British aristocrats: the history of the Burberry brand

The history of the Burberry brand goes back more than 150 years and has many glorious pages. Now they are popular all over the world models of outerwear and casual clothing, easily recognizable by their own style. The company's products are in great demand among a wide variety of people. Interest in the brand is quite justified, and the specifics of its activities deserve special attention.

Development from the very beginning

The famous British company Burberry Group Plc originates from a small manufactory store in Basingstoke (Hampshire). It was opened in 1856 by a simple draper's apprentice, Thomas Burberry. Quickly enough, the T. Burberry and Sons store gained popularity due to its raincoats. However, the real success came in 1880, when Thomas invented a new waterproof but breathable fabric — gabardine, the manufacturing technology of which he patented in 1888. It became an excellent substitute for the heavy rubberized fabric of macintoshes, which was very quickly appreciated by hunters, fishermen and travelers.

Thomas Burberry Gabardine

The success of gabardine allowed us to open a store in London called Burberry's Gabardine. This was a real breakthrough in business development. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Burberry produced outerwear, and the main recipient was the British Army. In 1900, the first store appeared abroad-in Paris. During the First World War, officers ' greatcoats (trench coats) were developed.

Illustration of a Burberry trench coat in the early twentieth century

In 1920, the company began trading on the London Stock Exchange. In 1955, it became part of the holding company Great Universal Stores (GUS).

A sharp increase in sales occurred in the period 2006-2010, when the markets of China, India, and the United States were actively developed. The range now includes luxury clothing. Currently, the company's products are sold through more than 300 retail outlets around the world. Since 1981, the production of perfumes has been mastered under this brand.

Over the years, the brand's collections have been awarded prestigious awards. There are awards in the categories "Classic Design" (2000), " Modern Design "(2001)," Brand of the Year "(2009)," Digital Innovation " (2010) from the British Fashion Council.

Brand symbols

The brand's logo was a knight on horseback with a spear and a flag with the call "Prorsum!" ("Forward!"). The logo was selected based on the results of the announced competition. It has the following meaning: a combination of tradition (symbolized by the presence of a knight with a spear) and innovation (the call "Forward").

Burberry brand logo with corporate logo

A recognizable symbol of the brand is the tartan cage. It appeared in 1924 and was called Nova Check. Initially, it consisted of red, black, white and sand elements. It was the" cage " that turned Burberry into a national symbol of Britain, becoming an indispensable accessory for football fans. Currently, other colors have appeared in it-pink, blue, beige.

Burberry branded tartan

Main product lines

The company pays great attention to the production of clothing lines such as:

• Burberry Prorsum. This is one of the first collections of the brand, which was presented in Milan. It takes into account important fashion trends. Here you can find both luxurious and original models of clothing, designed mainly for wealthy people. The collection includes men's and women's clothing, shoes, accessories and perfumes.
• Burberry London. This collection is based on English traditions. It was her models that became the hallmark of the Burberry Fashion House. It includes jeans, sweaters, T-shirts, shoes, miniature skirts, handbags, and perfumes.

Of particular importance is the direction of Thomas Burberry. It features clothing for children and teenagers, watches, glasses, accessories, and perfumes. Other popular lines should also be highlighted:

• Burberry Sport. It combines women's and men's sportswear, shoes, and accessories.
• Burberry Brit. The collection includes original clothing and shoes in the casual style.
• Burberry Beauty. This is a fairly extensive cosmetic collection.
• Burberry Watches. In the collection you can find fashionable, high-quality women's watches.
• Burberry Eyewear. Customers highly appreciate the sunglasses from this line.

Currently, the company produces raincoats in its own factories. The rest of the products are developed and manufactured in factories in other countries and in collaboration with other well-known manufacturers. In particular, the perfume is produced jointly with Inter Parfums (since 1981). A well — known English fashion designer, Christopher Bailey, who is the company's executive director, is actively working on new Burberry designs.

Famous fans

Excellent advertising for the brand was provided by the cinema. Burberry clothing was worn by the heroes of the films "Casablanca", "Agatha Christie's Poirot". Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's was wearing the brand's raincoats. At various shows, he was represented by famous models and actors: Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, Emma Watson, Sienna Miller. Loyal fans consider themselves: Blake Loveley, Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, Orlando Bloom, Adele. Famous politicians such as Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan also preferred Burberry raincoats.

The Burberry brand doesn't need any additional advertising. It is known in many countries of the world. Such clothing is worn by athletes, motorists, pilots, hunters, people in everyday life, and members of the British royal family are also willing to wear it. A wide selection of models makes it possible to choose an outfit for every taste.