A brief history of... Burberry

Burberry is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old draper's apprentice from Basingstoke, England. The company is known for its high-quality, stylish, and iconic clothing and accessories, particularly its trench coats and signature check pattern.

Thomas Burberry started the company as a small draper's shop in Basingstoke, where he began producing clothing and accessories for outdoor enthusiasts. In 1879, he invented a fabric called "gabardine," which was made from tightly woven, water-resistant yarn and was designed to be lightweight and breathable. Burberry began using gabardine to produce outerwear for soldiers and explorers, and the fabric quickly gained a reputation for its durability and practicality.

In the early 20th century, Burberry became a supplier to the British military, and its trench coats were worn by soldiers in both World Wars. The company's trench coats were designed to be worn over a uniform and were made from gabardine fabric, which was water-resistant and breathable. The coats featured a number of practical features, including epaulets, a belt, and a storm flap, and were designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the battlefield. A brilliant advertisement featuring their history was made for their Festive campaign in 2016. Watch below:

One interesting fact about Burberry's use in the first World War is that the company's trench coats were worn by both sides of the conflict. In fact, Burberry supplied trench coats to both the Allied powers and the Central Powers, and the coats became a common sight on the battlefields of Europe. Burberry's trench coats were known for their durability and practicality, and the company's commitment to producing high-quality outerwear made it a trusted supplier to both sides of the war.

In the 1920s, Burberry introduced its signature check pattern, which was inspired by the design of the company's gabardine fabric. The check pattern, which consists of a series of red, white, and black lines, became a recognizable symbol of the Burberry brand and was used on a variety of products, including scarves, handbags, and umbrellas.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Burberry became a popular fashion brand, and its trench coats and other outerwear were worn by a number of high-profile figures, including Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana. The company also began to expand internationally, opening stores in Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Today, Burberry is a global luxury fashion brand, known for its high-quality, stylish, and iconic clothing and accessories. In addition to its signature trench coats and check pattern, the company now produces a wide range of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, including suits, dresses, and bags.

Despite its global reach, Burberry remains deeply rooted in its English heritage, with its headquarters and manufacturing facilities still based in London. The company's commitment to producing high-quality, stylish, and practical clothing has made it a beloved and trusted brand around the world, and it shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.