Thomas Burberry who was born in 1835 in Dorking Surrey UK. He was trained as an apprentice.
In the 1856, he was opened his own drapery business with the name of T. Burberry and Sons, in the Basing stoke, Hampshire. Business was thrived by 1870 Burberry became known as an "emporium" with an a increased focus on development of outdoor wear for the local residents and also visiting sportsmen who frequented store.
Thomas Burberry invented gabardine breathable fabric made using by innovative process where yarn was waterproofed before the weaving. And fabric was not only water-resistant , also extremely durable. Patent had taken out in 1888.
In the 1891 Burberry established wholesale business in London. In the 1891 Burberry opened his first shop at Hay market and now site of Burberry’s corporate headquarters.
The officer’s Tielocker Coat designed by Burberry in 1899, was forerunner to today’s trench coat.
Burberry Equestrian Knight logo developed and registered as a trademark in 1901. In the 1902's Burberry was established "Gabardine" as a trademark and then in 1909 .Burberry was registered as a trademark for the company's coats.
During the World War 1 Burberry designed coats for British Royal Flying Corps . The military style model of the Burberry became as the Trench coat of First World War. It was a deep back yoke, epaulets, buckled cuff straps, a button-down storm flap on one shoulder and storm pockets. And After the war Trench coat was absorbed into the civilian life. which is Known as a "Burberry" it had been copied worldwide.
Burberry Check registered as a trademark introduced as a lining to the trench coat in the 1920. In the 1960 "Burberry" made stab at fashion scene and the famous check had seen on umbrellas, luggage and scarves. Today Their plaid is one of the most recognized in the world.
In 1980 company started to revitalize it brands and trademarks. This was a accompanied by retail expansion, opening stores in New York and also other major cities. All the major stars and celebrities have worn Burberry trench coats. And Audrey Hepburn wore one in "Breakfast in Tiffany's".
Burberry was the first awarded Royal Warrant for the Her Majesty The queen in 1955. A further Royal Warrant was awarded in 1989 by the Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.
He was died in 1926 at the age of 91.
In the 2005 Bailey was awarded Designer of the Year at the British Fashion awards, and this award he received again in 2009. He was also awarded Menswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards for the successive years in 2007 to 2008.
Burberry’s current commercial success had been a testament to the skill of its designer and its marketing. Then he Going against the trend for economic downturn now its current success is even more remarkable. There are now several lines under umbrella including Burberry London, Burberry Brit and Burberry Prorsum.
Digital revolution has left many heritage brands lost in wilderness. Not Burberry however but there are few fashion houses that have so readily embraced and utilize new technologies. Then early forays into social networking the company’s digital approach has engaged with new generation of the loyal customers.
