Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the British luxury fashion house Burberry has grown from a small outfitter in Basingstoke to a globally recognized symbol of elegance and innovation. Renowned for its iconic trench coats, signature check pattern, and fusion of heritage with modern design, Burberry remains a cornerstone of high-end fashion over 160 years later.
Humble Beginnings & Breakthrough Innovations
At just 21 years old, Thomas Burberry opened his first store specializing in outdoor attire. His revolutionary 1879 invention, gabardine, changed the game—a durable, weatherproof yet breathable fabric woven from tightly spun yarn. This patented material became the foundation of Burberry’s iconic trench coats, originally designed for British military officers during World War I. Features like epaulettes, D-rings, and storm shields were functional details that endure as style statements today.
The Birth of an Icon: The Trench Coat & Check Pattern
By the 1920s, the Burberry trench gained celebrity admirers like Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. Another defining moment came in 1924 when the brand introduced its nova check—a beige, black, white, and red plaid lining that later became a standalone print on scarves, bags, and accessories. Though temporarily discontinued in the 2000s to combat overexposure, the check regained status as a carefully managed symbol of luxury under Creative Director Christopher Bailey.
Stars, Sustainability & Digital Pioneering
From Angela Ahrendts’ leadership to Riccardo Tisci’s streetwear-infused designs, Burberry balances tradition with zeitgeist. Notable moments include embedding QR codes in accessoriesReBurberry Edit
Modern collaborations (Supreme, Gosha Rubchinskiy) and ambassadors (Emma Watson, Son Heung-min) showcase Burberry’s cultural reach. By honoring its British roots while embracing change—whether through digital innovation or addressing climate action—the brand proves that heritage and progress can coexist. As Stellar Mag notes, “Burberry isn’t just selling coats; it’s curating a narrative of resilience and reinvention.”
Burberry Today: A Cultural Powerhouse