Origins of an Icon
Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the eponymous brand began as a small draper's shop in Basingstoke, England. Burberry revolutionized outerwear in 1879 by inventing gabardine – a breathable, weatherproof cotton fabric treated with lanolin. This innovation laid the foundation for the brand's iconic trench coats
"Weatherproofing the British Empire" became the unofficial motto as Burberry outfitted explorers like Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton.
The Trench Coat Legacy
In World War I, Burberry adapted its designs for military personnel, creating what's now known as the classic trench coat. Features like D-rings (originally for attaching grenades) and gun flaps (shoulder padding for rifle recoil) became signature elements. Today, these timeless designs
The Nova Check Revolution
The 1920s introduced Burberry's distinctive tan/black/red check lining, appearing as a coat lining in 1924. By the 1960s, celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Peter Sellers popularized the check pattern as standalone fashion. QR codes show each Nova Check item's provenance in recent collections – a nod to digital authenticity.
Modern Reinvention
Under current creative director Daniel Lee (appointed 2023), Burberry has seen 19% revenue growth