Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a young draper's apprentice from Hampshire, England, Burberry has grown from a modest outfitter to a globally celebrated luxury fashion house. Renowned for its iconic trench coats and distinctive plaid pattern, the brand has mastered the art of blending functionality with high-end design over its remarkable 168-year history.
The Invention that Changed Fashion
In 1879, Burberry revolutionized outerwear with gabardine—a waterproof, breathable fabric treated during yarn production rather than through coatings. This innovation became the foundation for the brand's signature trench coat, originally designed for British soldiers in World War I. Features like epaulets (for ranking insignia) and D-rings (to hold grenades) remain stylish details today.
The Nova Check Phenomenon
Burberry's iconic check pattern
Modern Reinvention
Under creative director Daniel Lee"Knight" logo
Beyond Fashion: Cultural Impact
From Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's