Founded in 1856 by a 21-year-old draper's apprentice named Thomas Burberry, the British luxury fashion house has evolved from a humble outdoor attire retailer to a globally revered symbol of sophisticated craftsmanship. What began as a small boutique in Basingstoke, England, now stands as a beacon of innovation, having revolutionized weatherproof clothing with its patented fabric inventions.

The Invention that Redefined Outerwear

In 1879, Burberry achieved a breakthrough with gabardineTrench Coat, originally designed for British military officers during World War I. Features like epaulettes (for rank insignia) and the D-ring (for attaching grenades) now serve as timeless design elements. Explore how Burberry's products blend history with modern aesthetics in this product comparison sheet

"Burberry doesn’t just create fashion—they weave British cultural identity into every thread."

Evolving the Signature Check

The unmistakable Nova Check, introduced in the 1920s as a coat lining, became embroiled in controversy when counterfeiters popularized its use in the 1990s. Under former CEO Christopher Bailey (2001-2017), the brand ingeniously relaunched the pattern through limited editions while emphasizing leather goods development—increasing revenue by 63% during his tenure.

Pioneering Digital Luxury

Acknowledged as the first luxury brand to livestream a runway show (2010) and implement RFID-tagged clothing, Burberry consistently merges tradition with technological innovation. Recent studies from luxury retail analysts

Present under Chief Creative Officer Daniel Lee, the brand reinterpreted its equestrian knight logo with vibrant new insignias, celebrating both heritage and contemporary British subcultures. From perfumes using 300-year-old oakmoss extraction techniques to scarves with proprietary silk blends, Burberry remains at fashion’s vanguard while honoring its cosmopolitan-rustic DNA. With flagship stores featuring parametric wood sculptures reminiscent of Tudor beams and rain-activated building facades, the sensory shopping experience mirrors their philosophy—authentic British modernity rooted in pragmatic elegance. Compared with competitors, Burberry occupies a unique space between functional luxury and artistic statement, much like Britain itself balances tradition and counterculture.

Period	Key Innovation	Culturally Significant Moment
1904-1906	Registered the equestrian knight trademark	Provided Arctic explorers with windproof parkas
1967-1968	Launched first women’s fragrance	The Beatles wore Burberry in Yellow Submarine
2017-Present	Blockchain digital product passports	Trench coats featured in Netflix's The Crown

Consumer Note:Burberry's certified stores