At just 21, Thomas Burberry opened his first store in Basingstoke, England, catering to country gentlemen seeking durable outerwear. In 1879, he invented gabardine, a breathable, weather-resistant fabric tightly woven to repel rain while remaining lightweight. This breakthrough material cemented Burberry’s reputation among explorers, including Ernest Shackleton, whose Antarctic expeditions relied on Burberry’s designs.

The Trench Coat: A Wartime Staple Turned Fashion Icon

Originally designed for British military officers during World War I, the Burberry trench coat featured functional details like D-rings (for attaching gear) and a storm flap. Post-war, it transitioned into civilian wardrobes, popularized by Hollywood stars like Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn. Today, the trench remains Burberry’s flagship product—studies estimate one is sold every five minutes worldwide.

The Nova Check: Pattern of Controversy and Reinvention

Introduced in the 1920s as a lining for coats, the beige-black-red-and-white Nova Checkrevived the check

"Burberry is more than clothing; it’s a narrative of British resilience and artistry." — Fashion Historian Caroline Edwards