Burberry, one of the world’s most iconic British luxury fashion houses, has a history of over 160 years. Founded in 1856 by 21-year-old Thomas Burberry in Basingstoke, England, Burberry initially focused on outdoor attire, establishing itself as a significant player by 1870. In 1879, Thomas Burberry invented gabardine, a breathable, weatherproof fabric that revolutionized rainwear and was patented in 1888. The turn of the century saw further innovations, including introducing the Burberry check in the 1920s and designing the iconic Tielocken coat in 1912, a precursor to the trench coat used extensively during World War I.
The 20th century marked Burberry's expansion and recognition, with the brand receiving Royal Warrants from Queen Elizabeth II in 1955 and the Prince of Wales in 1990. The company went public in 2002, transitioning from a wholesale and licensed business model to primarily retail by 2011. Technological advancements were embraced, with Burberry livestreaming its fashion show in 2010 and launching the first "Tweetwalk" in 2011.
Today, Burberry operated over 500 stores globally, continuing its innovation and craftsmanship legacy while retaining a matrix organizational structure and diversified market operations. Here’s a detailed timeline regarding the evolution of Burberry's ownership and its current status.
1856 - The Beginning
In 1856, Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old former draper’s apprentice, founded Burberry in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. Initially, the company focused on creating quality outdoor attire, which laid the groundwork for the brand's lasting legacy.
1880 - The Invention of Gabardine
A major milestone was reached in 1880 when Thomas Burberry invented gabardine, a revolutionary fabric that was breathable, weatherproof, and durable. Gabardine was patented in 1888, solidifying Burberry’s reputation for innovation and high-quality, functional fashion.
Early 20th Century - Rise to Prominence
At the turn of the century, Burberry's notoriety soared as it became the go-to brand for explorers and aviators. Esteemed adventurers like Norwegian polar explorer Dr. Fridtjof Nansen and British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton donned Burberry apparel during their expeditions. Around this time, the Tielocken coat, a precursor to the iconic trench coat, was patented.
World War I and II - Military Contributions
The World Wars had a remarkable influence on Burberry’s design legacy. During World War I, Burberry created the now-famous trench coat for the military. This design, embedded with functional elements such as epaulettes, gun flaps, and storm shields, remained prevalent through World War II.
1955 - Acquisition by Great Universal Stores (GUS)
Until 1955, Burberry functioned independently as a family-run business. That year, it was acquired by Great Universal Stores (GUS), marking its shift from family ownership to becoming part of a larger corporate entity.
1999 - Public Company and Modernization
In 2002, Burberry went public on the London Stock Exchange, broadening its ownership to a range of investors. Christopher Bailey took on the role of Design Director in 2001 and subsequently became Chief Creative Officer. Bailey’s influence was pivotal in modernizing Burberry and enhancing its global appeal.
2008 - Establishment of the Burberry Foundation
To underline its social responsibility, Burberry established the Burberry Foundation in 2008. As the first luxury brand to join the Ethical Trading Initiative, Burberry demonstrated its commitment to ethical practices.
2018 - New Leadership and Logo
Riccardo Tisci was appointed Chief Creative Officer in 2018, bringing a fresh and modern design vision to the brand. That same year, Burberry rebranded with a new logo and monogram designed in collaboration with Peter Saville.
2024 - Current Ownership Structure
Today, Burberry’s ownership is a blend of institutional, retail, and individual investors. Approximately 41.47% of the company's stock is held by institutional investors, 1.31% by insiders, and 57.22% by public companies and individual investors. Notably, BlackRock, Inc. stands as the largest individual shareholder, indicating significant institutional interest in Burberry.
Recognition and Sustainability
In 2017, it became the first luxury brand to make its runway collections available for purchase immediately after the show. The same year saw the launch of the Burberry Material Futures Research Group in collaboration with the Royal College of Art, aimed at developing new sustainable materials and transforming consumer experiences.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in 1856 as a small, family-run business to its current status as a globally recognized luxury fashion house, Burberry's journey is marked by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to its heritage. Today, Burberry remains a distinguished name in luxury fashion, consistently evolving to meet modern demands while staying true to its rich legacy.
