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Last Updated:
2024-11-02 12:09:40

Burberry

British luxury fashion house established in 1856.
Burberry
Burberry
British luxury fashion house established in 1856.

Burberry Group plc, founded by Thomas Burberry in 1856, is a renowned British fashion brand based in London. Specializing in ready-to-wear clothing, Burberry is famous for its iconic trench coats, leather accessories, and footwear.

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1854
Unveiling the Legacy: The History of Burberry

The event marks the introduction of the history of Burberry, a renowned fashion brand established in 1854.

1856
Foundation of Burberry

Burberry was founded in 1856.

1879
Invention of Gabardine Fabric

Thomas Burberry invents gabardine fabric, which is breathable, weatherproof, and durable, revolutionizing rainwear that was previously heavy and uncomfortable.

1880
Innovation of Gabardine fabric

In 1880, Thomas Burberry's research led to the creation of Gabardine, a breathable and weatherproof fabric that revolutionized the fashion industry.

1888
Patenting of Gabardine

In 1888, Burberry patented gabardine, a polished and practical weatherproof cotton fabric that remained a key material for Burberry.

1891
Opening of First Burberry Store in Haymarket, London

The first Burberry store was opened in Haymarket, London in 1891, marking the beginning of the brand's retail presence.

1895
Development of the 'Tielocken' coat

In 1895, Burberry introduced the 'Tielocken' coat, which later evolved into the iconic trench coat known today.

1900
Commission by British War Office

In 1900, Burberry was commissioned by the British War Office to design an overcoat, leading to the creation of a new standard in military attire.

1901
Equestrian Knight Logo Design

The original Equestrian Knight Design was created in 1901 as the logo for Burberry, symbolizing protection, innovation, and the company's forward-looking spirit.

1908
Air Commodore Edward Maitland's Record Balloon Journey

Air Commodore Edward Maitland wears Burberry gabardine during a record-breaking hot air balloon journey from Crystal Palace to Russia, covering 1,117 miles in 31 ½ hours.

1909
Burberry Opens First Paris Store

Burberry established its presence in Paris by opening its first store at 8 Boulevard Malesherbes.

1910
Claude Grahame-White's Flight in Burberry Gabardine

Claude Grahame-White, a renowned aviator, wore Burberry gabardine when he achieved the milestone of being the first person to fly between London and Manchester in under 24 hours.

1911
Burberry outfitters for Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton

In 1911, Burberry became the outfitters for Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton, who were notable explorers. They provided attire for Amundsen's South Pole expedition and Shackleton's Antarctica crossing.

1914
Creation of the Trench Coat

The quintessential British coat, the trench coat, was created by Thomas Burberry in 1914 to protect the military during the First World War. It has become a global fashion icon.

1915
Burberry Provides Apparel and Equipment to Armed Forces During WWI

During the First World War, Burberry supplied clothing and gear to the military. The iconic Burberry trench coat was specifically designed for the Armed Forces, with features like epaulettes, gun flap, D-rings, and storm shield serving practical purposes. These design elements continue to be present in modern Burberry trench coats.

1919
Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown complete first non-stop transatlantic flight in Burberry aviator suits

In 1919, Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown made history by completing the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 72 hours, wearing Burberry aviator suits. This achievement highlighted the durability and functionality of Burberry's clothing.

1920
Registration of Burberry Check as Trademark

In 1920, the famous Burberry check pattern was officially registered as a trademark and started being featured on all trench coats, becoming a symbol of the brand.

1924
Burberry jacket worn by George Mallory on Mount Everest attempt

In 1924, George Mallory wore a Burberry gabardine jacket during his attempt to climb Mount Everest. This highlighted Burberry's durable and functional outdoor clothing.

1934
Introduction of Burberry Check as a trademark

In 1934, Burberry introduced the Burberry Check as a trademark, using it as a lining for the trench coat. This marked the beginning of the iconic Burberry signature that is recognized today.

1937
Burberry sponsored world record flight from London to Cape Town

In 1937, A. E. Clouston and Betty Kirby-Green broke the world record for the fastest return flight from London to Cape Town in The Burberry airplane sponsored by the brand. This showcased Burberry's involvement in aviation garments.

