Burberry

Early years

Burberry was founded in 1856 when 21-year-old Thomas Burberry (1835 - 1926), a former draper's apprentice, opened his own store in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. By 1870 the business had established itself by focusing on the development of outdoors attire. In 1880 Thomas Burberry invented gabardine, a hardwearing, water-resistant, yet breathable fabric, in which the yarn is waterproofed before weaving. Gabardine was patented in 1888. Burberry was the original name, but then soon switched to Burberrys, after many customers from around the world began calling it Burberrys of London. This name is still visible on many older Burberry products.

In 1891 Thomas Burberry opened an emporium in the Haymarket, London, which still stands today and is the site of Burberry’s corporate headquarters. In 1904, the Burberry Equestrian Knight Logo was developed containing the Latin word "Prorsum" meaning forwards and registered as a trademark. In 1911 they also became the outfitters for Roald Amundsen, the first man to reach the South Pole, and Ernest Shackleton, who lead a 1914 expedition to cross Antarctica.

In 1914 Burberry was commissioned by the War Office to adapt its officer's coat, to suit the conditions of British contemporary warfare, resulting in the modern day "trench coat". After the war, the trench coat became popular with civilians. The iconic Burberry check was created in the 1920's and used as a lining in its trench coats. Over the years, it has been popularized by Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther films, and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Burberry also specially designed aviation garments. A. E. Clouston and Mrs Betsy Kirby Green made the fastest flying time to Cape Town from London in 1937 and were sponsored by Burberry.

The Burberry Check

The trademarked Burberry check pattern.The trench, black, white and red pattern known as novacheck or the 'Burberry check' was first used as a lining for their trenchcoat in 1924. It wasn't until as late as 1967 that the Burberry Check, now a registered trademark, was widely used on its own for items including umbrellas, scarves and luggage.

Burberry Womens Shoes Fall - Winter 2007/08 - QUILTED BALLERINA FLAT SHOES - Made by Burberry

Burberry Womens Shoes Fall- Winter 2007/08 - HOUSE CHECK QUILTED KNEE BOOT - Made by Burberry

Burberry Womens Shoes Fall- Winter 2007/08 - QUILTED PUMP - Made by Burberry

Burberry Womens Shoes Fall - Winter 2007/08 - SHIMMER CHECK PUMP - Made by Burberry

Burberry Womens Shoes Fall - Winter 2007/08 - PATENT BALLERINA FLAT SHOE - Made by Burberry