Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old draper's apprentice, Burberry has evolved from a small outdoor apparel shop in Basingstoke, England into a globally recognized symbol of British luxury. The brand's history is deeply intertwined with innovation and iconic designs that withstand the test of time.
The Invention of Gabardine
Burberry's breakthrough came in 1879 when Thomas Burberry invented gabardine, a breathable, weatherproof fabric that revolutionized outerwear. Initially designed for farmers and outdoor workers, gabardine quickly gained popularity among explorers, aviators, and even the British military. Ernest Shackleton famously wore Burberry gabardine during his Antarctic expeditions.
Trench Coats: From Battlefields to Runways
The brand's most celebrated creation, the Burberry trench coat, originated during World War I as the "Tielocken" coat for British officers. Its distinctive features—epaulets, D-rings, and a storm shield—served functional purposes but later became iconic style elements. Today, the trench coat remains a cornerstone of Burberry's collections, reinvented with modern materials while preserving its heritage.
Check Pattern: A Cultural Phenomenon
Introduced in the 1920s as a lining for wartime trenches, the Nova Check
Modern Reinventions
Under creative directors like Christopher Bailey (2001-2018) and current designer Daniel Lee, Burberry balances tradition with streetwear influences. Recent "knights" include: seasonal reinterpretations of gabardine as puffer coats; celebrity-loved collaborations (Supreme, Gosha Rubchinskiy); and digital-first campaigns like the 2021 NFT collection. The brand maintains royal warrants as an official supplier to the British monarchy.
From Titanic survivors to James Bond, Burberry's designs narrate a century of cultural history—without sacrificing functionality.