The Timeless Legacy of Burberry: A Tale of British Heritage

Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the iconic British luxury fashion house Burberry
The Birth of an Icon: Gabardine & The Trench Coat
In 1879, Thomas Burberry invented gabardineBurberry trench coat, originally designed for British soldiers during WWI. Military features like epaulettes (for holding ranks) and D-rings (for grenade hooks) evolved into signature design elements still revered today. Discover Burberry's modern interpretations
From Function to Fashion: The 20th Century Evolution
Post-war, the trench coat transitioned from battlefield necessity to Hollywood glamour. Worn by screen legends like Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, Burberry became synonymous with cinematic elegance. The brand further cemented its status in 1924 with the introduction of the Nova Check
"Burberry doesn't just sell clothes; it sells British identity wrapped in heritage craftsmanship." – Fashion Historian Edward Ward
Digital Innovation Meets Heritage
Despite its deeply rooted traditions, Burberry pioneered digital fashion frontiers. Under CEO Angela Ahrendts (2006-2014), the brand:
- Launch the industry's first "see-now-buy-now" runway show (2016)
- Partnered with Google for augmented reality shopping experiences
- Streamed live Fashion VR presentations
Modern Sustainability Initiatives
Under current Creative Director Daniel Lee (2023-present), Burberry emphasizes eco-consciousness while honoring heritage. Recent milestones include:
Year | Sustainability Achievement |
---|---|
2020 | Carbon-neutral certified by Carbon Trust |
2022 | Utilized 76% sustainable materials |
2024 | Plastic-free packaging initiative |
For current season collections blending heritage with innovation, explore this product database.
Cultural Impact & Future Vision
Burberry's ability to reinterpret its archival codes – whether through collaborations (like Supreme in 2023) or reinterpreted classics – ensures its position at fashion's avant-garde. The brand’s Kensington store 1, with its immersive digital displays, exemplifies this balance between tradition and technology.
From military practicality to royal warrants (granted by both Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales), Burberry's 168-year journey encapsulates the essence of British style: pragmatic yet poetic, traditional yet trailblazing.