BURBERRY
ESTABLISHED
1856
HEADQUARTERS
London, England
FOUNDER
Thomas Burberry
CEO
Marco Gorbetti
ABOUT
Outfitting several arctic expeditions and two World Wars, Burberry is a label steeped in history. Since creating the world’s first waterproof fabric back in 1879, the fashion house has made its mark on the luxury world despite a few hiccups along the way.
Back with a bang in 2018 with a new logo and new creative director at the helm, there’s much to be seen from the brand as they continue to stand tall in the history of British luxury fashion.
WHO DESIGNED THE BURBERRY LOGO?
The Burberry logo underwent a revamp in 2018 – with a new Thomas Burberry monogram designed by Peter Saville.
WHO IS THE CURRENT BURBERRY DESIGNER?
Burberry appointed Riccardo Tisci as Chief Creative Officer in 2018.
Christopher Bailey previously helped turn the brand’s reputation around during his tenure.
WHO FOUNDED BURBERRY?
Burberry was founded by Thomas Burberry in 1856.
1856
Burberry is founded by Thomas Burberry.
1879
Thomas Burberry invents a breathable, weatherproof and hardwearing fabric called gabardine.
1888
Burberry patents his new gabardine material.
1891
Burberry opens its first London store at 30 Haymarket.
1893
Burberry gabardine is taken to the Arctic Circle by Norwegian polar explorer and zoologist Dr Fritjof Nansen.
1897
Burberry gabardine is spotted on explorer Major F.G. Jackson on an expedition to Franz Josef Land.
1901
Burberry’s famous Equestrian Knight logo appears for the first time. It is accompanied by the Latin word Prorsum, meaning forwards.
1909
Burberry opens a store at 8 Boulevard Malesherbes in Paris.Claude Grahame-White, a celebrated aviator, wears Burberry gabardine. He becomes known as the first person to fly between London and Manchester in less than 24 hours.
1910
Claude Grahame-White, a celebrated aviator, wears Burberry gabardine. He becomes known as the first person to fly between London and Manchester in less than 24 hours.
1911
The first people to reach the South Pole, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and team are armed with a Burberry gabardine tent and clothing.
1912
British Explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott reaches the South Pole wearing Burberry clothing and equipped with a Burberry tent.
The Tielocken coat is patented. Popular with officers during WWI, the predecessor to the iconic trench coat closes with single strap and buckle.
1914
Sir Ernet Shackleton wears Burberry gabardine for an expedition to Antarctica.
1920
Burberry introduces the check as a lining to its trench coats.
1940
Burberry supplies the British Army with military apparel, including the trench coat, during the Second World War.
1999
Burberry’s becomes Burberry.
2000
Burberry solidifies its status as a luxury brand with its first store on London’s Bond Street.
2001
Christopher Bailey joins as creative director, later becoming Chief Creative Officer before his departure in 2018.
Football hooligans and British Chav culture appropriate the Burberry check thanks to cheap ready-to-wear accessories.
2006
In response to its image problem, the iconic check is removed from all but 10% of the brand’s products.
2008
The Burberry Foundation launches.
2010
The Burberry Foundation launches.
2010
Burberry becomes the first luxury brand to join the Ethical Trading Initiative.
2014
Christopher Bailey becomes CEO of Burberry and retains his CCO role.
2016
Marco Gobbetti replaces Bailey as CEO. Bailey continues as creative director and president.
Burberry brings its three lines under one name – Prorsum (ready to wear), London (trench and accessories) and Brit (casual clothing) – are all brought together under the Burberry name.
2017
Marco Gobbetti appointed Chief Executive Officer.
2018
Burberry appoints Riccardo Tisci as Chief Creative Officer. Under his watch, Burberry launches a new logo and Thomas Burberry monogram designed by Peter Saville.
Burberry announces it will no longer use real fur in its products.
Burberry announces a ban on burning all unsold products after controversy floods social media.
Tisci’s first collection is unveiled.
