Fun Facts About Burberry

Since 1856, Burberry is well known for its cutting-edge innovation, and quality craftsmanship along with a strong sense of traditionalism. Keep reading for incredible inventions and fun facts about Burberry.

ALSO SEE: BURBERRY: THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF THE ICONIC LUXURY BRAND

Burberry’s Beginnings

Burberry was founded by 21-year-old Thomas Burberry and originally sold outdoor clothing for sportsmen in 1856. Frustrated by the lack of a wearable waterproof option other than rubber at that time, he invented gabardine in 1879. This breathable and water-repellant fabric revolutionalised outdoor clothing forever. 

ALSO SEE: WHERE TO FIND A BURBERRY STORE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Iconic Burberry Check

The iconic beige background with black, white and red strips, now known as the Burberry check was invented in 1921 and was first featured as the lining of the label’s trench coats. Today, it is the most recognisable motif of the brand. 

ALSO SEE: HOW TO AUTHENTICATE BURBERRY HANDBAGS

Burberry & The British Army

When World War I broke out, the British Army commissioned Burberry to create functional outerwear appropriate for the battleground. The coat was designed to include belt rings to hold grenades, maps and flasks, the shoulder straps were created to secure binoculars and a gas mask, and large flaps were added for protection on the chest while military men were in the trenches. Hence the term ‘trench coat’!

The Burberry Logo

The Burberry Equestrian Knight logo was first invented in 1901. It originally featured a red emblem above a single Latin word: ‘Prorsum’ meaning ‘forwards’. However, the Knight logo was only registered as a trademark in 1951.

Popular Amongst Explorers and Adventurers

With gabardine’s growing reputation as a lightweight fabric suited for tough terrains and conditions. They then became the go-to for famous explorers, adventurers and aviators. 

Some of whom included Major F.G. Jackson wore Burberry during his exploration and mapping of the Arctic Circle; Aviator Claude Grahame-White, the first person to fly between London and Manchester in less than 24 hours; Roald Amundsen and his team, the first people to reach the South Pole; Ernest Shackleton during his 1914 expedition across Antarctica and Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown, the first pilots to complete a non-stop transatlantic flight in 72 hours; and George Mallory on his 1924 attempt to reach the summit of Everest.

‘Burberrys’

The brand was once referred to as ‘Burberrys’ by customers, this term influenced the brand and changed its name accordingly. However, Burberry dropped the ‘s’ again in 1999. 

‘See it, Buy it’

Although the brand has a long history of being traditional, Burberry has always been at the forefront of technology when it comes to high fashion commerce. In 1934, Burberry had a system of purchasing products and getting them delivered to your door on the same day–even back in the early 1900s. 

In 2012, Burberry was setting trends by being the major first high fashion house to live stream a fashion show. What’s more, in 2016 it became the first brand to invite customers to ‘see it, buy it’ shows where they could buy the dresses debuting on the ramp just after the show.

Where To Buy Burberry

Wondering where to get your hands on your own classic Burberry apparel and accessories? Then get shopping on Luxity. We stock only the most coveted Burberry clothing, handbags, shoes, and more.