A planned Burberry fashion show at Perks Field, part of the private garden belonging to the Prince and Princess of Wales at Kensington Palace, has sparked a wave of opposition among the affluent residents of one of Britain’s wealthiest streets. The event, set to feature during London Fashion Week later this month, has raised concerns about traffic congestion, noise pollution, and litter in the exclusive area known as Kensington Palace Gardens or "Billionaires’ Row."

Neighbours, including a local residents’ association and notably the High Commissioner of India, have formally objected to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea over the disturbances such a high-profile event might cause. The High Commissioner emphasized the need for noise levels to remain within acceptable limits, given the frequent diplomatic engagements hosted at the property. Meanwhile, residents lament the increasing commercialisation of Perks Field, which has previously been the venue for costly racehorse auctions as well as Burberry runway shows in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Adding to the local tensions is the ongoing dispute involving Jon Hunt, the billionaire founder of estate agency Foxtons, who has been embroiled in a 17-year-long conflict with neighbours over his controversial four-storey basement renovations, which included plans for a carousel for his classic cars.

Burberry has stated that it conducted consultations with the Royal Household, the Crown Estate, and local residents to address concerns ahead of the event. However, the opposition reflects broader frustrations with the balance between private residential tranquility and the commercial use of high-profile London locations for major fashion events. This year’s London Fashion Week has also seen Burberry embroiled in protests by animal rights activists disrupting one of its shows in Clerkenwell, London, outside the venue with slogans condemning the use of fur, demonstrating the brand's continued exposure to public scrutiny and activist pressure.

In terms of creative output, Burberry’s recent collections—like the Fall-Winter 2025 show held at Tate Britain—reflect a trend towards "stealth wealth" and "quiet luxury." The collection’s sophisticated materials, neutral tones, and understated elegance contrast with the more broadly accessible approach Burberry has adopted recently. Industry commentary notes the brand’s effort to pivot towards more accessible and wearable fashion, incorporating its iconic check pattern on items like saddle bags and tracksuits to expand its appeal amid attempts to revitalize its market standing and attract a wider high-end customer base.

Beyond these fashion and neighbourhood disputes, celebrity movements continue to bring attention to affluent areas in and around London. Singer Robbie Williams, recently seen alongside Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi enjoying a pub outing in the Cotswolds—a rural celebrity haven—may be eyeing new properties there, including a ten-bedroom cottage with luxury amenities. DeGeneres and de Rossi’s own notable estate in the Cotswolds, a historic 43-acre farmhouse extensively renovated and recently listed for $30 million, underscores the area's status as a preferred retreat for wealthy celebrities transitioning between bustling city life and secluded countryside luxury.

Meanwhile, the London social scene remains vibrant with stars such as Harry Styles and Zoe Kravitz spotted romancing in Rome near a villa Styles reportedly owns, as well as pop icon Dua Lipa and actor Johnny Depp frequenting popular high-end London spots like The Pelican pub in Notting Hill, where Depp made headlines for a lavish £1,200 dinner with a substantial tip.

Taken together, these stories illustrate a portrait of contemporary luxury life intersecting with cultural events, high-profile property disputes, and the evolving landscape of fashion’s role in public and private spaces in London and beyond. The challenges residents face in balancing privacy and exclusivity with the draw and demands of global fashion events reveal ongoing tensions in how historic and royal properties are used in modern urban life.

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Source: Noah Wire Services