Founded in 1856Thomas Burberry, Burberry is a British luxury fashion house renowned for its timeless trench coats, distinctive checked patterns, and innovative designs. The brand has evolved from tailoring outdoor wear for British elites to becoming a global symbol of class, craftsmanship, and innovation in fashion. Today, Burberry represents a blend of tradition and modernity, continuously adapting its legacy to contemporary trends while maintaining its quintessential British character.

Humble Beginnings

Thomas Burberry, as an entrepreneurial 21-year-old, opened a small draper's shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Originally focused on creating outdoor attire, he developed the breathable and weather-resistant gabardine fabricBurberry trench coat, later adopted by British military officers in World War I.

The Iconic Trench & Eccentric Check

The trench coat design incorporated double-breasted styles, D-rings, and gun flaps—features borrowed from military purposes but later adopted globally as a fashion staple. Another hallmark, the Nova Check, emerged in the 1920s as a lining for coats and was trademarked in 1967. Initially meant for discretion, it became a sign of bold branding backfiring briefly due to counterfeit culture before Burberry successfully repositioned it as a symbol of exclusivity.

From Royalty to Pop Culture

Burberry's reputation soared upon receiving a Royal WarrantAudrey HepburnSteve McQueenChristopher BaileyRiccardo Tisci, restored Burberry’s prestige by balancing its heritage with streetwear influences.

"Modernizing without losing the British soul is key—Burberry thrives where tradition meets rebellion." — Fashion Scholar

For the Eco-Conscious Era

In recent years, Burberry has championed sustainability, banning fur by 2022 and emphasizing carbon neutrality. Collaborations like with Tencent for augmented reality-runways, plus capsule collections in limited-edition product launches (see exclusive catalog), showcase how Burberry marries tech and tradition.