Origins and Founding:
Burberry is a British luxury fashion brand that is known for its iconic check pattern and trench coats. The brand has a long and storied history, dating back to the mid-19th century.
Burberry was founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a draper’s apprentice, who opened his own store in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. Burberry started as a small business that specialized in outdoor clothing, such as raincoats and jackets.
In 1879, Thomas Burberry invented a new fabric that was waterproof, breathable, and lightweight. He called it gabardine, and it became the foundation of the brand’s iconic trench coats.
The iconic trench coat:
The Burberry trench coat became a staple of British military uniforms during World War I, and it soon became a fashionable item in civilian life. The coat’s style has changed very little since its invention, but the brand has experimented with various colours and patterns over the years. The trench coat remains a symbol of the brand’s heritage and has been worn by everyone from Humphrey Bogart to Audrey Hepburn.
Ownership:
The Burberry brand has changed hands several times over the years. In 1955, the company was sold to Great Universal Stores (GUS), a British retail group. In 2005, the brand was spun off into a separate company and floated on the London Stock Exchange. Today, Burberry is a publicly traded company, but it still maintains its British heritage and is headquartered in London.
Materials and Manufacturing:
Burberry is known for using high-quality materials, including cashmere, wool, and gabardine. The brand has its own mills in Yorkshire, England, where many of its fabrics are woven. Burberry also works with suppliers from around the world to source the finest materials for its products.
Burberry is committed to ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices. The company has a “Responsibility” program that focuses on reducing waste, using sustainable materials, and ensuring fair labor practices. Burberry is also a member of the “Better Cotton Initiative“, which aims to improve the environmental and social impact of cotton production worldwide.
Conclusion:
Burberry is a brand that has a rich history and a bright future. From its humble beginnings in a small shop in England to its status as a global fashion icon, Burberry has always been known for its quality and style. With a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, Burberry is poised to remain a leader in the fashion industry for years to come.