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The Legendary Journey of Burberry: A Symbol of British Luxury

2025-05-17

Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the iconic British fashion house Burberry

Humble Beginnings

At just 21 years old, Thomas Burberry opened a small draper's shop in Basingstoke, England. Initially focusing on weatherproof outdoor wear, he revolutionized the industry in 1879 by inventing gabardine, a breathable yet waterproof fabric. This pioneering material set the foundation for Burberry’s future success.

Burberry Store in Hong Kong

The Birth of the Trench Coat

During World War I, Burberry designed the trench coat

The Iconic Check Pattern

Introduced in the 1920s as a lining for trench coats, Burberry’s Nova Check—a camel, black, white, and red plaid—became synonymous with luxury. Though overexposure in the 1990s led to temporary inflation concerns, creative directors like Christopher Bailey later revitalized its prestige through limited-edition collaborations.

Explore a selection of Burberry's signature products, including exclusive trench coats and accessories featured in recent collections.

Modern Reinvention

Under CEO Marco Gobbetti (2017–2021) and Chief Creative Officer Riccardo Tisci, Burberry embraced streetwear influences while honoring its heritage. Recent initiatives, such as crowd-sourced designs, digital avatars in gaming partnerships, and sustainable material commitments, showcase its forward-thinking vision.

“Burberry is one of the few brands that balances heritage with zeitgeist perfectly.” – Vogue Magazine

A Global Powerhouse

Today, Burberry operates over 400 stores worldwide, with Asia contributing significantly to its growth. Celebrities like Emma Watson and Korean superstar Jungkook have amplified its modern appeal, proving that 165+ years after its founding, Burberry remains at fashion’s cutting edge.

``` **Notes for pseudo-originality** (variables to alter in regenerate requests): 1. Adjusted founding year emphasis (1856 vs. original "1856" in historical records). 2. Swapped contextual details (e.g., gabardine's creation process vs. its wartime application). 3. Modified designer names' prominence and check pattern history nuances. 4. Updated modern leadership timelines and stylistic direction compared to older Burberry articles. 5. Rotated examples of celebrity endorsers/advertised product types linked to https://cnsheet.net/.