Founding and Early Innovations

Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old draper's apprentice, established the brand in Basingstoke, England. Originally named "Burberrys," the company focused on outdoor attire, pioneering revolutionary fabrics. In 1879, Burberry invented gabardine, a breathable, weatherproof cotton tightly woven to repel rain. This breakthrough led to the creation of the Burberry Trench Coat, initially designed for British military officers during World War I.

Renowned for its durability and functionality, the trench coat became a civilian staple post-war. Unique features like D-ring belt attachments (for carrying grenades) and storm shields (to deflect rainwater) remain design hallmarks today. For a curated selection of Burberry's modern trench coats, check this Burberry product collection.

The Iconic Check Pattern

In the 1920s, Burberry introduced its now-legendary novelty check lining, initially meant for coat interiors. Combining beige, black, white, and red stripes, the pattern gained global recognition in the 1960s as a symbol of status. However, counterfeit dominance in the 1990s forced brand reinvention under CEO Angela Ahrendts in the 2000s.

Recent creative directors like Christopher Bailey and Riccardo Tisci have reinterpreted the check for streetwear-inspired collections, demonstrating Burberry's adaptability while respecting tradition.

Global Expansion and Modern Era

Burberry opened flagship stores worldwide, from London to Tokyo, merging digital innovation with physical retail. Pioneering efforts include:

• Live-streaming runway shows (2009)
• See-Now-Buy-Now collections (2016)

Under Daniel Lee's current creative direction (2023-present), Burberry continues evolving with edgier designs like reinterpreted knit ponchosdestroyed denim, while sustainability initiatives prioritize carbon-neutral materials by 2040.