From Humble Beginnings to Global Icon

Founded in 1856 by 21-year-old Thomas Burberry in Basingstoke, England, Burberry began as a small outdoor apparel shop. Originally focused on crafting durable clothing for country pursuits, the brand's breakthrough came with the invention of gabardine in 1879. This revolutionary weatherproof fabric - breathable yet water-resistant - transformed outdoor wear and laid the foundation for Burberry's future as a luxury powerhouse.

During World War I, Burberry designed the iconic Trench Coat for British officers, featuring details like epaulettes, gun flaps, and the distinctive D-ring belt. This functional military garment would later become the brand's most recognizable symbol of British sophistication.

The Evolution of Signature Patterns

In the 1920s, Burberry introduced what would become its most recognizable identity marker - the distinctive check lining. The camel, black, white, and red pattern was initially used as a jacket lining, but eventually grew to symbolize the brand's heritage. The check became so iconic that Burberry sometimes struggles with counterfeits, cementing it as one of the most recognizable patterns in fashion history.

A Digital Revolution in Luxury

Under the creative direction of Christopher Bailey (2001-2018), Burberry led luxury brands in digital innovation. In 2009, they live-streamed a fashion show globally for the first time. Bailey transformed Burberry's flagship stores with 3D holographic displays and pioneered omnichannel retailing that blended physical and digital experiences seamlessly.

Today, Riccardo Tisci as Chief Creative Officer continues evolving Burberry's contemporary identity. His collections reinterpret British codes with urban sophistication - evident in new interpretations of the TB monogram and animal-inspired prints that still pay homage to Burberry heritage with each thread.

Beyond Fashion: Cultural Impact

From dressing legendary aviators to appearing in Hollywood classics (think Audrey Hepburn in "Charade" or Peter Sellers in "The Pink Panther"), Burberry transcended its status as a mere clothing maker to become a global cultural symbol representing both British functionality and aspirational class. Worn by adventurers crossing the poles and style icons walking city streets, Burberry's 167-year journey proves how tradition blended with bold innovation creates timeless relevance in the ever-changing world of fashion.

Current collections beautifully honor this legacy - reinvented trenches with sustainable gabardine, collections featuring eco-conscious material innovations, and outerwear celebrating both British weather heritage and contemporary design perspective make Burberry's story of reinvention continue vibrant into its third century.