The Timeless Legacy of Burberry: British Elegance Redefined
Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old draper’s apprentice, Burberry has grown from a humble outdoor attire shop in Hampshire, England, into a globally revered luxury fashion house. The brand’s journey mirrors British heritage, blending innovation with tradition - a philosophy that continues to guide its designs today.
The Invention That Changed Fashion
In 1879, Burberry revolutionized weatherproof clothing by inventing gabardine, a breathable yet water-resistant fabric woven from tightly spun yarn. This groundbreaking material became the foundation for the iconic Burberry Trench Coat, originally designed for British military officers during World War I. The coat’s distinctive features - epaulettes, gun flaps, and the D-ring belt - all served practical battlefield purposes before becoming style statements.
Symbols of Sophistication
No discussion of Burberry is complete without mention of its signature products
Interestingly, royal endorsements shaped Burberry’s prestige - in 1911, explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton wore gabardine during his Antarctic expedition, while Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles issued Royal Warrants to the brand.
21st Century Reinventions
The new millennium marked bold transformations:
2001:
2018:
Today, under CEO Jonathan Akeroyd’s leadership, Burberry maintains 37.9% revenue growth (FY2023 reports), balancing e-commerce expansion with ethical initiatives like carbon-neutral runway shows.
More Than Clothing: A Cultural Touchstone
From Audrey Hepburn’s legendary trench in "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" to contemporary collaborations with Minecraft and NASA, Burberry’s identity evolves while staying true to Thomas’ original vision. The brand masterfully courts Generation Z through TikTok campaigns yet continues crafting each iconic trench coat using 76 hand-sewn components.
"We believe the perfect Burberry item doesn’t follow trends, but becomes part of someone’s life for decades" - current Chief Creative Officer, July 2023 interview.