Since its foundation in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a tailor’s apprentice, this British Heritage brand has always remained at the forefront of our consciousness. Initially being sold from a shop in Hampshire, after ten years the first West End premise opened in Haymarket, and remains there to this day. Burberry, or Burberrys as it became know during the early 20th century, is hailed as the inventor of gabardine, one of the original waterproof materials. With their typically English tailoring, and practical capabilities, Burberry dressed not only the first climbers of Everest, they also clothed the soldiers of World War 1 (hence the Trench coat) and sponsored Mrs Betsy Kirby Green as she attempted and succeeded in breaking an aviation record in 1937.

During the sixties, the check now so synonymous with the brand first became used on accessories such as umbrellas and bags, having been brought in as lining the trench coats. It was not until the late seventies, and ‘football culture’ began to creep into the UK’s awareness that traditionally British, luxury labels were adopted by an entirely new segment of society. With the increasing popularity of the brand amongst this new market, the original Burberry customer found it less and less desirable, and the trademark ‘nova check’ soon became a byword for poor taste.

The appointment of Christopher Bailey in 2001 by new CEO Rose Marie Bravo was the lifeline needed for the flailing company. Having worked under the legendary Tom Ford during his time at

Gucci, Bailey could arguably be seen as the 21st century reincarnation of the young tailor’s apprentice, learning from a master and subsequently creating something new from something staid. Now with almost a decade spent at the helm of this ubiquitous brand, Bailey shows no signs of weakening in his resolve to provide consistently spectacular collections season after season, with the company’s stocks at an all time high, and a flock of celebrities clamouring over themselves to get a place front row at the hotly anticipated shows, Burberry have definitely weathered the storm.

“Juxtaposing young, modern fashion with tradition and history is what I do at Burberry. We all have this little memory bank and we don't always know what's in there, but things rise to the surface. It's very easy to walk through the world with eyes open but not seeing. I try to take things in.” – Christopher Bailey

Owner: John Peace, Burberry Group PLC

Where To Buy: The brand have over 70 international stores as well as numerous standalone stores within London: (21-23 New Bond Street, W1S 2RE; 257-167 Regent Street, W1B 4PH; 2 Brompton Road, SW1X 7NQ); the label is also available from high end concession points and online at Net-a-Porter, The Outnet, FarFetch, My Wardrobe, YOOX, Stylebop and My Theresa.

Lines: R-T-W, Resort, Menswear

Shows: London