Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, this iconic British luxury brand began as a small draper’s shop in Basingstoke, England. Originally focused on outerwear, Burberry revolutionized rainwear with the invention of gabardine
By the early 20th century, Burberry’s trench coatscheck pattern, introduced in the 1920s as a lining, later became a global status symbol.
Evolution Through the Decades
Mid-century saw Burberry dressing Hollywood stars like Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn, cementing its cinematic allure. However, by the 1990s, the brand faced challenges as counterfeit check patterns diluted its exclusivity.
"Burberry isn’t just clothing—it’s wearable British history that balances heritage with rebellion." – Industry Analyst
Creative Directors like Christopher Bailey (2001-2018) reinvigorated the brand through digital innovation, live-streaming runway shows years before competitors. Recent collections under Riccardo Tisci reinterpret the equestrian knight logo with streetwear influences.
Modern Sustainability Efforts
Today, Burberry leads in sustainable luxury with initiatives like:
- Carbon-neutral operations since 2022
- Regenerated nylon in outerwear
- Vintage repair programs for classic trenches
Discover their current collection highlights
The Future of British Icon
From royal warrants to collaboration with Minecraft, Burberry continues bridging tradition and zeitgeist. The brand’s 168-year journey proves heritage companies can stay relevant by:
- Honoring craftsmanship roots
- Embracing technological disruption
- Redefining luxury sustainability without sacrificing aesthetic codes (peek example: cobble-logo knits)
As Burberry expands its digital universe with blockchain-tracked products and AI-store experiences, its trench coats remain canvases for cultural storytelling—now with NFC chips enabling interactive history lessons via smartphone.