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The History of Burberry [Adobe]
The History of Burberry [Adobe]
Fashion History

The History of Burberry: From Heritage Raincoats to a Global Luxury Powerhouse

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The History of Burberry Explained – When Was Burberry Founded?

Burberry was founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old draper’s apprentice in Basingstoke, England. The brand originally specialised in outerwear designed for Britain’s unpredictable weather. Burberry’s major innovation came in 1879 with the invention of gabardine, a breathable yet waterproof fabric that transformed rainwear forever.

This fabric became the foundation of the iconic Burberry trench coat, developed during World War I for British officers, and still one of the brand’s most recognisable pieces today.

Why Is Burberry So Iconic?

The History of Burberry and the brand is synonymous with British heritage, craftsmanship, and timeless design. Key elements that cemented its legacy include:

  • The Burberry Check – introduced in the 1920s as a lining for trench coats and later adopted on scarves, bags, and accessories.
  • The Trench Coat – worn by everyone from wartime soldiers to Hollywood stars.
  • The brand’s Royal Warrants – Burberry has supplied clothing to the British royal family since the early 20th century.

Over the decades, Burberry has successfully balanced its classic heritage with modern fashion relevance, thanks to innovative creative directors like Christopher Bailey, Riccardo Tisci, and most recently, Daniel Lee.

Who Owns Burberry Today?

Burberry is a publicly traded company listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker BRBY. Unlike family-owned heritage houses such as Chanel, Burberry operates as a corporate brand with a diverse group of shareholders.

The current CEO of Burberry is Jonathan Akeroyd, who took over leadership in April 2022 after previously heading Versace.

Who Are Burberry’s Women’s Ambassadors in 2026?

Burberry has spotlighted a new generation of British and international style icons as the faces of its campaigns. These ambassadors embody Burberry’s vision of timeless style, contemporary relevance, and global appeal.

  • Rosie Huntington-Whiteley – the supermodel and entrepreneur known for her sleek, refined aesthetic that perfectly reflects Burberry’s modern British elegance.
  • Jodie Turner-Smith – actress and fashion muse celebrated for her bold red-carpet choices and unique, powerful presence.
  • Alva Claire – London-born model representing a new wave of diversity and modern femininity within Burberry’s heritage world.
  • Alexa Chung – the ultimate British It-girl and fashion tastemaker, bringing effortless cool to Burberry’s image.
  • Cara Delevingne – model and actress whose rebellious energy reflects Burberry’s edgier side.

What Is Burberry’s Net Worth?

Burberry’s market value (net worth) is estimated at over £8 billion GBP. The brand continues to generate billions in annual revenue, largely driven by sales of trench coats, handbags, and accessories across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Burberry’s financial strength places it among the world’s leading luxury brands, competing with fashion giants such as Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.

From The History of Burberry to The Modern Legacy

From outfitting explorers and soldiers to dominating today’s runways, the History of Burberry remains a pillar of British fashion. With its trench coats, timeless checks, and forward-thinking ambassadors, the brand continues to embody both quiet luxury and global prestige.

Whether you’re investing in a Burberry trench or eyeing the brand’s latest handbag, owning a piece of Burberry is owning a slice of British fashion heritage.

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About Author

Natalie Dixon is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Chic Style Collective, an editorial magazine covering affordable luxury fashion, beauty, and lifestyle for women.

A graduate of Vogue College of Fashion and London College of Style with over 20 years in fashion and beauty, she specialises in affordable luxury and helping women create an elegant lifestyle. Her work is read by over 4.5 million readers worldwide.

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