1955
Royal Warrant from HM Queen Elizabeth II

Burberry is granted a Royal Warrant as a Weatherproofer by HM Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing its quality and craftsmanship.

1960
Burberry Fashion Shows in Multiple Cities

During the 1960s, Burberry organized fashion shows in London, Paris, Milan, Brussels, Berlin, and Tokyo, showcasing its collections to a global audience.

1964
Burberry Official Supplier for British Women's Olympic Team

In 1964, Burberry became the official outerwear supplier for the British women's Olympic team competing in the Tokyo Olympics, providing them with stylish and functional attire.

1965
Burberry Coat Exports

By 1965, Burberry was responsible for exporting one in five coats from Britain, highlighting the brand's significant presence in the outerwear market.

1967
Introduction of Check accessory

In 1967, the Check accessory was born when a buyer at the Burberry Paris store used the Check pattern to wrap luggage and create an umbrella cover, marking the evolution of the signature house code.

1968
Burberry's First Television Commercial Broadcast

In 1968, Burberry aired its first television commercial in Britain, marking a significant milestone in the brand's advertising history.

1970
Introduction of Burberry Classic Check Cashmere scarf

The Burberry Classic Check Cashmere scarf is introduced around 1970, becoming a timeless accessory for the brand.

1972
Burberry Acquires Factory in Castleford, Yorkshire

In 1972, Burberry acquired a factory in Castleford, Yorkshire, where the brand still produces its iconic trench coats, showcasing a commitment to its heritage and craftsmanship.

1980
Birth of Burberry Classic Check Cashmere scarf

In the 1980s, the iconic Burberry Classic Check Cashmere scarf is created, solidifying its place as a staple accessory for the brand.

1990
Royal Warrant by HRH The Prince of Wales

Burberry receives a Royal Warrant from HRH The Prince of Wales as an Outfitter, further solidifying its reputation.

1994
Burberry expands into China

In 1994, Burberry made a significant move by expanding its operations into the Chinese market.

1997
Rose Marie Bravo appointed to restore Burberry as luxury fashion house

In 1997, GUS director Victor Barnett appointed Rose Marie Bravo to lead a corporate reorganization and restore Burberry as a luxury fashion house. This marked a significant turning point for the brand.

1998
Introduction of Burberry menswear trench coat

Burberry introduced its iconic menswear trench coat in 1998, solidifying its position in the fashion industry.

1999
Burberry changes company name to Burberry

In 1999, Burberry underwent a rebranding process, changing its company name from Burberrys to Burberry.

2000
Burberry opens first store on Bond Street, London

In 2000, Burberry established its presence on Bond Street in London, a move that solidified its reputation as a global luxury brand.

2001-05
Christopher Bailey joins Burberry as creative director

In May 2001, Christopher Bailey joined Burberry as creative director, eventually becoming the chief creative officer and CEO. His tenure saw significant growth and changes within the brand.

2002-07
Burberry Group plc floated on the London Stock Exchange

In July 2002, Burberry Group plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange.

2004
Burberry launches first transactional website in the United States

In 2004, Burberry introduced its first online platform allowing customers in the United States to make purchases through the website.

2005
Demerger between Burberry and Great Universal Stores (GUS)

In 2005, Burberry underwent a demerger from Great Universal Stores (GUS), leading to the separation of the two entities and their operations.

2006-01
Angela Ahrendts becomes CEO of Burberry

In January 2006, Angela Ahrendts took over as the CEO of Burberry, succeeding Rose Marie Bravo.

2006-10
Burberry starts online sales in the US

In October 2006, Burberry initiated online sales in the United States.

2008
Burberry shares fall 18.5%

In 2008, Burberry experienced a significant 18.5% decrease in its shares as profits declined.

2009
The Burberry Foundation Launch

In 2009, The Burberry Foundation was established as a philanthropic arm aimed at supporting young individuals in achieving their aspirations through creativity. Burberry pledged to donate a portion of their yearly group profit to charitable endeavors.

2010-09-30
Burberry's 21% Revenue Increase

Burberry reported a 21% increase in revenue in the first half of 2010, attributed to a growing presence outside of Europe and a successful celebrity endorsed advertisement campaign.

