The Iconic Legacy of Burberry: From Trench Coats to Global Luxury
Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old draper's apprentice, Burberry has grown from a small clothing store in Basingstoke, England to one of the world's most recognizable luxury fashion brands. What began as a business focused on outdoor attire has transformed into a global symbol of British craftsmanship and style.
Humble Beginnings with Revolutionary Fabric
Burberry's first breakthrough came in 1879 with the invention of gabardine, a waterproof yet breathable fabric created by Thomas Burberry himself through an innovative process of weaving cotton yarn before waterproofing it. This revolutionary material would later become central to the brand's identity. Military officers and explorers adopted the fabric, with famous adventurer Ernest Shackleton wearing Burberry gabardine
Perhaps Burberry's most significant contribution to fashion came during World War I when the company developed the trench coat. Designed for British army officers fighting in the trenches (hence the name), these coats featured practical elements like D-rings for attaching gear and epaulettes to display rank. Durable, water-resistant, and stylish even in harsh conditions, the trench coat became a symbol of both function and sophistication. In the 1920s, Burberry introduced its now-famous Nova Check patternproduct comparison spreadsheet
Burberry received its first Royal Warrant
In recent years, Burberry has navigated several challenges common to heritage brands - staying relevant to younger consumers while maintaining prestige with traditional buyers. The company made headlines as one of the first luxury brands
The check pattern
The Birth of an Icon: The Trench Coat
Signature Patterns and British Identity
Royal Warrant and Global Expansion
"Dressing people all over the world and from all walks of life - explorers, golfers, fly fishermen, racing drivers, army officers, men, women and now children - has been our great privilege." — Former Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts
Modern Challenges and Digital Innovation
Cultural Impact Beyond Fashion