection focused on the sort of hefty outerwear that can weather any storm. Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was spotted front row at Burberry's star-studded London Fashion Week show. She rocked a stylish co-ord which she teamed with a bright cropped red jacket.

The stars were out in force for Burberry's London Fashion Week show on Monday held at the Tate Britain, including Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz. (From left to right) Georgia May Jagger, Jerry Hall and Elizabeth Jagger were also present at Burberry's LFW presentation on February 24.

Elsewhere, colours were muted and firmly rooted in the muddy British countryside. The classic house check also took centre stage. Meanwhile, most stars sensibly stuck to sitting on the front row. Models Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 37, Jerry Hall, 68, and her daughters, Elizabeth, 40, and Georgia May Jagger, 33, were present - as was Brooklyn Beckham, 25, and his wife Nicola Peltz, 30, dressed in matching checked trousers.

The couple appeared to have taken inspiration from Brooklyn's parents, who famously used to wear matching outfits back in heydey of their relationship in the late 90s and early 2000s. Huntington-Whiteley, 37, also wore the same print as Brooklyn and Nicola, as she rocked a stylish co-ord which she teamed with a bright cropped red jacket.

The mother-of-two was effortlessly chic in the wide leg trousers as she boosted her height with heels and wore her long blonde tresses in loose waves. Geri Halliwell, 52, meanwhile wore a sleek all-white look as she arrived solo to the event without husband Christian.

Loved-up couple Kate and Rio Ferdinand also led the early arrivals to the show, with the former TOWIE star, 33, opting for a blunging striped blazer. Actor Richard, 67, sported a khaki green wool coat tied with a belt, as well as well as a pair of corduroy trousers and carried a yellow tartan umbrella.

American actress Elizabeth, 63, strutted down the catwalk in a full length patent leather coat with brooch-adorned stilettos. Supermodel Naomi, 54, donned an elaborate purple jacquard print coat dress, complete with a huge tassled skirt. White Lotus season three star Jason, 61, opted for a more subtle Burberry look as she he wore a dark brown double-breasted coat.

Former footballer Rio, 46, meanwhile wore an all-black look complete with a beanie hat. Actor Orlando Bloom, 48, was also in attendance and looked as handsome as ever in a casual khaki jacket. Model Leomie Anderson, 32, turned heads in a shimmering bronze sequin top which she wore with baggy grey trousers.

Taylor Hill opted for a preppy look with checked trousers and an oversized blazer as she posed up a storm. Doctor Who sensation Ncuti Gatwa meanwhile looked suave in a black leather jacket and grey zip up trousers. London Fashion Week has been taking place from Thursday 20 to Monday 24 of February - with the Burberry show ending the week.