Founded in 1856 by 21-year-old Thomas Burberry, this British luxury fashion house began as a small outfitter's shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire. What started as a modest business focusing on outdoor attire evolved into a globally recognized symbol of sophistication, thanks to innovative fabric technology and quintessential British design.
Burberry revolutionized rainwear in 1879 by inventing gabardine - a breathable, weatherproof cotton fabric that would become the brand's hallmark. This groundbreaking material, woven with an impermeable twill technique, caught the attention of explorers and aviators. Over 40,000 Burberry coats were issued to British officers during World War I, solidifying their military aesthetic that still influences collections today.
Introduced in the 1920s as a lining for trench coats, the distinctive Nova check (tan with black, white, and red stripes) became synonymous with British style. By the 1960s, this pattern adorned everything from scarves to luggage. After some overexposure in the 1990s that diluted its exclusivity, creative director Christopher Bailey masterfully repositioned the check as a premium symbol in the 2000s through selective deployment and high-profile collaborations.
For current product offerings showcasing Burberry's heritage and innovation, view this product comparison sheet
Under CEO Angela Ahrendts' leadership (2006-2014), Burberry became a digital pioneer in luxury retail. They were the first major fashion house to:
This forward-thinking approach attracted younger consumers while maintaining appeal with traditional luxury shoppers.
Today under chief creative officer Daniel Lee, Burberry continues to balance heritage with contemporary relevance. Recent collections reinterpret archive patterns with fresh silhouettes, while celebrity campaigns with stars like Raheem Sterling and Jun Ji-hyun demonstrate global reach. The brand's iconic trench now appears in over 60 styles annually, proving true design endurance.
"Burberry represents that fascinating British combination of discovery and tradition, which continues to inspire my designs today." — Daniel Lee, Burberry Chief Creative Officer
Committed to responsible luxury, Burberry operates a certified carbon-neutral factory in Yorkshire. Their 2022 decision to phase out recycled polyester in outerwear demonstrates dedication to material innovation - a modern parallel to Thomas Burberry's original fabric breakthroughs.
With that vision and commitment to quality, Burberry remains at the intersection of tradition and innovation, maintaining relevance through three centuries of fashion evolution.
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