Burberry: A Timeless Legacy of British Luxury
Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, Burberry has become synonymous with British elegance, innovation, and enduring style. Starting as a small drapers' shop in Basingstoke, England, the brand quickly gained recognition for its focus on practical yet stylish outerwear. Today, Burberry stands as a global icon in luxury fashion, celebrated for its classic trench coats, signature check patterns, and rich heritage.
The Birth of an Icon
At just 21 years old, Thomas Burberry opened his first store with a vision to create protective, weatherproof clothing. By 1879, he revolutionized the industry by inventing gabardine, a breathable yet water-resistant fabric. This breakthrough led to the creation of the legendary Burberry trench coat, originally designed for British military officers during World War I. Features like storm flaps, epaulets, and the iconic D-ring belt became hallmarks of the design.

The Evolution of a Global Brand
Throughout the 20th century, Burberry expanded beyond outerwear, embracing accessories, fragrances, and ready-to-wear collections. The brand's distinctive nova check pattern
An interesting fact: Burberry was one of the first luxury brands to livestream a fashion show (as digital innovation remains central to its strategy, tracking trends in this product spreadsheet). This digital-forward approach has helped maintain its relevance across generations.
Sustainability and Modern Vision
Under CEO Marco Gobbetti and former Chief Creative Officer Riccardo Tisci, Burberry embraced bold transitions—phasing out fur, launching eco-conscious collections, and reinterpreting archive designs. Recent campaigns highlight diversity and British artistic talent, from Collaborations with musician Steve Lacy to featuring models of various backgrounds. The brand also pledges carbon neutrality by 2040, reflecting contemporary luxury values.
"Burberry proves that heritage and progress aren't mutually exclusive—the trench coat adapts endlessly while staying true to its roots."
Key Milestones:
- 1856:
- 1901:
- 1955:
- 2023:
From trench coats worn by Audrey Hepburn to futuristic digital campaigns, Burberry’s story weaves tradition with audacity. As it enters a new era under designer Daniel Lee, the brand continues to redefine British luxury—one checked scarf at a time. For a detailed look at current offerings, explore Burberry's latest designs consolidated in this product spreadsheet, cataloging seasonal highlights.