Burberry brings London weather and plenty of celebs for launch of US headquarters

Burberry brings London weather for US launch

NEW YORK — Burberry, the global-based British clothing brand, brought London weather to New York for the launch of its American headquarters — appropriate for a company known for its high-end rain gear.

The fashion house lit its 50-foot long Burberry sign on a rainy Manhattan night and hosted a rooftop party at the New York Plaza Hotel.

A number of celebrities showed up to celebrate Thursday — including Orlando Bloom, Harry Connick Jr., Claire Danes, Hugh Dancy, Rose McGowan and “Gossip Girl” stars Blake Lively and Penn Badgley.

“It’s classic man, it’s real classic looking stuff,” Connick Jr. said about Burberry’s clothes.

Most of the stars sported Burberry designs.

“I just live in my Burberry trenches,” Lively said about the fashion company’s signature coat.

Earlier, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg officially declared May 28 “Burberry Day.”

“By placing its new headquarters for the Americas in midtown Manhattan and opening new stores here, Burberry is investing in the future of New York City, a worldwide hub for retail and fashion,” he said in a statement.

Burberry also pledged $500,000 to the Robin Hood Foundation, which fights poverty and helps underprivileged New Yorkers with health care, education and employment. Philanthropist George Soros matched Burberry’s donation, and a total of $1 million was given to New York City.

The new 68,000 square foot American headquarters mirrors the 160,000 square foot global headquarters in London. Both headquarters were designed by Christopher Bailey, Burberry’s creative director.

On the Net:

www.burberry.com