Thomas Burberry was only 21 years old when he established the first Burberry store in 1835. Coming from a farmer and grocers family, he knew the importance of making strong fabrics that look elegant. His tailored clothes were stylish yet easy to wear, and he invented Gabardine, a material made from cotton, wool, and mixed texture that made it waterproof. The fabric’s success led him to London, where designing the trench coat for soldiers also gained recognition in cinemas where stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Bette Davis, and Humphrey Bogart wore them. After the invention of the tartan motif that includes the black, white, and cream intersecting stripes with narrow accent strips that create square shapes, Burberry became an iconic clothing brand.
Along with clothing, Burberry also entered the world of accessories that have become popular today. Let’s look at the most iconic pieces created by Burberry and how they have impacted pop culture.
Trench Coat
A heritage that goes beyond the catwalk, Burberry created the Gabardine fabric that was breathable and flexible. While the trench coat was initially made for military purposes, it became a fashionable piece in the wardrobe after being romanticized in Hollywood after the 1940s. As mentioned by Vogue, Audrey Hepburn wore it in Breakfast At Tiffany’s while Humphrey Bogart wore it in a crucial scene in Casablanca. Today the trench coat is available in various sizes and shapes and retains the elegance of the original. Burberry's most expensive item ever sold is a limited-edition Trench Coat from the Spring/Summer 2013 collection that Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue America, purchased for close to $25,000.
Scarf
Burberry scarves have the iconic tartan design and vintage checks. Burberry's scarves are solely manufactured in two mills in Scotland and are made from pure cashmere. The mills in Ayr and Elgin have been making Burberry scarves for over 150 years and are best known for their high-quality production. After finishing the product, they are attached with tassels to soften the cashmere scarf. From cashmere scarves to capes, Burberry has expanded its range creatively, and the most expensive scarf sold by the brand is a double-faced cashmere cape costing $4,150.
Apparel
After creating outerwear that became an iconic status symbol worldwide, Burberry has also showcased British luxury with its apparel collection. Burberry is known for its iconic shirts with class appeal and fits all sizes. Available in casual and classic styles, they are made with high-quality materials. Celebrities worldwide have worn their outfits, including famous singers like Billie Eilish. At the 2019 American Music Awards, Eilish was the talk of the town for dressing in Burberry from head to toe. She was also wearing a custom beekeeper designed by the brand.
Handbag
Burberry is known for its signature tartan design handbags that come as totes, crossbody bags, and backpacks for everyday use. Along with creating its signature style, Burberry actively creates expensive and stylish bags that enhance its outlook. Some of the most costly bags by Burberry are made from snakeskin in small and medium sizes. One of the most expensive bags is the Bloomsbury Hand-Painted Alligator purse that costs a whopping $37,000, as stated by Worthly. The bowling bag is crafted from alligator leather and comes in various colors and shades.
Umbrella
An umbrella is a simple object used to protect from the rain. For many people, an umbrella is a status symbol made by the biggest brands in the world. Burberry is known to sell one of the most expensive umbrellas globally, costing $1,495. According to Luxury Launches, the umbrella is available in chocolate brown and deep green shades and comes with a handle made from pure alligator leather. It is made from polyester and polyamide and comes with a push-button to open it.
Perfumes
While Burberry is best known for its signature tartan print and top-of-the-line leather goods, the brand has also created luxury perfumes that show the British style with its floral, feminine fragrances that are sophisticated. With simple bottle designs and limited scent options, Burberry offers timelessness with a twist. One of the most expensive perfumes sold is Burberry Signatures Garden that costs $230. Inspired by the British countryside, the perfume has well-balanced English rose scent with a top note of lemon oil, as noted by Editorial List.
From clothing apparel to making accessories iconic, Burberry has become a pioneer British luxury brand for its elegant style that has remained the same since the 1800s. A brand established two centuries ago, Burberry has changed with time yet remained true to its roots. To make its high-end fashion accessible to everyone, Burberry launched its clothing rentals in December 2021.
Sources: Vogue, Worthly, Luxury Launches, Editorial List