Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, this iconic British luxury fashion house began as a small outdoor apparel store in Basingstoke. Over its 168-year history, Burberry
The Birth of a Rainwear Revolution
In 1879, Burberry revolutionized outerwear by inventing gabardine – a breathable, weatherproof cotton fabric that became the foundation of their iconic trench coats. Originally designed for British military officers during World War I, these coats featured:
- Epaulettes for rank insignia
- D-ring belt to attach equipment
- Storm flaps for added protection
The Signature Check Pattern
Introduced in the 1920s as a lining for trench coats, the classic beige, black, white, and red check became Burberry's visual fingerprint. While temporarily removed from public view due to overexposure in the 2000s, creative director Riccardo Tisci reinterpreted the pattern in 2018 with monochromatic versions that appealed to younger audiences.
Global Expansion & Modern Reinvention
From its roots as military outfitter to becoming a Royal Warrant
"I was thinking about the idea of trenches—not just as clothing but as metaphorical spaces between young and old, classic and modern."
- Luxury ready-to-wear collections
- Signature fragrance lines
- Accessories including the famous scarves
- Footwear and leather goods
Under CEO Marco Gobbetti's leadership (2017-2021), the brand underwent radical digital transformation, becoming the first luxury house to live-stream runway shows globally.
Sustainability & Technological Innovation
Modern Burberry leads in sustainable practices while preserving artisanal craftsmanship. Notable initiatives include:
Year | Innovation |
---|---|
2019 | Carbon-neutral runway show |
2020 | Pioneered recyclable packaging |
For detailed product specifications across different seasons, refer to this comprehensive Burberry product spreadsheet
The Burberry Muse Today
The brand maintains relevance by collaborating with contemporary artists and streetwear designers while upholding traditional Savile Row tailoring techniques. Recent collections showcase:
- Gender-fluid designs
- Augmented reality shopping experiences
- Limited NFT collections
As Burberry navigates its third century in fashion, it continues rewriting British style codes for new generations - proving that heritage and progress aren't opposites, but complementary forces in timeless design.