2011
Burberry Fashion Show

In 2011, Burberry, a renowned British luxury fashion brand, showcased its latest collection in a high-profile fashion show, setting trends and captivating the fashion industry.

2012
Burberry launches new transactional website Burberry.com

In 2012, Burberry expanded its e-commerce presence by launching a new transactional website, Burberry.com, which served 44 countries in 13 different languages. This move made Burberry the first luxury brand to offer online shopping to customers globally.

2013-04
Angela Ahrendts joins Apple, Inc.

In April 2014, Angela Ahrendts moved to Apple, Inc. as Senior Vice President of retail and online, leading to Christopher Bailey taking over as CEO of Burberry.

2015
Launch of Scarf Bar for Customization

In 2015, Burberry launched the Scarf Bar in stores and online, allowing customers to design and customize their cashmere scarves, including monogramming.

2016-07
Marco Gobbetti becomes CEO of Burberry

In July 2016, Marco Gobbetti was announced as the new CEO of Burberry, succeeding Christopher Bailey.

2017
Collaboration with Gosha Rubchinskiy

In 2017, Burberry collaborated with designer Gosha Rubchinskiy, embracing a 'gopnik' 90s club vision of the brand.

2018-03
Riccardo Tisci appointed as Burberry's chief creative officer

In March 2018, Riccardo Tisci, former creative director at Givenchy, was named as Burberry's chief creative officer.

2018-04
Leadership Change at Burberry

In April 2018, Sir John Peace announced his resignation as chairman of Burberry, to be succeeded by Gerry Murphy. Murphy expressed excitement to lead the company alongside Marco Gobbetti.

2018-05
Burberry Lawsuit Against Target

In May 2018, Burberry filed a lawsuit against Target Corporation for allegedly copying its check print designs, seeking $2 million in damages.

2018-07
Burberry's Destruction of Unsold Goods

In July 2018, Burberry faced criticism for destroying unsold clothes and accessories worth over £90m to protect its brand. The company later announced it would cease this practice.

2019-02
Burberry Apologizes for Noose Hoodie

In February 2019, Burberry issued an apology for featuring a hoodie with a noose around the neck in its London Fashion Week show, leading to backlash and removal of the item.

2020-02
Burberry Store Closures Due to COVID-19

In February 2020, Burberry was forced to close 24 out of its 64 stores in China due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021-03
Burberry faces backlash in China over human rights issues

In March 2021, Burberry was targeted in China due to alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang, leading to brand ambassador Zhou Dongyu terminating her contract.

2021-03-18
Unveiling the Legacy: The History of Burberry

An event showcasing the rich history and legacy of the British luxury fashion brand Burberry.

2022-04
Jonathan Akeroyd becomes Burberry's new CEO

In April 2022, Jonathan Akeroyd took over as Burberry's CEO after Marco Gobbetti's departure, with a £6m compensation package.

2022-07
Vachirawit Chivaaree named Burberry's Global Brand Ambassador

In July 2022, Burberry appointed Thai artist Vachirawit Chivaaree as its first Global Brand Ambassador from the South Asia-Pacific Region.

2022-09
Daniel Lee appointed as Burberry's Chief Creative Officer

In September 2022, Burberry announced Daniel Lee as the new Chief Creative Officer, replacing Riccardo Tisci.

2023-02
Burberry introduces new logo and branding

In February 2023, Burberry unveiled a new logo and branding featuring the Equestrian Knight logo, with an advertising campaign showcasing British models and musicians.

2023-04
Kano fronts Burberry marketing campaign

In April 2023, rapper Kano was featured in a Burberry marketing campaign, part of the brand's 'modern take on British luxury' direction.

2023-10
Burberry collaborates with Vestiaire Collective

In October 2023, Burberry partnered with Vestiaire Collective on a circular style project, allowing customers to exchange second-hand Burberry items for a gift card.

2024
Summer 2024 Collection Launch

Burberry launched its Summer 2024 collection.

2040
Burberry pledges to become Climate Positive

Burberry commits to becoming Climate Positive by 2040, setting targets to reduce emissions across its supply chain by 46% by 2030 and initiating projects to assist others in reducing their carbon footprint.

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Burberry
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