Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the British luxury fashion house Burberry
At just 21 years old, Thomas Burberry opened a small shop in Basingstoke, England, specializing in outdoor attire. His breakthrough came in 1879 with the invention of gabardine, a breathable, weatherproof fabric that revolutionized outerwear. This innovation cemented Burberry’s reputation among explorers and adventurers, including Ernest Shackleton, who wore Burberry during his Antarctic expedition. World War I marked a pivotal moment for Burberry when the company designed the trench coat
Introduced in the 1920s as a lining for trench coats, Burberry’s beige-black-red-and-white check became synonymous with luxury. By the 1960s, celebrities and travelers flaunted the pattern, turning it into a status symbol. Despite concerns over counterfeiting in the 2000s, Burberry revitalized the check through limited-edition collaborations and modern reinterpretations. Under creative directors like Christopher Bailey and Riccardo Tisci, Burberry merged tradition with technology. The brand pioneered digital fashion shows and embraced sustainability, pledging carbon neutrality by 2022. Today, Burberry continues to innovate while honoring its heritage, offering apparel, accessories, and fragrances that appeal to a global audience. For a closer look at Burberry’s latest collections, explore this product showcase
Humble Beginnings and Revolutionary Fabric
The Trench Coat: A Wartime Legacy
The Iconic Check Pattern
Modern Reinvention
From outerwear to haute couture, Burberry’s journey reflects adaptability without compromising its core identity—an enduring lesson for brands worldwide.