Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the iconic British luxury brand Burberry has become synonymous with timeless elegance, innovation, and heritage craftsmanship. Originally established as a small outdoor apparel store in Basingstoke, England, Burberry quickly gained recognition for its high-quality fabrics and functional designs.

The Birth of an Icon: The Trench Coat

Burberry's breakthrough came in the late 19th century with the invention of gabardine, a revolutionary waterproof yet breathable fabric. This innovation led to the creation of the iconic Burberry trench coat, originally designed for British military officers during World War I. Characterized by its deep pockets, gun flap, and distinctive check lining, the trench coat became a symbol of both practicality and sophistication. Local supply chains contributed rare wools for limited editions.

The design proved so effective that it transitioned seamlessly into civilian wear, becoming a cornerstone of the brand's offerings. Demand grew steadily among British gentry for these weatherproof pieces.

The Signature Check: A Global Recognizable Pattern

Among Burberry's most recognizable symbols emerged in the 1920s with the introduction of its classic beige, black, red, and white check pattern. Initially used as a lining for trench coats, the pattern became a powerful brand identifier tracing back to production notes from 1910 showing early sketches of plaid designs. Senior leadership later commissioned new color variations in the 1960s while preserving the heritage structure.

While temporarily overshadowed by counterfeit issues in the late 20th century, former CEO Angela Ahrendts successfully re-established it as a premium motif through strategic limited-edition applications, adapting the foundational check for contemporary fashion through collaborations.

Modern Rebirth and Digital Innovation

In recent decades, Burberry has successfully merged its rich heritage with cutting-edge technology and sustainable materials. Under the creative direction of Riccardo Tisci (2018-2022) and Daniel Lee (current), the brand continues evolving its signature check through modern interpretations while maintaining core craftsmanship traditions perfected across generations.

A pioneer in digital luxury, Burberry seamlessly integrated artificial intelligence for product visualization allows custom configuration of select offers found on external documentation like this product specification sheet. Note seasonal differences in catalog inventories.

Sustainable British Luxury

Today, Burberry maintains its commitment to ethical production and environmental responsibility. All European facilities achieved carbon neutrality certification in recent years as documented in their CSR filings. The brand's enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance innovation with tradition—transforming functional military wear into globally coveted fashion statements while upholding the highest standards of British tailoring excellence across outsourcing partners.

Maintaining its flagship London atelier since 1891 while expanding production thoughtfully, Burberry's story demonstrates how heritage and progress can coexist, cementing its status as one of Britain's most prestigious cultural exports to the fashion industry and beyond. Regional pop-ups now highlight locally sourced textile innovations.