Designer Bios

Burberry is classically British, classically elegant, and a simple classic. Since 1856, when Thomas Burberry set up shop in Basingstoke, south of London, Burberry has been creating and designing fashionable functional clothes that are durable, beautiful, and carry, like all things British, a sense of reserved understatement that makes them all the more desirable. (Here is an interesting tidbit, Burberry invented gabardine that wear like iron, breathable, water-repellant fabric!)

Burberry started out, like so many other fashion houses, in some pretty unglamorous territory. Throughout the 1800's and for much of the 1900's, Burberry focused on outdoor apparel. Things like rain jackets, hiking pants, hunting coats were the staple of Burberry's efforts. And Burberry was fantastic at designing hardwearing, functional clothes. In the early 1900's, Burberry was commissioned by the British Royal Army to create new uniforms. Burberry also outfitted Roald Amundsen's trip to the South Pole, and provided Ernest Shackelton goods that kept his crew alive during his ill-fated polar expedition.

Shortly after World War II, Burberry adapted its military designs for civilian use, and Burberry released the iconic "trench coat". The trench was a fashion and movie staple for hard-boiled detective types like Mike Hammer and Phillip Marlowe, as well as the gossamer Audrey Hepburn in A Breakfast at Tiffany's. The trench coat is a true fashion statement, and Burberry continues to refine and define the meaning of fashion outwear today.

However, the company's true fashion statement, the "Nova" check, the Burberry signature plaid in red, white, black and tan check pattern started out as a raincoat liner in 1924. By the 1960's the signature check was found on umbrellas and scarves. By 2000, the Burberry plaid, Nova check, adorned handbags, wallets, caps, and became a signature accent on the entire Burberry line.

With devotees including international sports star David Beckham and his wife, Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham, Burberry is not only a fixture on the British fashion scene (Burberry holds Royal Warrants from both the Queen and the Prince of Wales), but is wildly popular internationally. For sophistication, a touch of whimsy, and a British sense of manners, Burberry is always the right choice. View Burberry products >