Burberry

Origins and Founding

Burberry was founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old draper’s apprentice, in Basingstoke, England. Originally established as an outerwear company, Burberry gained fame for its invention of gabardine, a weatherproof and breathable fabric that revolutionized rainwear. The brand’s functional yet elegant designs quickly became a staple for explorers, military personnel, and the British elite, laying the foundation for its enduring legacy as a symbol of British craftsmanship and innovation.

Ownership and Leadership

Burberry operates as a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange. Over the years, it has been guided by visionary leaders who have modernized its identity. Notably, Christopher Bailey, who served as Chief Creative Officer from 2001 to 2018, transformed Burberry into a global luxury powerhouse. Today, the brand is led by Jonathan Akeroyd, appointed CEO in 2022, with Daniel Lee as Chief Creative Officer. Lee has ushered in a new chapter, blending Burberry’s heritage with a contemporary aesthetic.

Aesthetic and Notable Pieces

Burberry’s aesthetic is deeply rooted in British heritage, characterized by timeless elegance, functionality, and understated luxury. While the brand is best known for its iconic trench coat, its collections also feature classic tailoring, refined accessories, and statement prints.
Signature pieces include:

The Trench Coat: Introduced in the early 20th century, the trench coat became a symbol of British sophistication. With its distinctive epaulettes, storm flaps, and belted waist, it remains a cornerstone of Burberry’s identity.

The Burberry Check: Originally used as the lining for trench coats, the beige, black, red, and white tartan has become one of the most recognizable patterns in fashion. It now adorns scarves, bags, and ready-to-wear pieces.

Outerwear: In addition to the trench, Burberry’s wool coats, quilted jackets, and puffers blend practicality with luxury, embodying the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship.

The Lola Bag: A modern quilted handbag that has become a signature of the brand under recent creative leadership.
Burberry’s contemporary collections seamlessly merge tradition with innovation, incorporating bold prints, bright colors, and modern silhouettes that appeal to a global audience.

Legacy and Influence

Burberry is one of the world’s most enduring luxury brands, known for its ability to adapt to changing cultural landscapes while maintaining its heritage. During the early 2000s, the brand became synonymous with British culture, fueled by celebrity endorsements and the revival of the Burberry check as a fashion icon.
Burberry has also been a leader in digital innovation, being the first luxury brand to livestream its runway shows and embrace direct-to-consumer e-commerce. Its commitment to sustainability, including goals for carbon neutrality and the use of eco-friendly materials, has positioned it as a forward-thinking brand.

Famous Fans and Cultural Impact

Burberry’s designs have been embraced by royalty, celebrities, and fashion icons. Audrey Hepburn famously wore the brand’s trench coat in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, solidifying its status as a cultural icon. Members of the British royal family, including Princess Diana, Prince William, and Kate Middleton, have frequently worn Burberry pieces, further cementing its ties to British heritage.
In the modern era, celebrities like Emma Watson, Rihanna, and Timothée Chalamet have represented Burberry’s evolving identity, showcasing its blend of tradition and contemporary style. The brand’s campaigns, often shot by renowned photographers like Mario Testino, have set benchmarks for storytelling and visual impact in luxury fashion.

The Epitome of British Luxury

Burberry stands as a symbol of British elegance, craftsmanship, and innovation. From its revolutionary gabardine fabric to its globally recognized check pattern, the brand has seamlessly merged function with fashion for over 160 years. Under the leadership of Jonathan Akeroyd and Daniel Lee, Burberry continues to honor its heritage while redefining modern luxury, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of global fashion.