Thomas Burberry was only 21 years old when he established his eponymous brand, initially focusing on durable outdoor wear. His revolutionary invention, gabardine—a waterproof yet breathable fabric—patented in 1888, set Burberry apart from competitors. This innovation became crucial in military uniforms, most notably the trench coat, originally designed for British officers during World War I. To this day, Burberry’s trench coats remain a timeless wardrobe staple.

The Burberry Check: A Symbol of Luxury

In the 1920s, the brand introduced its famous Burberry Check—a beige pattern with black, white, and red stripes. Initially used as a lining for coats, it later became a standalone signature, adorning scarves, umbrellas, and accessories. Though briefly overexposed in the 2000s, Burberry revitalized its check pattern with modern interpretations under creative director Riccardo Tisci, ensuring its continued relevance in high fashion.

Innovation and Digital Influence

Burberry pioneered the fusion of fashion and technology, becoming one of the first luxury brands to embrace social media and interactive campaigns. In 2009, it launched Burberry Acoustic, a platform spotlighting British musicians. Under former CEO Angela Ahrendts and designer Christopher Bailey, Burberry also introduced "see now, buy now" runway shows, merging real-time shopping with high fashion presentations.

For an extensive overview of Burberry’s latest collections, check out this product breakdown

Sustainability and Future Vision