Burberry – Designer History
Burberry was founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, then 21 years old, in Basingstoke, Hampshire in England. By 1870 the business had established itself as a distinguished source for outdoor wear. In 1880 Burberry invented gabardine, a water-resistant, durable, breathable fabric with yarn that is waterproofed before weaving, and patented it in 1888. In 1891 he opened an emporium in the Haymarket, London, currently the site of Burberry’s corporate headquarters. In 1904, the Burberry Equestrian Knight Logo was developed, and in 1914 Burberry was commissioned by the War Office to adapt its officer's coat, which resulted in the modern day trench coat. The famous Burberry check was created in the 1920's and used as a lining in its trench coats. In 1967 the Burberry Check was used on umbrellas, scarves and luggage. When Rose Marie Bravo became Chief Executive Officer in 1997, she revitalized the brand by featuring model Kate Moss in an advertising campaign and introducing new designs and products.
The company has branded stores and franchises around the globe, and oversees a catalogue business and a fragrance line. Both HM Queen Elizabeth and HRH The Prince of Wales have granted the company Royal Warrants. Today, Burberry's trademark products are its fashionable handbags and exclusive fragrances.
In February of 1999 Burberry staged the first fashion show for its collections during London Fashion Week and was honored as British Classic Design Collection of the Year. Burberry was again honored by the British Fashion Council in 2000 and 2001 in both the Classic and Contemporary design categories. Since then, Burberry has continued to diversify, grow and satisfy legions of new and loyal devotees.
Burberry – Designer Perfume History
Burberry has 10 women’s fragrances and six colognes for men, including Burberry Brit, Burberry Touch, Burberry Brit Gold, Burberry London, Burberry Summer, Burberry Tender Touch, Burberry Baby Touch, Burberry Brit Red, and Weekend. The wildly popular Burberry Brit is the best known in the fragrance line, along with Burberry Brit Gold, which was launched in 2005. The Burberry perfume portfolio rivals its fashion counterpart in success for the brand.
The Burberry fragrance collection is the crown jewel centerpiece of the brand, with Burberry fragrances being just as successful as the fashion end of the business.
