Burberry: inventor of the trench coat – brand, identity & legendary designer

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Burberry – When you think of Burberry, of course you immediately think of the famous trench coat with the check pattern. But there is more to Burberry than the check pattern and the knight in armor on a galloping horse in the logo. There are more than 150 years of work behind Burberry – from the founding of namesake Thomas Burberry to designer Christopher Bailey’s rainbow collection. Famous advertising faces like Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne helped the fashion house to world fame. Find out what the Queen has to do with Burberry here!

Overview hide
From the first textile store to the absolute luxury brand
Burberry’s designers: the road to high fashion
Burberry logo and trademark
Unforgettable fashion shows: George Ezra in livestream
Jewelry: High quality, noble, representative
Models and stars in Burberry look: Audrey Hepburn and Kate Moss
Awards
What you didn’t know about Burberry yet
Armani, Chanel and Co.: More from the fashion world

From the first textile store to the absolute luxury brand

Burberry is one of the most famous high fashion brands in the world. The brand has become particularly famous for the invention of the trench coat and the famous check pattern, which everyone now recognizes. Burberry’s brand identity is characterized by the famous check pattern, which has been featured on the label’s trench coats and scarves, for example, since it was first used in 1924. The history of Burberry dates back to 1856, the year in which namesake Thomas Burberry opened his first store. He made his first collection from gabardine.

  • 1856: Thomas Burberry opens his first textile store
  • 1880: The gabardine fabric invented by Thomas Burberry is used
  • 1891: In London, the brand’s flagship store opens in the famous Haymarket shopping street

In 1895, the legendary trench coat is designed, but is not put on sale until 14 years later. In the meantime, Burberry developed its unique brand logo.

  • 1895: The first trench coat model “Tielocken” is designed
  • 1901: The logo of the brand is created. It is a knight on a galloping horse holding a lance flag with the inscription Prorsum (lat. forward) in his hand
  • 1909: The now trademark trench coat is launched. Half a million are sold to the army

After the first successes, the first store celebrates its opening in the metropolis of Paris. The beginning of worldwide fame. Only a little later Japan finds interest in the label.

  • 1910: The first store opens in Paris
  • 1915: The label cooperates with Japan for the first time
  • 1924: Burberry uses its famous check pattern for the first time
  • 1930: In America, the label expands and becomes more and more famous
  • 1955: Queen Elizabeth II declares Burberry a royal British purveyor to the court

After Burberry conquers the US and Japan, the collection expands to accessories. The trench coat finds its way to the movies.

  • From 1960: The collection is expanded with accessories
  • 1961: Audrey Hepburn wears the Burberry trench coat in the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.
  • 1963: Peter Sellers is seen in the film “the pink red panther ” in a Burberry trench coat

The first perfume and a jewelry collection complete the range, now that Burberry wants to include young people in its target group.

  • 1981: The first perfume “Burberry for Men” is sold
  • 1988: For the first time a line is designed for young people
  • 1998: The name is changed from Burberrys to Burberry
  • 1998: A jewelry collection and a swimwear line is launched

Burberry’s designers: the road to high fashion

Thomas Burberry opened his first textile store in Hampshire in 1856. He became famous for the gabardine fabric that he invented and used for his designs. It is a fabric that is very durable and waterproof, but at the same time breathable. Thomas took the fabric and his items to international wholesalers. After that came his very greatest success: the trench coat! This was invented by him and made Burberry famous. Because probably everyone wants to own a trench coat and preferably, of course, the classic Burberry.

Since 1998 Roberto Menichetti designed the fashion for Burberry. He was the one who made the popular check pattern so famous. Before, it was only known as lining but Roberto Menichetti turn it outside and people loved it. To this day, the camel-black-red-white check pattern is an integral part of the brand.

Christopher Bailey: See now – Buy now

The successor designer became Christopher Bailey. He designed all collections for the brand from 2001-2018. When he joined the company, the label had a slightly old-fashioned reputation. But he changed it into a globally respected label that set international trends. Every year he surprised the world with an exciting new design of the famous trench coat. Sometimes the trench coat was seen in bright neon colors, sometimes with lots of fluffy sheep’s wool. However, Bailey put his focus not only on the collections, but also on branding and marketing. He always adapted to the spirit of the times and developed new ideas. For example, he made sure that his fashion shows were the first to be livestreamed. He also developed a new concept called “See now- Buy now”. The basic principle is that you can see fashion you like and buy it directly. Experience fashion directly! Fashion that no one has to wait for, that is his idea. In addition, he had the idea to present fall fashion in the fall and spring fashion in the spring and not as usually the fall fashion in the spring and vice versa. Actually a simple idea, but the implementation proved difficult. Not many people were convinced by the idea and his own designs suffered from it and became a bit boring. After 17 years with Burberry, he decided to go a new way.

Riccardo Tisci: Kim Kardashian wedding dress designer

Since March 2018 Riccardo Tisci is the new designer for Burberry. Previously he worked for Givenchy and even designed Kim Kardashian’s wedding dress. In September, he will release his first real collection for Burberry. Everyone is eagerly waiting, because it has already been announced that a new drop culture is planned. This means that the designs will be released little by little to build excitement. In May, the designer had already provided a small taste. He released a capsule colllection with a lot of heritage pieces, that is, clothes from a bygone era pimped out again. It is clear that this designer is always good for a surprise and is an expert in mixing and matching different styles. Also, Tisci is a sports fashion fan, so maybe something in this direction awaits us? We are curious!

Fashion Show by Riccardo Tisci: checks, coats & live music

Riccardo Tisci wows the world with his fall 2020 collection and show. Models in outfits with extravagant dresses and coats fly down the runway. One of the models even wears a star around his neck as an accessory! The show is accompanied by live music on the piano.

