Home > The Legacy of Burberry: A Timeless British Icon

The Legacy of Burberry: A Timeless British Icon

2025-03-28

Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the eponymous brand began as a small outfitter's shop in Basingstoke, England. Initially catering to outdoor enthusiasts, Burberry gained fame for its revolutionary fabric, gabardine, invented in 1879. This waterproof, breathable material became a cornerstone of the brand's identity and laid the foundation for its global success.

Classic Burberry store facade

The Birth of an Icon: The Trench Coat

During World War I, Burberry designed the trench coatknot at the waist. Post-war, this military staple transitioned into civilian fashion, becoming synonymous with sophisticated style. Today, Burberry's trench coats

Evolution Through the Centuries

The brand's signature check pattern, introduced in the 1920s as a lining for trench coats, became a cultural phenomenon by the 1960s. Burberry navigated through periods of overexposure in the 1990s before Christopher Bailey

"Burberry represents the best of British creativity - visionary design coupled with relentless innovation."

- Riccardo Tisci, Chief Creative Officer (2018-2022)

Modern Innovations and Sustainability

Under current leadership, Burberry maintains its heritage while embracing modernity. The brand has pledged commitments to:

  • Carbon neutrality by 2040
  • Regenerative farming practices for raw materials
  • Circular fashion initiatives including repair programs

Explore the current seasonal collection

Cultural Impact

From royal warrants to Hollywood films, Burberry's presence in culture is incomparable. The brand weathered controversies around counterfeiting in the early 2000s by strategic authenticity measures like:

  • Implementing RFID tags in all products
  • Limited edition collaborations with artists
  • Reinterpreted heritage patterns less prone to replication

The Future of British Luxury

With over 11,000 employees worldwide as of 2023, Burberry continues evolving while maintaining an enviable archive of designs preserved at its London headquarters. From Princess Diana to contemporary K-pop stars, the brand's ability to span generations without losing relevancy cements its status as a true fashion empire built on British ingenuity and adaptability.

```