Burberry.
Everyone recognizes their famous pattern and trench coats.

How Did It Get Started?
In 1856, Thomas Burberry opened his own store that specialized in outdoors wear in England. He invented gabardine in 1880 and during WWI in 1914, he was commissioned to adapt officer coats for warfare which lead to the creation of the signature trench coats. Soon following, the haymarket check pattern and the equestrian knight logo appeared on many of their items. Burberry became synonymous to classic tailored clothing.
How Is It Now?
In the past couple years, they’ve revamped the pattern into the Nova check, which looks like a rotated and expanded version of the haymarket check. The signature pattern is subtly visible on clothing, accessories, and other items. There is an increased use of different fabrics and textures for their distinctive trench coats which adds a fresh perspective on a classic garment. It seems like they’re aiming to create an edgy twist on classic styles.
Also, Japan is the only country to carry the Burberry Blue Label that features more fitted clothing that’s aimed for a younger consumer.

Personal Preferences:
I love Burberry’s style with classic, clean lines…it’s very no-muss, no-fuss kind of clothing. If I could get anything from Burberry, I’d want the signature trench coat (tan/black, cropped), the new check pleated cashmere scarf, and the new Burberry check Lowry bag. I do enjoy classic staple items.
Sources:
- http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Burberry-Ltd-Company-History.html
- http://www.burberryusaonline.com/home/index.jsp

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
who doesn’t love burberry? i love the traditional/classic designs but i wouldn’t mind the contemporary accessories!
Burberry coats are awesome investments for petite girls. If you buy them at a Burberry boutique, they will alter it for free! Make sure to get the shorter coats b/c they’ll fall just above the knee on a petite. I got mine altered at the boutique, you can see them here: http://www.alterationsneeded.com/2008/11/coats-that-run-small-burberry.html
Thanks! I’ll keep that in mind when I head over to Burberry!
I really love this post and the entire blog! I adore Burberry and didn’t know about the Blue label.
Thanks! I love your site too!
How fun! I love this post. Thanks for clarifying what Blue label is .. now I’m jealous of the shoppers in Japan. Why do they get special stuff?
It’s too bad their check is sort of notorious now in London after the outsourcing to Asia began. Also it’s so frequently counterfeited. I try to buy check-less stuff now, or at least checks in more subtle color combinations instead of their signature Nova check.
I’m not sure why Japan is so special, but they definitely are huge brand consumers! I have a check tote, and in the future, I’d want more subtlety in my purchases from Burberry too. Thanks for visiting!
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