Tracing the 165-year journey of one of the world’s most iconic luxury fashion houses, a new tome offers an in-depth exploration of the history of Burberry, from its beginnings as a humble purveyor of trench coats to its rise as a global powerhouse. The book documents the brand’s evolution, letting readers experience its full story.
1. Burberry: A Landmark Journey Through Fashion
The luxury fashion house Burberry is known around the world for its exquisite and timeless creations. The house has an impressive history, being one of the oldest most respected fashion brands in the industry. Here, we’ll take a look at how the brand evolved from its origins to become a global powerhouse.
The brand’s long history dates back to 1856 when Thomas Burberry opened his first store in Basingstoke. He went on to create the iconic Tartan pattern and the gabardine waterproof fabric, both of which are still used today. His groundbreaking designs quickly drew the attention of the British Royal family, and he was appointed Royal tailor in 1901. It was during this period that the brand really began to take off, becoming one of the most sought after brands in the world.
Throughout its history, Burberry has gone through some major changes, but its commitment to quality craftsmanship has always remained true:
- It introduced its Prorsum line of ready-to-wear fashion in 1901
- Burberry opened its first flagship store in London in 1981
- It launched its first perfume in 1981
- The Christopher Bailey era began in 2001 and lasted until 2018
Today, Burberry is one of the most recognizable fashion houses in the world, continuing to make luxurious and innovative pieces for both men and women. Its commitment to high quality fabrics, craftsmanship and timeless designs have made it a must-have for style-conscious fashionistas around the globe.
2. From Raincoat Producers to World Leaders
From an industry of making raincoats, emerged leaders who changed the political landscape of a nation and shown the path of the world. The resulting hall of fame of statesmen, diplomats and prime ministers has been an inspiring tale of willpower, intellect and courage.
Barely out of their teenage years, these statesmen have provided visions for global initiatives, resolved longstanding tensions between global superpower rivals and engineered practical solutions for complex problems. Behind their success was the same grit and tenacity which first gave rise to the raincoat industry.
- Justin Trudeau found creative ways to bridge the gap between deficit and prosperity, with transparent policies and a promise of fairness for everyone.
- Mahatma Gandhi changed the course of history, inspiring generations to come and championing a just cause of peace and equality.
- Nelson Mandela provided solidarity and empathy as he worked together with all races to overcome the effects of apartheid.
3. Burberry: A Global Brand Reimagined
Burberry, the iconic British brand once renowned for its classic trench coat and plaid pattern, is far more than that today. Its long-time chief creative officer and president, Christopher Bailey, has led Burberry on a remarkable journey, transitioning it from a traditional British label to a modern global powerhouse.
The brand has experienced a radical repositioning over the years, embracing a new language and vision inspired by modernity. This strategy has seen Burberry become the leader of social media-led innovation through an array of multi-tiered marketing and creative campaigns. With stunning creative direction and imaginative fashion statements, Bailey has transformed the brand into an exciting and relevant contemporary fashion house.
- Bold New Creatives: Burberry has expressed its new identity through a series of bold, modern creatives. The brand continues to make exciting fashion statements with innovative and disruptive campaigns.
- High-Fashion Retail: Burberry now operates from over 500 stores in 50 countries, all of which capitalise on the sharp new identity that Bailey has infused into the brand.
- Social Media Impact: This repositioning has also seen an uplift in the amount of people engaging with the brand on social media, exceeding 35 million followers across various platforms.
4. The Burberry Phenomenon: An Enduring Force in the Fashion Industry
Burberry has stood the test of time in the fashion world and is an enduring force that continues to dominate the industry. Since its inception in 1856, the British fashion house has been creating styles that remain relevant and fresh to this day. From the classic checked trench to the reinvention of the hoodie, Burberry has shown that they know how to stay in the game while they’re continuously developing and pushing boundaries.
A big part of their success is due to their ability to merge the timeless elements of the brand with the fresh and often disruptive ideas. Their approach to reworking their iconic check print and classic silhouettes, while integrating modern trends, has kept this beloved fashion house on the lips and in the closets of fashionistas from all around the world.
- The Foundation – Built upon the values of quality and classic design
- Risk – Proactive identity adaptations to stay relevant
- Growth – Constant reinvention and boundary pushing
From the very beginning, Burberry has been ahead of the curve, pioneering both in the art of manufacturing and the art of fashion. Today, thanks to ground-breaking construction and inventive design, consumers the world over recognize the Burberry name and the iconic, sophisticated products it has produced over the past 165 years. Not only has Burberry maintained a long-held commitment to craftsmanship, but they have lead the way in modernizing their designs, proving time and time again that the brand is timeless and legendary.
