Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry at the young age of 21, Burberry

The Invention of GabardineIn 1888, Burberry revolutionized rainwear by inventing gabardine—a breathable, waterproof, and rugged fabric. This groundbreaking material became the foundation of their iconic trench coats, originally designed for British soldiers during World War I. The company still holds the patent for this innovative fabric today.

The Signature Nova Check

Introduced in the 1920s as a lining for their coats, Burberry's tartan pattern (Nova Check)

Embracing the Digital AgeBurberry surprised the fashion world in 2010 by becoming the first luxury brand to live-stream its runway shows. This bold digital move, combined with innovative collaborations like its limited edition AR collections, cemented its reputation as a tech-savvy heritage brand.

Modern Evolution

Today, under designer Daniel Lee, Burberry continues redefining British luxury with:

• Contemporary twists on classic trench coats
• A growing leather goods collection
• Celebrity-approved accessories like the Lola bag

"Burberry clothes have this remarkable durability—both in fabric and design language—that somehow always looks stylishly current, whether from 1918 or 2018."

From structuring Qantas airline uniforms to outfitting polar expeditions, Burberry's story combines British pragmatism with fashion innovation, maintaining its position as one of the world's most recognizable luxury brands for over 160 years.