Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old apprentice draper, Burberry began as a small outfitter's shop in Basingstoke, England. The brand's revolutionary gabardine fabric—waterproof yet breathable, patented in 1888—catapulted it to fame among explorers and aviators. This innovation later inspired the iconic Burberry trench coat, originally designed for British army officers in World War I.
The Birth of an Iconic Pattern
In the 1920s, Burberry introduced its signature Nova Check—a beige, black, and red plaid initially used as coat linings. By the 1960s, this pattern became synonymous with British luxury, adorning everything from scarves to umbrellas. However, overexposure in the 1990s led to counterfeiting issues, prompting creative directors like Christopher Bailey to reinvent the pattern's application in the 2000s through strategic "peek-a-boo"
Modern Reinvention
Burberry's digital-first approach
The brand maintains its heritage while innovating, as seen in recent collaborations with VR artists
From Royalty to Pop Culture
Burberry's clientele spans royalty (Queen Elizabeth II knighted Thomas Burberry in 1917) to Hollywood stars. The trench coat gained cinematic immortality through Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's
"Burberry taught the world that function could be fashionable long before 'athleisure' existed." — Fashion Historian Eleanor Kingston
The Future Weaves Innovation with Tradition
Under current Creative Director Daniel Lee (appointed 2022), Burberry continues evolving its accessory lines