The heritage, craftsmanship and innovation of Burberry

Thomas Burberry was an apprentice draper before establishing Burberry in 1856 – at the age of just 21

GABARDINE

Gabardine, the innovative fabric used to make Burberry trench coats, was invented in 1879 by Thomas Burberry. Breathable and weatherproof, it revolutionised rainwear- which up until then had typically been heavy and uncomfortable.

EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY

Burberry was the outfitter of choice for several polar explorers, as the protective and lightweight qualities of gabardine make it well suited to cope with inhospitable conditions. The acclaimed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton wore Burberry gabardine for three polar expeditions in the early 20th century.

The trench coat is at the heart of the Burberry brand and is continually reimagined for the runway in new colours, patterns, fits and fabrics.

DOVER STREET MARKET, LONDON

Three original Burberry trench coats were reimagined by Dover Street Market's Rei Kawakubo and displayed in the new DSM store on London's Haymarket, together with a selection of exclusive, restored weatherproofs.

The Burberry Restored project comprises of original weatherproof coats individually sourced and proudly restored by Burberry in England.

Burberry scarves are washed in Scottish spring water from the River Lossie, as part of the finishing process. The river is also used to create some of the world's most famous whiskies.

MAKERS HOUSE

Makers House in London's Soho was the venue for the Burberry September 2016 show. The show brought together the men's and women's collections on the runway for the first time, and was available to purchase immediately afterwards.

The space remained open for the following week with an exciting programme of events and activities in collaboration with The New Craftsmen, some of Britain's finest makers, who brought the inspiration behind the runway to life.

Designed at the Burberry London studio under the creative direction of Christopher Bailey, the seasonless ‘see now, buy now’ womenswear and menswear collection is presented twice yearly on the runway at London Fashion Week.

Thomas's cafe is located within the Burberry flagship on London's Regent Street, serving an all-day menu of British classics, alongside a unique selection of gifts for the home. The space has been designed as part of a continuing collaboration with The New Craftsmen.

Burberry advertising campaigns feature emerging and established British models, musicians and actors, and the brand proudly nurtures and celebrates British creative talent across a variety of projects, events and initiatives.

The Burberry September 2016 campaign was shot by Mario Testino on location at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool. British models Jean Campbell, Alex Dragulele and musician Cavan McCarthy are pictured in looks from the September runway collection.