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Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the eponymous brand began as a small outfitter's shop in Basingstoke, England. Little did the young apprentice know that his vision for weatherproof clothing would grow into one of the world's most recognizable luxury fashion houses. Burberry's distinctive check pattern
Thomas Burberry initially specialized in outdoor attire, but his breakthrough came in 1879 with the invention of gabardine - a breathable, waterproof fabric woven from Egyptian cotton. This revolutionary material led to Burberry's contract supplying military officers with durable outerwear
In the 1920s, Burberry introduced its now-iconic camel, black, red and white check as a lining for trench coats. By the 1960s, the pattern had moved to the exterior, becoming a status symbol among celebrities and the international jet set. Some might be surprised to refer to this quality, the trendy luxury brand faced challenges when the pattern became overexposed
The appointment of Christopher Bailey as creative director in 2001 marked a turning point for Burberry aesthetically, the digitized check appeared on modern accessories
From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
The Signature Check Emerges
Modern Reinvention
