“It’s Like Riding A Bike”: Lily Donaldson On Her Fashion Comeback For Burberry

The Burberry cohort are no doubt saying exactly the same about Donaldson, who is the kind of good egg you hope to run into at a fashion dinner, when not everyone dispenses of their time so generously. Jodie Turner-Smith and Naomi Campbell, her table mates at the Met – “a spectacular night from start to finish” – were lucky to have her. “I love the process of creating a custom look so much,” shares Lily, one of those rare beings who relishes wearing toiles (the blueprint of a gown) and the laborious back and forth fitting process. But Lily would notice the work of the incredible in-house seamstress. As an investment dresser, she buys good-quality items that get better with age. “I like pieces that I can wear now and that I’m super excited to pull out in 10 years time,” notes the vintage fan, who sees the Burberry Rocking Horse bag as a classic that will never date. “I have this amazing green colour, which I love wearing with jeans and a T-shirt – it just gives you a little lift.”

Describing Lee, who has been at the house since 2022, as “bringing a freshness to Burberry while still staying true to the brand”, the same sentiment could apply to Donaldson herself. Endlessly positive, with a touch of self-deprecation that is ever so endearing, Lily is a breath of fresh air, who knows what works for her. “Burberry is a quintessentially British brand I connect with, it’s a great privilege,” she adds, smiling. “It’s like riding a bike…”