Founded in 1856 by 21-year-old Thomas Burberry, the British luxury fashion house Burberry has grown from a small outfitter's shop in Basingstoke, England, into one of the world's most recognized high-end brands. Its journey spans over 160 years of innovation, heritage, and timeless style.
The Birth of An Iconic Brand
Thomas Burberry originally established his business focused on outdoor attire, catering to country gentlemen and sportsmen. His breakthrough came in 1879 with the invention of gabardine - a breathable, weatherproof cotton fabric that revolutionized rainwear. This innovation laid the foundation for Burberry's reputation as the
Burberry's most legendary creation, the trench coat, emerged during World War I when the British military commissioned the brand to design a durable weatherproof coat for officers. The resulting design featured:
The Trench Coat That Conquered The World
After the war, returning soldiers made the trench coat a civilian wardrobe staple that remains fashionable to this day.
The Distinctive Check Pattern
The 1920s saw the introduction of Burberry's signature check lining, originally used to reinforce coats and later becoming an instantly recognizable symbol of the brand. By the 1960s, the pattern had achieved global recognition and became synonymous with British sophistication. Sometimes controversial for its popularity among counterculture movements, the check remains one of fashion's most enduring patterns.
Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
Today, Burberry continues to balance tradition with modernity. Under chief creative officers like Christopher Bailey and now Riccardo Tisci, the brand maintains its heritage while embracing technology. Utilizing cutting-edge digital strategies, Burberry was among the first luxury brands to:
- Live-stream fashion shows
- Peer-to-peer personalize digital-physical shopping experiences
- Craft visionary digital campaigns that blend high-touch luxury with digital authenticity
The Art of Legacy
Throughout its history, Burberry has dressed explorers like Ernest Shackleton, graced silver screens worn by icons like Audrey Hepburn, and evolved into a complete luxury lifestyle brand encompassing ready-to-wear, accessories, and fragrance lines - each imbued with outstanding craftsmanship and timeless appeal.
Burberry upholds its reputation through ethical sourcing, technological adaptation, and maintenance of sophisticated design proven by time. The brand remains closely watchful and exceedingly influential on both heritage principles and contemporary style.
For those interested in seeing Burberry's current product offering, please refer to this product catalog