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Burberry was founded in 1856 when 21 year old
Thomas Burberry, a former apprentice to a country draper, opened an
outfitters shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. Business thrived
and by 1870 Burberry became known as an 'emporium' with an increased
focus on the development of outdoorwear for local residents and
visiting sportsmen who frequented the store.
In
1879, Thomas Burberry invented gabardine - a breathable fabric made
using an innovative process whereby the yarn was waterproofed before
weaving. This fabric was not only water-resistant but also extremely
durable. A patent was taken out in 1888.
In 1891, Thomas Burberry opened his first shop in London at the Haymarket, now the site of Burberry's corporate headquarters.
In 1901, Burberry was commissioned by the War Office to design a new service uniform for British officers.
The
Burberry Equestrian Knight logo was developed and registered as a
trademark in 1904. This decade also saw the opening of stores in Paris
and New York. The Norwegian explorer, Captain Roald Amundsen, was
outfitted by Burberry when he became the first man to reach the South
Pole on December 14, 1911. Amundsen left a Burberry gabardine tent to
inform Captain Scott of his successful mission. After Amundsen reached
the South Pole, Ernest Shackleton was determined to be the first
explorer to cross the Antarctic continent from coast to coast. He too
was outfitted by Burberry in his 1914 expedition.
The
Burberry check, registered as a trademark, was introduced as a lining
to the trenchcoat in 1924. Soon the red, camel, black and white check
became synonymous with Burberry.
Burberry also played an
important part in aviation, producing specially designed garments for
aviators. A.E.Clouston and Mrs Betsy Kirby Green made the fastest
flying time to Cape Town from London in 1937. This air race was won by
the pair in a De Havilland DH88 Comet sponsored by Burberry.
During
the Second World War, Burberry continued to supply high quality
gabardines to servicemen in all branches of the services. Burberry was
first awarded the Royal Warrant from Her Majesty The Queen in 1955.
The
Burberry check had been primarily used as a coat lining until a
presentation in 1967 saw the trademark design applied to umbrellas,
luggage and scarves.
In 1970, Burberry opened a New York
flagship store at East 57th Street. The 1980s were a period of retail
development in the United States. Burberry complemented the New York
flagship with store openings in San Francisco; Chicago; Boston;
Philadelphia; Washington DC; Troy, Michigan; Manhasset, New York; Short
Hills, New Jersey and Costa Mesa, California.
In
1997, a new management team began to revitalise the brand with new
design collections, new product ranges and a distinctive new
advertising campaign. In February 1999, Burberry staged the first
catwalk show for its collections during London Fashion Week and was
honoured as a British Classic Design Collection of the year.
The
dawn of a new decade re-established Burberry as an icon of enduring
style. Burberry was again honoured in 2000 and 2001 by the British
Fashion Council in both the Classic and Contemporary design categories.
Burberry Touch, the new fragrance for men and women was launched in 2000.
In
September 2000, the Burberry worldwide flagship opened on New Bond
Street in London's West End. The design and ambience reflects the new
spirit of Burberry, the original luxury brand. |
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