Burberry, synonymous with British luxury and timeless fashion, has a rich history spanning over a century. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global fashion powerhouse, here are ten intriguing facts about Burberry's storied past.
- The Birth of Burberry: Burberry was founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old former draper's apprentice. He opened his first store in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, to create clothing to protect people from the unpredictable British weather.
- Invention of Gabardine: In 1879, Thomas Burberry revolutionized rainwear by inventing gabardine, a breathable, weatherproof, and hardwearing fabric. This innovative material was patented in 1888 and became a cornerstone of Burberry's product line, setting the brand apart in the fashion industry.
- The Iconic Trench Coat: The Burberry trench coat, created during the First World War, is one of the brand's most iconic pieces. Originally designed for British Army officers, the coat featured functional elements like epaulettes for displaying rank and D-rings on the belt for attaching equipment. Its practicality and style have made it a timeless fashion staple.
- The Equestrian Knight Logo: In 1901, Burberry introduced the Equestrian Knight logo, which includes the Latin word "Prorsum," meaning "forwards." This emblem symbolizes the brand's commitment to progress and innovation and was registered as a trademark in 1909.
- Record-Breaking Adventures: Burberry's durable garments have been part of several historic expeditions. In 1911, Roald Amundsen, the first man to reach the South Pole, wore Burberry attire. Similarly, George Mallory donned a Burberry gabardine jacket during his 1924 attempt to summit Mount Everest. In 1937, the brand sponsored a record-breaking flight from London to Cape Town in "The Burberry."
- The Burberry Check: The distinctive Burberry check pattern, now synonymous with the brand, was first used as a lining for trench coats in the 1920s. It wasn't until the 1960s that the check became a more visible feature, thanks to a buyer from Burberry's Paris store who started using it on accessories.
- From Family-Owned to Public Company: Burberry remained an independent, family-owned company until 1955, when it was sold to Great Universal Stores (GUS). In 2002, Burberry was floated on the London Stock Exchange, marking its transition to a publicly traded company. Today, Lindsell Train Limited is the largest shareholder.
- Revival and Rebranding: In the late 1990s, Burberry underwent a significant transformation under the leadership of Rose Marie Bravo and later Angela Ahrendts. They repositioned the brand as a luxury fashion house, reducing the use of the check pattern to combat its association with "chav" culture and focusing on high-end products.
- Sustainability Efforts: In recent years, Burberry has made strides in sustainability. In 2018, the company announced it would stop burning unsold goods and phase out the use of real fur in its products. These steps reflect Burberry's commitment to ethical practices and environmental responsibility.
- Modern Innovations: Burberry continues to innovate while honoring its heritage. The brand's trench coats, still made from shower-resistant cotton gabardine, feature modern updates like double-breasted button closures and belted cuffs. In 2018, Burberry introduced a new logo and monogram, paying homage to founder Thomas Burberry and signaling a fresh creative direction under Chief Creative Officer Riccardo Tisci.
