Burberry, a luxury British fashion house with origins in battlefield gear and outfitting real-life explorers, is universally renowned for its vintage trench coats, jackets, footwear and handbags. The brand has undergone several transformations since its inception in the 19th century.
When the 21-year-old apprentice draper Thomas Burberry (1835–1926) opened a small clothing outfitter in Basingstoke, Hampshire, in 1856, he catered to the needs of the local population, focusing on weatherproof clothing designed for outdoor activities like hunting, riding and fishing.
Building on his success, Burberry researched more fabrics that would be suitable for these country pursuits. In 1888, he patented gabardine, a durable, breathable fabric that was ready for any British weather. The material was groundbreaking for rainwear, which previously had been bulky and heavy. Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen wore it on his 1893 North Pole expedition and Burberry later outfitted Sir Ernest Shackleton on his Antarctic expeditions. These high-profile demonstrations of its design for extreme conditions fueled Burberry’s growth as a trusted brand.
The Tielocken coat — a forerunner to the trench coat — was patented in 1912, featuring just a button at the collar and a single strap. Higher-ranking British officers during World War I donned trench coats designed by the likes of Burberry, Aquascutum and other firms.
The design of Burberry’s classic trench demonstrated a consideration of the demand for both weather protection and function on the battlefield, with every element having its purpose, whether it was the epaulets for an officer’s rank or the gun flap at the breast. When the now-familiar check — a plaid check with black, white and red stripes on a background of beige — was added as a lining during the 1920s, a fashion icon was born. Scarves and other items featuring the pattern rendered the Burberry plaid an instantly recognizable hallmark of the house around the globe.
The brand continued to gain popularity throughout the 20th century, but by the 1990s, it was in dire need of a refresh. By the time Christopher Bailey was named design director at Burberry in 2001, the check was so ubiquitous through rampant knockoffs that it had become a reference for kitsch rather than quality.
Drawing on its heritage of craftsmanship with a new streetwear edge, Bailey helped rebuild Burberry’s relevance as a reputable fashion brand. Key to this reimagining was developing an understanding of how to democratically market high-end luxury fashion. Milestones in this regard materialized in 2010, when Burberry became the first brand to livestream a fashion show (and did so using 3D technology), and in 2020, when the house brought its London Fashion Week presentation to Twitch, a popular American livestreaming service. The international visibility brought with it renewed interest in the brand, which eventually revived its tartan after dropping it from many of its clothes, including in a 2018 collaboration with Russian designer Gosha Rubchinskiy that swathed shirts, dresses, coats and bags in the check.
Although tastes have changed, the signature trench coats that date back to Burberry’s beginnings remain at the brand’s core, with new fabrics and fits continuing to adapt this British style classic to contemporary trends.
Find vintage Burberry trench coats, shoes, handbags and other outerwear and accessories on 1stDibs.
Burberry Children Antique Yellow Plaid Boys' Swim Trunks
By Burberry
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your little boy’s summer wardrobe with the stylish Burberry Children Antique Yellow Plaid Boys' Swim Trunks. These eye-catching swim trunks feature a classic plaid pattern in...
Louis Vuitton President watch case yellow EPI leather
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Daventry, GB
A rare and highly desirable Louis Vuitton President case in signature yellow Epi leather, dating from the early 1990s, thoughtfully adapted int...
Christian Dior by John Galliano – Rare Children’s Camouflage Set 2000s
By Christian Dior
Located in CACHAN, FR
Rare and highly sought-after, this Christian Dior set from the iconic John Galliano era features a striking camouflage/floral print in shades of khaki, olive, black, and deep teal, a...
Charming Victorian Sterling Baby Cradle
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Sterling Baby Cradle circa 1900. Wonderfully object detailed in faux wicker pattern with ribbed edges. The perfect baby shower gift. 1880's sterling, Made by Mause...
Hermes Passe-Passe Round Bib Embroidered Rabbit Figue For Baby
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Passe-Passe Round Bib featured in Fique This charming bib has an embroidered bunny on front. The rear is white cotton with splashes of pretty colours. Lo...
HERMES Jaune d'Or yellow lacquered wood SOLEIL D'HERMES MEDIUM Box
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Soleil d’Hermès medium box is crafted in hand-painted lacquered wood in Jaune d’Or (yellow) with an anthracite-grey Soleil motif. Inspired by the Mediterra...
$1,400
H 53.15 in L 37.41 in
Hermes Plaid Avalon Cabriole Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Rose Airelles - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Plaid Avalon Cabriole Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Rose Airelles – NWCTS - 2604231648 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Baby Blanket / Plaid Artist: Hermès Studio. Cabriole design, where applicable, is by Alice Charbin. Size: 135 x 95 cm / 53.1 x 37.4 inches Color: Rose Airelles (Lingonberry Pink), Blanc (White) Fabric: 90% Merino Wool - 10% Cashmere Approx. Issue Date: Avalon design originally created in 1988; Rose Airelles / Blanc baby blanket version is a modern 2020s issue. Condition: New With Care Tag, Never Worn, Without Box (S Item) Country of Origin: Made In Great Britain Story about the Design: Avalon is one of the most recognisable Hermès home designs. Inspired by traditional horse blankets and heraldic coats of arms, the design presents the iconic Hermès H motif in a timeless graphic style. The name Avalon refers to the mythical British island associated with Excalibur. In the baby range, the classic Avalon look is softened through delicate pastel colours, making it especially suited to a nursery or luxury baby gift. Artist's Story: The Avalon design is credited to Hermès Studio. If the Cabriole wording is retained in the listing, Hermès identifies the Cabriole design story as the work of Alice Charbin, a French illustrator known for her poetic and whimsical drawings for Hermès. Her Cabriole world celebrates childhood, movement, imagination, and the joyful relationship between a child and a faithful companion. Craftsmanship Note: This Hermès baby blanket...
Hermès Horse Ledoux Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès gold, red and white porcelain ashtray with horse design by Ledoux. Mint condition back suede. Highly collectible subject by Ledoux.
Roberto Cavalli Pink and Gold Leather Key Holder, Fob, or Purse Charm
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Tustin, CA
Striking and unusual, hand made in Italy, designer Roberto Cavalli, leather key holder, key chain, or purse charm in beautiful shades of pink and metallic gold. Accent that special ...
Hermès Sealyham Terrier PorcelainAshtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Sealyham Terrier ashtray designed by Carl de Parcevaux from the "Chiens Courants et chiens d'arrêt" collection. Made of porcelain, the edges are gilded with fine gold and...
Rare Christian Dior Kids Oblique Monogram Denim Jacket – Vintage Size 4A
By Christian Dior
Located in CACHAN, FR
Rare Christian Dior denim jacket from the children’s line, crafted in the house’s iconic Dior Oblique jacquard throughout. This piece reinterprets the timeless classic denim jacket s...
HERMES Jaune d'Or yellow lacquered wood SOLEIL D'HERMES SMALL Box
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès small box is crafted in hand-painted lacquered wood in Jaune d’Or with the Soleil d’Hermès pattern. The design captures the blazing Mediterranean sun with ...
Emilio Pucci Fabric Silk and Velvet Decorative Cushion
Located in Toronto, Ontario
What do you do with a vintage Pucci shirt that is no longer wearable? Elevate your living space with this vibrant decorative rectangular cushion made from repurposed Emilio Pucci silk fabric...