Innovation and functionality define the pioneering vision of Thomas Burberry. Renowned for creating the revolutionary gabardine fabric and the classic, elegant trench coat, his visionary designs propelled British fashion to prominence. Today, his brand embodies the perfect balance between the present, representing modern British culture, and the past, upholding traditional craftsmanship and exceptional quality.
Having begun as a young fabric apprentice at a local shop in England, Thomas Burberry demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and avant-garde vision from an early age. In 1856, at just 21 years old, he founded his brand in the small town of Basingstoke, aiming to design garments that offered protection from England’s rainy, inhospitable weather. His curiosity for the era’s technologies and new inventions led him to experiment with various materials, ultimately creating gabardine in 1879 – a lightweight, water-resistant fabric that transformed raincoats from heavy, uncomfortable garments into lightweight, breathable attire. Patented in 1888, this material marked the beginning of Burberry’s promising journey to success.
Promising to withstand even the harshest weather conditions, gabardine quickly attracted the attention of adventurers. Globally renowned explorers began wearing garments made from this material during their expeditions, proving its durability. At the start of the 20th century, World War I would alter the brand’s trajectory. At the request of the British Army Office, Thomas Burberry invented the iconic trench coat, which became the uniform of British soldiers. Its lightweight, functional design enabled soldiers to carry equipment such as whistles or grenades with ease.
In 1920, the now-famous check pattern was introduced, initially used only as a lining for trench coats. Despite the founder’s death in 1926, his legacy endured, and the family business, inherited by his sons, continued to thrive. By 1965, Burberry’s popularity had grown so much that one in five people in the United Kingdom owned a Burberry coat. Hollywood celebrities were frequently photographed in the brand’s iconic trench coats, which featured in cinematic masterpieces such as Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
However, the following decades proved somewhat turbulent for the British house, particularly during the 1990s when Burberry’s prestigious image became associated with hooliganism, a movement marked by violent behaviour at sports events in the UK. The excessive use of Burberry items by its followers even led some public establishments to ban entry to individuals wearing the brand.
Thanks to Christopher Bailey’s vision as creative director, Burberry managed to restore its prestigious reputation. Bailey redefined the brand’s identity, preserving its historical heritage while modernising its appeal. He was instrumental in reinventing the classic, sophisticated trench coat, adapting it to contemporary times while staying true to the tradition and craftsmanship that define it. Bailey’s unique perspective on fashion positioned Burberry as one of the first luxury brands to embrace live-streaming for fashion shows and the first luxury house to join the Ethical Trading Initiative. Under his leadership, Burberry became more than just a luxury brand, emerging as a leader in digital innovation and creativity.
Despite the challenges faced by a century-old brand navigating the ever-changing contemporary landscape, Burberry has remained steadfast in its founder’s values, overcoming many obstacles along the way. The current logo and monogram, introduced in 2017 and inspired by the founder’s initials, underscore the importance of honouring the past while staying relevant in the present. Burberry’s progressive and bold vision has allowed it to thrive in modern times. Its prominence in the fashion world remains undeniable, captivating younger generations while never losing sight of its legacy.
