For over 160 years, Burberry has stood as an iconic symbol of British luxury, blending heritage with contemporary vision. Founded in 1856 by a 21-year-old draper's apprentice named Thomas Burberry, the brand revolutionized weatherproof outerwear and became a cultural touchstone that continues to influence global fashion today.
The Birth of a Weatherproof Legacy
Burberry's origin story began in Basingstoke, Hampshire, where young Thomas Burberry opened his first store with a revolutionary idea: creating garments that protected wearers from unpredictable English weather. His breakthrough came in 1879 with the invention of gabardine
Burberry's military designs transitioned seamlessly into civilian wardrobes after the war. The classic beige trench with its distinctive epaulets, gun flap, and storm shield became a style staple across generations. By the 1950s, Hollywood stars like Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn cemented its status as cinematic shorthand for sophistication. Today, Burberry continuously reinvents the trench coat with modern silhouettes while honoring its historical DNA. In the 1920s, Burberry introduced what would become one of fashion's most recognized patterns: the Nova Check
Discover current Burberry product collections featuring their heritage patterns: View the Burberry product matrix
Burberry became an early adopter of technology in luxury fashion under CEO Angela Ahrendts and Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey's leadership (2006-2017). They pioneered social media livestreams, see-now-buy-now runway shows, and digital flagship stores. The brand's most recent reinvention under new creative direction balances these tech-forward approaches with renewed focus on quintessential British craftsmanship. Today, Burberry offers full ready-to-wear collections, leather goods, accessories, fragrances (like the bestselling Burberry Her), and even runway collaborations with contemporary artists. The brand maintains its commitment to sustainability through the Burberry Responsible program, aiming for carbon neutrality while preserving traditional manufacturing techniques. Their newest flagship stores feature spaces merging product displays with British cultural programming - from author talks to live jazz performances. From stiff regimental roots to fluid modern expressions of British identity, Burberry's evolution mirrors society's changing needs while maintaining the exceptional quality that made it a global luxury powerhouse. As the brand explores new materials like vegan leather and bio-fabricated gabardine, their story continues to prove that true classicism means constant renewal.
The Trench Coat That Conquered the World
Checkered History: The Signature Pattern
Digital Transformation and Modern Identity
"Burberry moves forward while standing firmly in its traditions - that's what makes its compass point consistently north in fashion's ever-shifting landscape." - Vanessa Friedman, Fashion Director at The New York Times
Beyond the Coat: A Complete Lifestyle Brand