About the brand

Burberry is a manufacturer and marketer of men's, women's, and children's apparel, as well as accessories and fragrances. The Burberry name is virtually synonymous with the tan gabardine raincoat pioneered by the company more than 145 years ago. Writing for WWD (Women's Wear Daily) in 1989, Andrew Collier described the garment as "a mainstay in outerwear worldwide, that symbolizes all that is Britain: sturdy and unassuming, equally at home. in fine hotels, and muddy lanes." In 1999, the firm launched the Prorsum designer collection as part of its efforts to reinvent Burberry's luxury brand status. An icon of classic clothing, Burberry has utilized licensing and brand extensions to appeal to a younger generation of fashion-conscious customers.

Burberry Prorsum Fall Winter 2011-2012 Ad Campaign


Timeline:


Thomas Burberry

1856: Thomas Burberry establishes his first shop.
1891: Burberry begins selling clothing under the Burberry name in London's Haymarket section.
1909: The firm registers the "Equestrian Knight" trademark.
1915: Burberry ships its raincoats to Japan.
1966: The firm becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Great Universal Stores.
1994: The company begins using well-known model Christy Turlington in its ad campaigns.
1996: By now, Burberry has accumulated a record six Queen's Awards for Export Achievement and ranks among Great Britain's leading clothing exporters.
1997: Rose Marie Bravo is hired as CEO.
1998: The Asian economic crisis causes financial problems for the firm.
1999: Burberry launches the Prorsum collection.
2000: Burberry breaks ground on a new flagship store in London.

Burberry's London Flagship store