Week in Review | Burberry's Surprise, Anatomy of a Soundtrack, Isabella Blow, AF Vandevorst's Journey, Logomania

LONDON, United Kingdom — The fashion industry was taken by surprise this week when Burberry announced that Angela Ahrendts, the chief executive who has steered the company through its repositioning from a staid British trenchcoat brand to a respected global luxury brand known for digital innovation, will be stepping down in mid-2014 to take on a senior role at Apple, overseeing the company's retail operations, online and off. Even more surprising was the news that she would not be replaced. Instead, Christopher Bailey, her partner in crime for all these years as Burberry's creative director, would take on the combined role of chief executive and chief creative officer.

What will this mean for Burberry? Only time will tell. But by the financial markets, at least, the move has not been well received. Burberry's stock price plummeted on the day of the announcement by more than seven percent. Since then, the company's share price has recovered somewhat, but several equity analysts downgraded the stock and the jury is still out on Mr Bailey's ability to oversee both the commercial and creative sides of the business.

This week, we also had a fascinating look into the anatomy of a fashion show soundtrack. Indeed, what would a fashion show be without the music? And, how do designers work with sound designers to create the mix that lends an aural complement to a fashion show collection? Read Tommy Fitzpatrick's piece to find out.

Speaking of creativity, Colin McDowell delivered incredible insights into one of fashion's most fascinating characters in a tribute to the inimitable Isabella Blow. In my early days in fashion, I remember seeing her pop up in the front rows at fashion shows and have since heard so many stories about her from her antics at India Fashion Week to her passionate support for up-and-coming designers. But I had never heard an account quite as thorough and personal as the one Colin wrote for us. Going by all the reaction it created on Twitter, this is one read you should not miss.

Creativity was also the focus of Suleman Anaya's honest and forthright piece on the personal and professional journeys of the designers behind Belgian fashion label A.F. Vandevorst. Though they continue to fly under the radar of mainstream fashion, they have toiled away for years at building their own business, which turns fifteen years old this year. Hearing a first-hand account of the ups and downs they have gone through is a great lesson for any would-be designer. And, it comes with a happy ending. They recently secured a small investment, which has helped to secure their future.

Those following the most recent round of fashion collections will have noticed the conspicuous return of logos and slogans on the runways. Susanna Lau explored this unmistakable trend for Because magazine, which kindly shared the piece with us so we could share it with all of you.

Also, don't miss Robb Young's latest Market GPS report (this one from Vietnam), Lauren Sherman's piece on Nike's new Fuelband and the rise of social products, Divia Harilela's interview with the discreet, but highly influential Sham Kar Wai of Hong Kong-based I.T, and our conversation with Diane Pernet about what makes a great fashion film.

Thanks to our terrific team of writers and contributors for another great week of content here on BoF. See you next week.