Founded in 1856 by 21-year-old Thomas Burberry, the British fashion house Burberry
Thomas Burberry opened his first store in Basingstoke, England, with a commitment to functional outerwear. His breakthrough came in 1879 with the invention of gabardine
The brand received its first royal warrant from King Edward VII in 1910, with subsequent warrants from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles solidifying its aristocratic appeal. By the 1920s, the now-famous Burberry check
The late 20th century saw Burberry struggling with overexposure as counterfeit check patterns flooded markets. Designer Christopher Bailey's appointment in 2001 marked a renaissance - elevating craftsmanship while infusing tech-savvy marketing. Notable moves included: Burberry's association with Britishness made it both a cultural ambassador and political lightning rod. While the brand dressed explorers like Roald Amundsen (first to reach the South Pole) and literary figures from Sherlock Holmes to W.H. Auden, its unchecked expansion led to unfortunate connections with football hooligan culture in the 1990s. Under current CEO Jonathan Akeroyd, Burberry has navigated political sensitivities - notably redesigning patterns to appease Chinese consumers after backlash. The brand maintains its reputation through limited-edition collections and digital-native strategies, proving old-world luxury still has space in contemporary wardrobes.From Humble Beginnings to Royal Endorsement
Crisis and Revival: The Modern Era
Cultural Impact and Controversies
The Timeless Legacy of Burberry: A Journey Through British Luxury
2025-07-26