Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old apprentice draper, Burberry has evolved from a modest outdoor attire shop in Hampshire, England, into a globally revered luxury fashion house. The brand's signature trench coats, iconic check pattern, and innovative fabrics have cemented its status as a symbol of British heritage.
From Gabardine to Global Fame
Burberry revolutionized rainwear with the invention of GabardineRobert Falcon Scott
During World War I, Burberry designed the Tielocken, a precursor to the modern trench coat, for British officers. Its functional details—D-rings, epaulettes, and storm flaps—became timeless design elements still celebrated today.
The Iconic Check: Identity & Controversy
Introduced in the 1920s as a lining for trench coats, the Burberry CheckAngela AhrendtsChristopher Bailey, Burberry reclaimed the pattern, selectively integrating it into high-end collections.
A Digital Pioneer in Fashion
In 2009, Burberry became the first luxury brand to live-stream a runway show, embracing digital innovation. Its product strategies, like AR-powered shopping and social media storytelling, bridge tradition with modernity. The brand’s latest collections honor its heritage while reinterpreting classics for Gen-Z audiences.
Enduring Influence
From dressing Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’sLuna Blaise, Burberry’s influence spans generations. Its commitment to sustainability—phasing out fur and achieving carbon neutrality—proves luxury and ethics can coexist.
“Burberry is as much about the future as it is about the past.” – Riccardo Tisci, former Chief Creative Officer