Burberry: The Evolution of a British Powerhouse
Can you get more British than Burberry? With a history spanning over 150 years, Burberry’s history is as complicated as Britain itself, evolving from wartime trenches to football terraces to a coveted vintage designer brand.
Burberry’s History: The Early Days
A collection of magazine ads, 1901-1918
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The luxury British brand was founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old draper's apprentice, in Basingstoke, England. At the same time and way as our Canadian friends Arc’teryx, Burberry designed and sold outdoor clothing, creating waterproof fabrics and innovative designs for hunters, fishermen, and explorers.
By the early 1900s, Burberry had become a leading supplier of military uniforms. They introduced the iconic trench coat, a double-breasted design that became a symbol of British style and sophistication. Their water resistant trench coat went on to clothe World War I soldiers, hence the name ‘trench’ coat. Soon, civilians were choosing Burberry trench coats as a stylish and practical outerwear option.
In the 1920s, Burberry introduced its signature check pattern. Its first incarnation was as we see today: a beige base with black, red, and white lines. Until the 1960s, the check only appeared as lining of Burberry coats & jackets. The legend goes that a Parisian shop manager dressed the window with a Burberry trench coat to showcase the signature lining. This seemed to attract more people ad led to the check becoming a featured design element.
Who wears Burberry?
1. The British Elite
Burberry Magazine advert, c. 1953
When the brand moved away from military uniform towards fashion, Burberry clothes were worn by upper class Brits. Wearing them conveyed a heroic sense of Britishness rooted in empire & elegance.
2. Hollywood
Humphrey Bogart, Casablanca, 1942
The Burberry trench coat began to appear in Hollywood films. Both actresses and actors were dressed in the iconic trench coat such as Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942) and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961).
3. Yuppies
Yuppies, taken from unknown magazine, c.1980
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The term ‘yuppies’ emerged in the 1980s. The word came from ‘young professionals’ and can be described as middle class young people found in British cities. A Burberry trench was a part of their uniform.
4. Britpop’pers
Liam Gallagher from Britpop band Oasis, 1995.
Read our blog 'A Guide to Britpop Style: 90s men's fashion'
Along with Fred Perry & Adidas, Burberry became a symbol of ‘Cool Britannia’, a cultural movement headed by Britpoppers. Liam Gallagher brought the Burberry check to the streets and made it casual.
5. The everyday man & woman
Daniella Westbrook papped in full Burberry, 2002
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In the early 00s, the nova check was filling British streets. One key moment was when British soap star Daniella Westbrook was spotted with her child in full Burberry get up.
6. Supermodels
Burberry campaign featuring Kate Moss, 2005.
The mid-noughties was a time of moral panic surrounding the ‘chav’ stereotype. This led to Burberry pushing back on the iconic nova check and branding itself for ‘everyone’. To do this, they placed models Kate Moss, Cara Delevigne, and Emma Watson as the ‘respectable’ faces of the brand.
In Search for Vintage Burberry
Rokit's Vintage Burberry clothes campaign, 2023.
Over the last century, Burberry has been adopted by so many different people. Vintage Burberry is now highly sought-after, especially for their nova check pieces and iconic trench coats and shirts. The brand's rich history and heritage, unique association with luxury and streetwear at the same time is what makes it popular today.
Vintage Burberry pieces have a personality of their own. By purchasing vintage clothing whether men’s or women’s vintage clothing, you’re investing in a piece of British history and classic style. Explore timeless British classics and iconic check in our Vintage Burberry clothing collection.