Burberry, British elegance.
Forever identified with its famous Scottish tartan, the Burberry fashion house has been specialising in luxury clothing and accessories for over 150 years. Its offerings include numerous classic and timeless pieces, like it's iconic gabardine cotton trench coat and cashmere scarf. The prestigious brand is today behind lines of menswear, womenswear and childrenswear combining centuries-old know-how and quintessentially British style.
From battlefield to royal palace.
The history of the most emblematic English fashion house began in 1856. Thomas Burberry, a draper at that time, inaugurated his first boutique in Basingstoke in Hampshire. Specialising in outdoor clothing and rainwear, the young man took an interest in waterproofing techniques for cotton canvas and developed gabardine, a cloth that underwent the waterproofing process before it was even woven. A marriage of technical excellence, comfort and elegance, Burberry overcoats met with instant success. During the First World War, the company was asked to dress British officers. That was the birth of the trench coat - and literally, of course, where it got its name - whose lines won the civilian population over once the war had finished. At that time, the unisex model was lined with Nova Check Scottish tartan, the sober, achingly elegant pattern that has become the label's signature. In 1950, Burberry was finally named official supplier to the Royal House of Windsor, meaning the brand joined the ranks of the most prestigious names in the history of fashion.
Ever since then, Burberry's elegant clothes have taken on a modern touch but without losing any of their heritage. The label has also launched new lines, including Burberry Children in 2007, hoping to attract a wider public. Today, the brand offers an extensive range of ready-to-wear items, along with fashion accessories. Amongst the most iconic leather goods items, we remember the Banner bag, a slightly structured model, detailed with several compartments and equestrian-inspired buckles.
A brand made popular on screen.
Over the years, some of Hollywood's illustrious stars have contributed to the popularity of the Burberry trench coat. In 1942, it was worn on screen by Humphrey Bogart in the cult film Casablanca. Other big names in cinema like Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Bacall and Marlene Dietrich, made the coat an absolute must-have garment. It was also, of course, the favourite item of clothing of Inspector Colombo, played by the unforgettable Peter Falk. An internationally recognised brand, today Burberry counts multiple boutiques across the globe. It has teamed up with British celebrities to win over a younger public and showcase its collections. Amongst its most famous muses, we can name Kate Moss, Agyness Deyn, Lily Donaldson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Emma Watson.
For over 150 years, the house of Burberry has been proposing lines of clothing that are tailored in innovating materials. Of particular note, are the gabardine cotton coats, but also outfits specially designed for hunting, fishing, golf and tennis. Some of the pieces that have enabled the brand to achieve its status as a symbol of British fashion, are: