Burberry

Burberry’s story begins in 1856 when 21‑year‑old Thomas Burberry opened a small outfitting shop in Basingstoke, aiming to create clothing that could withstand the British weather. In 1879 he invented gabardine, a breathable waterproof fabric that he patented in 1888 and used to produce durable coats. The brand quickly gained favour with explorers, providing garments for Fritjof Nansen’s Arctic expeditions and military officers.

The equestrian knight logo was introduced in 1901, the London flagship opened in 1891 and by 1912 Burberry had patented the Tielocken coat, the forerunner of the trench coat worn by soldiers in both world wars. The iconic check lining debuted in the 1920s and became synonymous with British style.

In the late 20th century Burberry diversified into accessories, fragrance and ready‑to‑wear, eventually repositioning itself as a global luxury brand. Under creative directors including Christopher Bailey and Riccardo Tisci, the house has balanced heritage with innovation and digital storytelling, launching runway‑to‑retail collections and digital activations.

Today Burberry operates hundreds of stores worldwide and remains a symbol of British craftsmanship and weatherproof elegance. The brand’s evolution reflects a careful balance between heritage and modernity, and its global presence continues to grow as it explores new markets and product categories.

Burberry’s philosophy balances heritage, innovation and social responsibility. The brand upholds Thomas Burberry’s original mission of protecting people from the elements through technical fabric developments like gabardine. It celebrates British culture and craftsmanship, championing artisans in the United Kingdom and emphasising tailoring, outerwear and cashmere scarves woven in Scotland. Under its Burberry Beyond sustainability strategy, the house focuses on four pillars – product, planet, people and communities – committing to carbon neutrality, circular design and supporting social causes.

Recent collections explore themes of exploration and nature, and campaigns embrace diversity and community, featuring global talent and inclusive casting.

The brand invests in regenerative agriculture and materials innovation, and it encourages product longevity through repair services and vintage buy‑back programmes. By marrying innovation with a respect for history, Burberry invites customers to invest in pieces that are both timeless and forward‑looking, embodying a philosophy of enduring style and responsibility.

At its core, the brand strives to balance tradition with innovation, embracing inclusivity and sustainability while encouraging personal expression and thoughtful consumption.