Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the iconic British luxury house Burberry has woven itself into the fabric of fashion history. From its humble beginnings as an outdoor attire retailer in Basingstoke, England, Burberry evolved into a global symbol of innovation and elegance, celebrated for its signature trench coats and sensory branding.
The Birth of Gabardine: A Waterproof Revolution
In 1879, Burberry revolutionized outerwear by inventing gabardine, the first breathable, weatherproof fabric. This innovation transformed trench coats into military staples during World War I, featuring epaulettes for rank insignia and D-rings for equipment. The design later became a civilian wardrobe essential, immortalized by celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.
The Eclat Check: From Practicality to Pop Culture
Burberry’s beige-and-nova-check plaid, introduced in the 1920s as a trench coat lining, accidentally became a status symbol when repurposed for umbrellas and scarves. Despite overexposure in the 2000s, creative directors like Christopher Bailey (2001–2018) recalibrated the pattern for modern collections, integrating digital campaigns with holographic runway shows.
Digital Reinvention & Sustainable Shifts
Under CEO Marco Gobbetti (2017–2021), Burberry embraced blockchain to authenticate products and launched ReBurberry Fabric, recycling textile waste. The 2021 “Opentopia” collection fused augmented reality with sustainable textiles, reflecting Chief Creative Officer Daniel Lee’s vision of nostalgic futurism via reinterpreted knight logos and deer motifs.
Controversies & Cultural Resonance
Burberry’s 2019 burned stock scandal ignited debates on luxury waste, prompting carbon-neutral pledges. Yet, its cultural capital persists—straight-to-consumer livestreams during COVID-19 achieved record engagement, proving resilience through digital storytelling that honors craftspeople in Yorkshire’s mills.
Legacy Redefined
Today, Burberry balances heritage with hyper-modernity. Limited-edition checkered sneakers