Burberry logo and trademark

The logo of the brand at that time was a knight in his armor, sitting on a galloping horse and carrying a lance in his hand. Meanwhile, the knight had to go, instead there is the Burberry in sans serif font and new addition. The absolute trademark is the trench coat. It simply belongs to Burberry, from the classic to the most unusual creations. It has been an integral part of every collection since 1895 and is even officially registered as Burberry’s trademark.

Old logo: The knight on the horse

Here you can see the old logo of Burberry. It is the knight on the galloping horse. On the lance there is a flag with the inscription Prorsum. This is Latin and means forward in German. It stands for the fact that the fashion industry is always evolving and never stands still.

New logo & monogram promise a fresh start

The new designer Riccardo Tisci scares people! He developed a new logo a few days ago and only a few months after his new start at Burberry. Apparently he has big things in store! The biggest change, the knight is gone! The complete logo that has been part of the brand since 1901 is no longer visible. In addition, the classic Burberry lettering has been replaced by a different font. Instead of the signature “established 1856” is now “London England” under the Burberry lettering. In addition, the intertwined initials of the founder Thomas Burberry now adorn the monogram.

Here you can also see the new monogram that Riccardo Tisci and graphic designer Peter Saville designed together.

Absolute trademark: The trench coat

When you think of Burberry, you immediately think of the beige, black, red and white check pattern. It is an important part of the label and gives them that certain recognition value. Almost in all designs the famous pattern is picked up.

Unforgettable fashion shows: George Ezra in livestream

Social media has always been an important part of Burberry’s fashion shows. They were the first to livestream their fashion shows on the internet. In addition, good music was always part of it. There were young British up-and-coming stars singing live at his shows and now famous singers like George Ezra made their first appearance there. For his last show, designer Christopher Bailey chose synth-pop band Bronski Beats, which delighted everyone. She played the song “Memories” just before the show and when it really started the mega hit “Smalltown Boy” exploded and swept everyone away. To commemorate the occasion, the designer released a playlist of 200 songs on Apple Music, commemorating the unforgettable moments. Of course, the clothes were available for purchase right after the show, following the “See now-Buy now” principle invented by Christopher Baileys!

Christopher Bailey’s latest collection: Dedication to LGBTQ community

The last Burberry collection will be remembered. It is the rainbow collection dedicated to the LGBTQ community, which advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Burberry will continue to support and advocate for this organization. All the garments featured rainbows or rainbow colors and the famous check pattern is also mixed with these colors. The catwalk was a sea of colors.

Off to London: Fashion Show 2018

From baby pink to rainbow colorful, check out Burberry’s February 2018 creations here. Colorful, but exclusive:

George Ezra live on the Burberry Runway

Would you like a little music? The right music is essential for a fashion show, because it has to convey the right atmosphere. Burberry and its chief designer chose the famous singer George Ezra for this. Get in the mood and listen to the song “Did you hear the rain?”:

Jewelry: High quality, noble, representative

For the man, the woman or for both partners: Burberry jewelry is a true classic. With various classic looks and light, modern, the high-quality brand has delighted its buyers for countless years. Not only because of this, Burberry has made a real name for itself in the fashion industry and especially in the high-end segment, between high fashion and jewelry. People worldwide, especially in the metropolises where trends are born, swear by the brand. Few have placed themselves and their own branding as strongly as the internationally active fashion brand.

Whether it’s for a first date, a business dinner or an evening event, the luxury design brand always has perfect offers for the man of today. And of course, women also always get offers from the brand that stands for high fashion and emphasizes the personality of other person.

Store for jewelry online and on site: Düsseldorf, Hamburg, …

Of course, it is not a brand for everyone, because Burberry is expensive. Especially the jewelry is only affordable for people whose wallets are already filled by a good professional security. Nevertheless, the brand has made a huge name for itself over the years and is now internationally active in many countries and is bought and produced worldwide. Whether in the online store or in the fashion retail store on site, people appreciate the brand. In all metropolises of this world. Also in Germany’s major cities, from Berlin, Hamburg, Munich to Düsseldorf.

The brand stands for elegance and quality workmanship of materials and cuts. This ensures a long wearing comfort of the fashion pieces and bargains and offers are everywhere on the Internet. You just have to take a little time and find the right deals.

Models and stars in Burberry look: Audrey Hepburn and Kate Moss

Burberry worked with famous models and was represented by stars. The most famous is probably Audrey Hepburn. She wore the classic trench coat in the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, which was showered with awards. Shortly after, Peter Sellers also wore the trench coat in the award-winning film “The Pink Red Panther”.

Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne: models love Burberry

Top model Kate Moss also loves Burberry! She modeled for Burberry’s advertising campaigns and has since been associated with the high fashion label. In addition, top model Cara Delevingne was discovered by Christopher Baileys. She still represents the brand on the runway and in campaigns. Burberry and Cara Delevingne simply belong together!

Awards

  • 2003: In recognition of his achievements, the Royal College of Art awards Christopher Bailey honorary membership in 2003.
  • 2005: Christopher Bailey is named British Designer of the Year.
  • 2007: In November Christopher Bailey receives the Bambi for “Best Fashion Designer”.
  • 2010: Christopher Bailey receives the International Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

What you didn’t know about Burberry yet

We all know the famous Burberry coat with its check pattern, but what else is behind the luxury fashion house? Check your knowledge! Here are 15 things you didn’t know about Burberry:

Armani, Chanel and Co.: More from the fashion world

You now know everything about Burberry, the famous trench coat and the designers? Perfect! Then check out our other fashion brands and discover who and what is behind the designs of Armani, Chanel and the other big fashion houses!

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