Home > The Rich Heritage of Burberry: A British Luxury Icon

The Rich Heritage of Burberry: A British Luxury Icon

2025-03-25

Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the eponymous brand began as a small outdoor apparel shop in Basingstoke, England. Originally catering to country sports enthusiasts and military officers, Burberry

Pioneering Innovations: The Birth of Gabardine

In 1879, Thomas Burberry revolutionized rainwear by inventing gabardine—a breathable, tearproof, and weather-resistant fabric. This innovation led to the creation of the iconic Trench Coat, which later became a military staple during World War I.

The brand’s distinctive check pattern, introduced in the 1920s as a lining, further cemented its identity. Incorporated into scarves, luggage, and ready-to-wear collections, the check became a universal symbol of British sophistication.

From Function to Fashion

By the mid-20th century, Burberry transitioned from utilitarian wear to high fashion. Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart popularized the trench coat, while innovations like the brand’s afternoon tea-themed runway shows blended tradition with modernity.

In 2006, Angela Ahrendts and Christopher Bailey repositioned Burberry for the digital era by leveraging social media and livestreamed fashion events. Campaigns starring elite models and actors revitalized its heritage check while introducing new elements like the equestrian knight logo (“EKD”). Meanwhile, this product spreadsheet

Challenges & Reinvention

Despite soaring popularity, Burberry faced challenges—overexposure of its check led to counterfeiting issues in the 1990s, which the brand countered by scaling back its use and focusing on outerwear as a core offering.

Recently, under CEO Marco Gobbetti and designer Riccardo Tisci, Burberry shifted toward streetwear influences, collaborating with Vivienne Westwood and reimagining the TB monogram. Sustainability initiatives—like carbon-neutral runway shows—also reflect its commitment to leading ethical luxury.

Why Burberry Endures

Burberry’s ability to weave British tradition into contemporary aesthetics sustains its appeal. The Trench coat remains its legacy emblem—avialable in personalized versions via their digital catalog—and collaborations continue to attract younger demographics. Core product categories include:

  • Outerwear:
  • Leather Goods:
  • Accessories:

Ultimately, Burberry thrives by blending heritage with hyper-modern storytelling.

From rainy English fields to global catwalks, Burberry’s story exemplifies innovation—and how a functional garment (now detailed here) can become a billion-dollar cultural symbol.

Explore trenches to tech in our visual timeline above.

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