Fashion Designer Thomas Burberry

In 1856, 21-year old Thomas Burberry opened a specialty store for outdoor wear and sporting goods in Hampshire and began developing, what is now, one of the worlds most renowned designer labels. In 1888 he was credited for the making of gaberdine, a revolutionary fabric that was both breathable and waterproof. Its success gained him enough prestige to open up his own store in London to sell his luxurious goods.

Burberry designed new uniforms for the officers' of the British Military. The Burberry trademark did not make an appearance until the early 1920's, and then the pattern was first seen on a trench coat.

In the 1960's, the Burberry trademark check was instantly recognizable when its fashion status extended, making its appearance on Umbrellas, luggager, scarves and handbags. Burberry's signature pieces are the trench coat and the plaid (actually "check" if you're a Londoner).

Their extremely sophisticated approach to designer fashion has distinguished the Burberry label from many other designer labels in the industry. The clothes are striking in their simple beauty. Clean lines, classic style, and traditional colors of the red, black, beige, and white Burberry check which is often referred to as the Nova. Originally used as the lining of a trench coat in 1924, this pattern quickly became the selling point for many of their top designs. From umbrellas and handbags to rubber boots and watches, the infamous Nova print is now found on each design in the collection.

Burberry is currently headquartered in Haymarket, London with operations in North America and Asia. The Burberry product line offers a wide variety of classy, cutting-edge clothing styles for men and women of the 21st century as well as complete collections of handbags, scarves, belts, watches, umbrellas and more. Burberry has a very distinctive signature style.

Burberry is just one of the prestigious brands in the Luxottica Group. This group also owns and operates other highly known designer labels like Prada, Versace, Anne Klein, Miu Miu, Chanel, and others. In March of 2001, British designer Christopher Bailey took over the helm at Burberry as Artistic Director. Under his helm, the House of Burberry stepped back from plaid while going back to its British roots of Burberry.

A combination of sass and sophistication has led Burberry to the forefront of the fashion industry. You can see burberry products being used by stars of hollywood such as Kate Moss, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Madonna have all been caught sporting a Burberry product, only helping to boost its appeal. Originally popular only in Europe, Burberry is quickly becoming a leader in the North American fashion market and is expected to obtain worldwide success in the years to come. Over the years, the company has expanded to include numerous stores and franchises worldwide.

Return to Designer Styles Online

Our Privacy Policy