LONDON — Aamana Yasin has been named the winner of Burberry’s 2026 Reimagining Materials competition with London College of Fashion, part of University of the Arts London.
Yasin, a Year Two BA pattern-cutting student, impressed judges with a circular take on the Burberry trenchcoat, and her winning look secured her a cash prize and an internship with Burberry’s design team later this year.
Now in its second iteration, Reimagining Materials forms part of Burberry’s 170th anniversary celebrations and reflects the brand’s focus on craft and responsible innovation.
The project challenges London College of Fashion students to reinterpret Burberry’s heritage trench and car coat using surplus materials such as trenchcoat linings and cotton gabardine.
Over the course of the competition, Burberry’s product, design and merchandising teams offered insights into the design process, from initial concept through to prototyping and final presentation. Students also took part in sessions exploring Burberry’s history, house codes and archival references.
Some 20 students were shortlisted to develop full prototypes, and their final looks were unveiled at an exhibition at Burberry’s London headquarters on Monday.
Helen Davis, Burberry’s vice president of product strategy and sponsor of the competition, said the entries reflected both technical precision and conceptual strength.
“We were incredibly impressed by the quality and ambition of the designs presented. The finalists demonstrated a deep understanding of our heritage and an exciting ability to reinterpret the trench through a circular lens,” added Davis.
A judging panel including model Erin O’Connor, Burberry chief executive officer Joshua Schulman, chief marketing officer Jonathan Kiman, and chief product merchandising and planning officer Paul Price selected Yasin’s design as the winner.
“The trench is such a classic, instantly recognisable piece — it’s at the very core of Burberry’s DNA — yet Aamana Yasin has brought a truly original vision to it,” O’Connor said.
“There’s a clear nod to timeless elegance, but also an injection of modernity. Supporting young talent is essential. Ultimately, without nurturing future designers, it’s impossible to sustain a strong heritage — progress comes from looking forward with a contemporary eye,” she added.
Schulman said the project is as much about shaping future pipelines as it is about celebrating a milestone anniversary.
“Our Reimagining Materials competition celebrates the imagination, creativity, and technical skill of young talent today. By reimagining our most iconic silhouette, the Burberry trenchcoat, each student brought a fresh perspective to circular design and a real appreciation for craft. Their work reflects the exceptional talent emerging across London and the U.K., and we’re proud to support the next generation shaping the future of our industry,” he added.
In addition to Reimagining Materials, Burberry supports early careers initiatives via partnerships with the National Saturday Club and The Brit School, a scholarship program with Central Saint Martins, and internship and placement opportunities across the business.
