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Burberry

Burberry, founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, initially focused on creating weatherproof outerwear for the British climate. In 1879, the brand revolutionised fashion with gabardine, a breathable, water-resistant fabric that became central to the creation of the iconic trench coat. The trench coat gained prominence during World War I, evolving into a civilian fashion essential after the war.

Burberry’s famous tartan check, first used as a lining for trench coats in the 1920s, became synonymous with British elegance. By the 1960s, it was widely featured in accessories like scarves and luggage. However, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the check's mass-market exposure led to a decline in its prestige, with the brand briefly linked to 'chav' culture.

To restore its luxury status, Burberry underwent a rebrand under Christopher Bailey, refining its iconic check and modernising its image. Today, under new creative leads like Riccardo Tisci and Daniel Lee, Burberry maintains a balance between its rich heritage and contemporary trends, with the check pattern still integral to its identity. Burberry’s journey represents British innovation, design, and reinvention.