Burberry's rise to global prominence began with its revolutionary fabric, gabardine. Invented by Thomas Burberry in 1879, this water-resistant yet breathable material transformed outdoor wear and became the foundation for the brand’s most famous product—the Burberry Trench Coat. Initially designed for British military officers during World War I, the trench coat later became a staple in civilian wardrobes, embodying both functionality and timeless elegance.

The Distinctive Check Pattern

Another hallmark of Burberry is its nova check—a camel, black, red, and white plaid pattern first introduced in the 1920s1960s, the check became widely popular, appearing on scarves, handbags, and umbrellas, though it faced overexposure in later decades due to counterfeiting. Under the creative direction of recent leaders like Riccardo Tisci, Burberry has creatively reimagined its check pattern while maintaining brand heritage.

Modern Reinvention & Sustainability