Thomas Burberry founded Burberry in 1856 in Basingstoke, England. The brand was based around the principle that clothing should protect its wearers from the British weather. From this idea, gabardine with invented- the first lightweight, yet strong, weatherproof material. Burberry has a rich history, with soldiers during WWI wearing Burberry trench coats for their functionality, and the first polar explorer, Dr Fridtjof Nansen donning gabardine fabric to the Arctic in 1893. The iconic and instantly recognisable Burberry check was introduced in the 1920’s for the lining of their garments, and by 1965, one in five coats exported from Britain was produced by Burberry.
Creating quality pieces, including menswear, womenswear, children’s clothing, bags, accessories and cosmetics, the heritage of Burberry has remained at the heart of the brand. Quintessential British style is demonstrated in luxury fabrics, refined tailoring and timeless design. Despite its deep roots in fashion history, Burberry has remained a contemporary brand and has been at the forefront of progressive initiative. Being the first luxury brand to join ethical trading initiatives, Burberry also produced a rainbow take on their check pattern, in support of diversity and LGBTQ+ charities.
Riccardo Tisci was appointed Creative Director in 2018. Continuing with the classic Burberry tartan and world-renowned trench coats, Tisci honours house codes. Known for being ahead of the times, Tisci is simultaneously continuing to locate the brand in modernity, bringing in fresh, new colours, materials and prints. The redesign of the Burberry logo by Peter Saville demonstrates the brand’s new ability to incorporate street-style into the refined glamour that it has always been known by. Pushing the boundaries, Tisci offers a free and modern style which does not let us forget Burberry’s heritage.
Now with over 400 stores worldwide, Burberry has their own online shop too. Burberry designs can also be purchased online through retailers Harrods, Farfetch, Net-a-Porter and Selfridges.