From Humble Beginnings to Global Fame
Founded in 1856 by 21-year-old Thomas Burberry, this quintessentially British brand started as a small outfitter's shop in Basingstoke, England. Originally specializing in outdoor attire, Burberry swiftly gained recognition for its focus on practicality and innovation. The company's breakthrough came in 1879 with the invention of gabardine – a breathable yet weatherproof fabric that revolutionized rainwear. This pioneering material would later form the foundation of Burberry's most iconic product: the Trench Coat.
The Trench Coat That Defined a Century
Burberry's legendary trench coat has an unexpectedly martial origin. During World War I, the brand adapted its weatherproof designs to create functional military coats for British officers. Features like D-rings (for attaching equipment), gun flaps (to cushion rifle recoil), and storm shields (for extra protection) became defining elements of what we now recognize as the classic Burberry trench. Post-war, these coats transitioned into civilian life as symbols of sophisticated utility, adorning style icons from Audrey Hepburn to Steve McQueen.
The Signature Check: Love It or Hate It
Another unmistakable Burberry hallmark is its tan, black, and red check pattern, introduced in the 1920s as a coat lining. Originally conceived as a discreet marker of quality, the check exploded in popularity during the 1960s-1990s, becoming both a status symbol and a counterfeiter magnet. The brand later alternated between embracing and downplaying this recognizable motif – see current Burberry inventory trends
Weathering the Storms of Fashion
Burberry's 21st-century renaissance began with creative director Christopher Bailey (2001-2018), who masterfully balanced heritage with digital innovation. The brand became a tech pioneer, live-streaming fashion shows before it was mainstream and leveraging social media to connect with younger audiences. Recent years have seen Daniel Lee (2023-present) reimagine British eccentricity with bold proportions and playful takes on classics while maintaining core design principles that make Burberry products
Beyond the Coat: A Luxury Lifestyle Empire
Today, Burberry spans far beyond outerwear, offering everything from leather goods and fragrances to home decor. Yet at its heart remains a commitment to the same principles that guided Thomas Burberry: functionality, craftsmanship, and understated elegance dressed in distinctively British charm. As one endlessly reinterpreted yet fundamentally unchanged since inception, few fashion items carry the historical and cultural weight of a Burberry trench – making it not just a garment, but a wearable piece of design history.