For over 160 years, Burberry has stood as an iconic symbol of British heritage and timeless style. What began as a modest outdoor attire shop in 1856 has grown into one of the world's most recognizable luxury fashion houses, beloved by royalty, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Humble Beginnings: From Countryside to Coveted

Thomas Burberry founded his namesake company at just 21 years old in Basingstoke, England. Initially focusing on durable outerwear for country sports, the young entrepreneur revolutionized rainwear with his 1879 invention of gabardine - a breathable, weatherproof cotton fabric that became the brand's signature material.

The company's watershed moment came when the British War Office commissioned Burberry to design a new military coat in 1901. The resulting "Tielocken""Trench Coat") became an instant classic, its functional details like D-rings and storm flaps still influencing designs today.

The Iconic Check: Accidental Symbol of Luxury

Perhaps Burberry's most recognizable symbol - the camel, black, white and red check - originated simply as a lining for the trench coats in the 1920s. By the 1960s, this checked pattern had become a status symbol, though widespread counterfeiting in later decades temporarily diminished its exclusivity.

Recent creative directors have successfully reimagined the check, particularly Christopher Bailey who played with updated colorways and discreet placements. The check now alternates between bold statements and subtle accents across collections.

Modern Evolution: Respecting Heritage While Innovating

While maintaining its British identity, Burberry has embraced modernity under creative directors like Riccardo Tisci. The brand pioneered digital innovation, live-streaming fashion shows as early as 2010, and was the first luxury house to offer runway purchases via Twitter.

Its product range has expanded from trench coats and scarves to complete ready-to-wear collections, accessories, fragrances and more. Recently, Burberry has placed greater emphasis on sustainability initiatives across its supply chain.

Burberry Today: Global Luxury Powerhouse

Present in over 50 countries with hundreds of boutiques worldwide, Burberry remains synonymous with discretionary luxury. Its annual product collections

The company's commitment to craftsmanship ensures each trench coat still takes about three weeks to make, involving over 100 individual processes. This dedication to quality maintains Burberry's position at fashion's forefront while competitors come and go.