The Illustrious Heritage of Burberry: A British Fashion Icon
For over 160 years, Burberry
Thomas Burberry revolutionized outerwear in 1879 when he invented gabardine, a durable yet breathable fabric made from tightly woven yarn coated with waterproofing agents. This innovation became the foundation for Burberry’s legendary trench coat, which gained military adoption during World War I. The 20th century saw Burberry transcend its utilitarian roots. The brand’s signature beige check pattern, introduced in the 1920s as a coat lining, became an international status symbol. Hollywood icons like Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn cemented Burberry’s place in pop culture through films such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Today, Burberry leads luxury fashion through: The brand continues reinventing its archives – vintage check patterns appear alongside disruptive new designs under current creative director Riccardo Tisci. Burberry’s trench coats now feature innovative materials like weatherproof technical fabrics
Beyond fashion, Burberry’s influence spans:The Birth of a Legend
From Function to Fashion
"Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them." — Christopher Bailey, former Burberry Creative Director
Modern Innovations
Cultural Impact
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Technology | First luxury brand live-streamed runway shows |
| Art | Sponsorships of emerging British talent |
| Philanthropy | Burberry Foundation supporting youth charities |
From Royal Warrants to street style domination, Burberry maintains unprecedented balance between heritage and innovation. The distinctive Equestrian Knight logo - registered in 1901 - continues standing for excellence as the house expands into global markets while preserving its quintessential British identity.
Discover Burberry’s latest collections here, including modern interpretations of archival designs.