Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Makes a Grand Return to the Runway for Burberry’s FW26 London Showcase

On February 23, 2026, the London Fashion Week stage witnessed a significant moment as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley made her highly anticipated return to the catwalk for Burberry’s Autumn/Winter 2026 collection. At 38 years old, the renowned model and actress stepped back into the spotlight for her first runway appearance since January 2025. Her presence reaffirmed her deep-rooted connection with the British heritage house, following her prominent role in the brand's "High Summer" Spring 2025 campaign alongside tennis star Jack Draper.

The star-studded event featured an impressive lineup of talent, with Huntington-Whiteley joining a diverse cast of models including Romeo Beckham, Edie Campbell, Xiao Wen Ju, and Nora Attal. The atmosphere was further heightened by the presence of her fiancé, actor Jason Statham, who watched the presentation from a prime spot in the front row. This appearance marked a celebratory milestone for the model, blending her professional legacy with personal support on one of fashion's biggest nights.

Serving as the grand finale for London Fashion Week, the show was staged at the historic Old Billingsgate Market. This 19th-century landmark, situated prominently on the banks of the River Thames, provided a dramatic backdrop for the brand's 170th-anniversary celebrations. The choice of venue underscored Burberry's enduring legacy within the British capital, merging historical architecture with the cutting-edge vision of the modern fashion industry.

Creative Director Daniel Lee meticulously curated the environment to evoke a specific sensory experience of a rainy London evening. The set design was a conceptual masterpiece, reflecting a city in a state of "constant evolution" and "under construction." To achieve this, the floor was entirely covered in rubber, featuring meticulously crafted artificial puddles made from resin that glinted under the spotlights. The use of low-level lighting and luxurious black velvet seating established a sophisticated "after dark" aesthetic, effectively capturing the essence of London's nocturnal energy and the brand's deep-seated urban identity.

From a corporate perspective, the event served as a high-profile platform for Burberry’s strategic pivot under the leadership of CEO Joshua Schulman. The heritage brand is currently focused on a comprehensive recovery plan following a challenging two-year period marked by a downturn in global sales. Encouraging signs emerged in the fourth quarter, where a surge in demand from young Chinese consumers for the brand’s signature print scarves provided a much-needed boost. This collection, coinciding with the 170th anniversary of the house, represents a pivotal moment in Schulman's efforts to revitalize the brand's market position and appeal to a new generation of luxury buyers.