Your cart is currently empty!
Burberry: How a Raincoat Turned into a Global Fashion Icon

Some brands chase trends. Others are the trend. And then there’s Burberry—a name so synonymous with British fashion that it practically
comes with an accent. You may know it for its famous check print or the classic trench coat, but the Burberry story runs deeper than beige
fabric and neat tailoring.
So how did this brand go from rainy-day staple to runway must-have? Let’s unpack the legacy.
It All Started With a Trench
Way back in 1856, a 21-year-old named Thomas Burberry opened a small outfitter shop in Hampshire, England. He wasn’t trying to launch
a fashion empire—he just wanted to make durable outerwear for people who actually had to go outside in British weather.
In 1879, he invented gabardine, a tightly woven, breathable, waterproof fabric. It was revolutionary. Suddenly, rain didn’t mean drenched. It
meant dashing.
By the time WWI rolled around, Burberry had created the trench coat—functional, military-inspired, and, unknowingly, destined to
become a global fashion icon. Fast forward a few decades, and suddenly you’re seeing trench coats on movie stars, supermodels, and fashion
editors alike.
Enter: The Check
Let’s talk about that pattern—the Burberry check. Beige, black, red, and white, it started as a humble lining inside trench coats in the 1920s.
But by the ’60s, it was front and center: scarves, bags, umbrellas, and more.
What makes the check special is that it walks the line between timeless and trendy. It’s classy, but it’s got personality. It says “I appreciate
quality,” but also, “yes, I did plan this outfit.”
The Bags: Structure, Sophistication, and Statement
Burberry didn’t dive headfirst into the handbag scene until much later, but when it did, it came with a signature blend of structure,
minimalism, and brand heritage.
Bags like the TB Bag (named after Thomas Burberry), the Lola, and the Title Tote became fast favorites. Think quilted leather, equestrianinspired
details, polished hardware, and that subtle-but-recognizable check.
You’ll often find:
Rich, structured leather
Clean silhouettes
Gold monogramming (hello, TB clasp)
And that unmistakable “quiet luxury” energy
Whether you’re dressed in head-to-toe Burberry or just throwing on a tote with jeans and boots, the vibe is the same: effortlessly polished.
Reinvention with edge
In the 2000s, Burberry went through its wild child phase, becoming a favorite in hip-hop and pop culture. But it didn’t lose its grip on
heritage. Under creative directors like Christopher Bailey and now Daniel Lee, the brand has managed to balance legacy and modernity—
honoring its roots while adding just enough edge to stay relevant.
Today, Burberry is equal parts country estate and street style, appealing to both the royals and the rebels.
Final Thought: When Classic Meets Cool
Burberry proves that luxury doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. A trench coat. A check print. A leather bag. That’s it. No gimmicks, no
trends. Just beautiful pieces that last forever—and make you look like you have your life together, even if you’re just dashing to brunch in
the rain.
So if you’re after a brand that feels grown-up, global, and a little bit rebellious? Burberry’s got your back—and your bag.
















