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.

From Function to Fashion

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.

"Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them." — Christopher Bailey, former Burberry Creative Director

Modern Innovations

Today, Burberry leads luxury fashion through:

• Sustainable initiatives like carbon-neutral runway shows
• Pioneering "see-now-buy-now" digital strategies
• Collaborations with youth culture icons

Beyond fashion, Burberry’s influence spans:

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.