2016 could go down in history as the year Burberry changed the fashion industry.

The luxury British fashion house is slimming down from four annual catwalk shows to only two, showing menswear and womenswear simultaneously. What's more, the latest collection will be available to buy from the moment the last model steps off the runway (rather than the standard six month lapse from show to store).

This combination of male and female designs in one collection, is, fittingly, inspired by the merging of masculine and feminine voices of Virginia Woolf's 1928 gender-swapping novel Orlando.

To further collapse the gap between designers and customers, the event is moving out of its previous Fashion Week venue in Kensington Gardens into a new space, "Makers House". Here, fashion meets art and theatre as members of the public can immerse themselves in a selection high fashion experiences, for free.

Inside the Burberry "Makers House", located in London's Soho, guests will find a changing programme of activities and installations inspired by the debut Burberry straight-to-consumer collection. Craftsmanship is at the heart of the experience. Burberry have collaborated with The New Craftsmen, to use the "Makers House" as a studio in which to create original works that draw on Burberry's latest collection and the literary vision of gender-fluidity that inspired it.

Throughout the day, the craftsmen will be demonstrating different artistic techniques. Guests can see the creative process up close and learn more about intricate arts such as sculpting and embroidery. This intimate snapshot into the making process will give budding creatives and fashion aficionados a new perspective on the ready-to-wear collection.

Anyone and everyone is welcome, but Culture Whisper members have been given the opportunity to attend one day before the public, peruse pieces from Burberry's first straight-to-consumer collection. (Not a member? Click here.)

Adding star power and creativity of a different kind, there will be two special acoustic night sets at "Makers House" (artists to be confirmed). As well as a ticketed acoustic event on Friday 23 September, there is an open acoustic afternoon on Saturday 24 September from 2pm, which anyone can attend. Click here to book and for the full line-up of events.

Be the first to purchase Burberry's new collection: discover the creativity and artistry that goes into the creation of designer items like these or just indulge in the immersive experience and ask: has fashion truly, finally become art?

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10 pairs of preview tickets to Burberry's "Makers House" are available for Culture Whisper Members – contact jaime@culturewhisper.com to register your interest

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