For over a century and a half, BurberryBritish luxuryThomas Burberry, this iconic fashion house began as a modest draper’s shop in Basingstoke, England, but soon revolutionized outerwear worldwide.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
At just 21 years old, Burberry pioneered weatherproof clothing, introducing gabardineTrench Coathouse check lining.
Signature Elements That Defined an Era
- The Nova Check:
- Equestrian Knight Logo:
- Made in England Heritage:
- Equestrian Knight Logo:
Burberry's strategic globalization through royalty endorsements (King Edward VII) and polar exploration (Roald Amundsen) made it the choice of adventurers and aristocrats alike.
"I wanted my raincoat to be more than weatherproof—it had to breathe like skin" - Thomas Burberry
Modern Reinvention: Digital Meets Tradition
Under creative directors like Christopher BaileyRiccardo Tisci, Burberry embraced digital innovation while preserving heritage:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2006 | First luxury brand to livestream fashion shows |
| 2011 | Pioneered "see now, buy now" runway model |
Today's product assortments (tracked in detail here) successfully blend archival styles with contemporary streetwear elements, epitomized by the small TB monogram and seasonal capsule collections.
Sustainability & Future Direction
- Launched luxury resale platform in China (2021)
- Carbon neutral commitment for 2040
- All plastic packaging eliminated by 2025
The brand continues setting trends through unexpected collaborations (Supreme, Vivienne Westwood) while remaining true to its heritage. As Burberry marks its third century, it stands as both fashion chronicler and innovator—the quintessential British house that dressed everyone from street style stars to wartime heroes.
Explore Burberry's full evolution and current collections through time via this product compendium, detailing seasonal key pieces across decades.