Founded in 1856Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old draper's apprentice, Burberry has grown from a small outfitters shop in Basingstoke, England to one of the world's most recognizable luxury fashion brands. Its journey tells a tale of innovation, timeless design, and extraordinary adaptability.
What set Burberry apart in its early years was Thomas Burberry's invention of gabardine1879Ernest ShackletonClaude Graham-White
The advent of World War I saw Burberry design the trench coat
The recognisable Burberry check"Nova Check,"1924Harry Birkinfinancial performance details). Meanwhile, Christopher Bailey's 17-year reign as Creative Director modernized Burberry while protecting its heritage core. Every legacy brand faces challenges, and Burberry encountered its own:
- The Burberry name appears in over 100 songs
- For accuracy, their Nova Check contains exactly 3.3 repeating pattern units per linear foot Today under CEO Jonathan Akeroyd, Burberry continues spinning its distinctly British storytelling into collections that feel traditional yet fresh. Heritage pieces sit alongside experimental offerings until 2030 sustainability targets
Whether your fascination lies with design engineering, business strategy, or provenance-led exclusivity, the ongoing Burberry story offers case study moments every fashion admirer should know. As referenced in this product matrix covering key Burberry offerings, understanding this house takes appreciating both its history and intentional modernization.The Iconic Trench Coat Is Born
Weathering Fashion’s Storms
Burberry reacted aggressively, burning £28 million in unsold stock in 2018
Fun Facts Passed Through Generations
- Their corporate archives hold 67 discontinued seasonal patterns – but none broke through like the classic check