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 Kight Blue 2024 PEG MEDIUM PLAID JACQUARD Bag
By Burberry
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Burberry 2024 Peg Medium Plaid Jacquard Bag in Knight Blue Green features a refined knitted jacquard construction showcasing Burberry’s modern interpretation of i...
2000s Burberry Brown Leather Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Burberry shoulder bag with old brass toned hardware. The bag is lined with a brown fabric and next to the main compartment it features three side pockets of which one has a zipper....
2000s Burberry Multicolored Nova Check PVC Hobo Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Burberry hobo bag made of PVC coated canvas, with white glossed leather trim, and silver toned hardware. The interior is lined with beige canvas, and next to the major compartment ...
2000s Burberry Black Leather 2-Way Pocket Medium Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Burberry Pocket Medium bag made of black leather with gold toned hardware. The bag can be worn as a top handle bag with top handles or as a shoulder bag /crossbody bag with a detac...
Burberry Small Lola Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Amman, JO
Burberry Small Lola Shoulder Bag A timeless essential with a modern edge, this Burberry quilted leather shoulder bag comes in classic black, making it a versatile staple for any war...
Burberry TB Monogram Chain Coin Purse Red Print
By Burberry
Located in Amman, JO
Burberry TB Monogram Chain Coin Purse Red Print Burberry coin purse featuring the signature TB monogram print in red, white, and beige. Compact and structured with a flap closure an...
Burberry black leather check trim handbag
By Burberry
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish Burberry Boston style handbag in black leather. It is a medium sized handbag with leather top handles and the signature Burberry check trim ...
1990s Burberry Nova Check PVC Mini Tote Bag
By Burberry
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Burberry classic Nova checked PVC coated mini tote from the late 1990s, early 2000s. Dark brown leather handles and trim around the top of the bag. Lined in black with one interior p...
Tan & Multicolor Burberry Haymarket Check Northfield Tote
By Burberry
Located in New York, NY
Tan & Multicolor Burberry Haymarket Check Northfield Tote. The Northfield Tote features a Haymarket Check body, chocolate leather trim, go...
2000s Burberry Multicolored Classic Check Canvas Crossbody Bag Clutch
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
Burberry clutch/crossbody bag made of the Burberry check canvas with brown leather trim and gold toned hardware. The interior is lined with synthetic fabric and next to the major com...
2000s Burberry Navy Blue 2-Way Belt Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Burberry 2-way bag "The Belt" made of navy blue leather, with a white belt, and navy blue /yellow shoulder strap. The hardware is silver toned. The interior is lined with mustard y...
2000s Burberry Classic Check PVC and Leather Crossbody Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
Burberry crossbody bag made of PVC with dark brown leather trim and gold toned hardware. The interior is lined with dark brown canvas and next to the major compartment it features on...
1990s Burberry Nova Check Coated Canvas Mini Bag
By Burberry
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Mid to late 1990s Burberry coated canvas mini shoulder bag in the classic Nova check. Trimmed in dark brown leather, the bag has a circular snap button closure and one interior zippe...
Burberry Red Nova Check PM Tote Bag
By Burberry
Located in Paris, FR
Burberry Red Nova Check PM tote bag featuring featuring an iconic nylon check pattern, brown cotton handles, a front logo snap, inside pockets and an inside logo tag. 100% nylon Cir...
Burberry New Calfskin Black Cheetah Bag
By Burberry
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Burberry New Calfskin black and cheetah print shoulder bag. Shoulder drop 18". Original tag and dust cover .
Large messenger bag in tartan canevas Burberry
By Burberry
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Large messenger bag in tartan canevas with 3 compartments close with zip . One outside pocket with zip. Piping. SIZE 25 cm ( height) 30 cm (width) 18c...
2000s Burberry Classic Check Multicolored PVC Top Handle Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Burberry top handle bag made of coated (PVC) canvas with the Classic Burberry Check pattern, black leather trim, and silver toned hardware. The interior is lined with black fabric ...
2000s Burberry Clear Perspex Floral Red White Nova Check Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
Very rare Burberry Clear Perspex bag with white patent leather trim, red an white floral inner fabric bag that is reversible one side floral the other check this is also removable wi...
1980s Burberry Blue Tartan Laptop Envelope Quilted Bag
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
1980s Burberry lingerie travel Computer Sleeve bag pouch in Blue Burberry Tartan, quilted and padded, with envelope style fold over flap, it t can be used as lingerie bag, travel ba...
2000s Burberry Tote / Shoulder Bag in Black & White Tartan Canvas
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Burberry tote/shoulder bag made of black & white canvas with the Burberry tartan pattern. The bag features black leather trim and silver toned hardware. The interior is lined with ...
1990s Burberry Red Perspex Patent Leather Rucksack Bag
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
1990s Burberry Red Perplex Patent Leather Rucksack the bag is in great 1990s vintage condition Dimensions: 30x40x19cm / 11.8x15.7x7.5in strap length: 110cm / 43.3in
Burberry Gilmore Satchel Perforated Leather XL Hobo Bag
By Burberry
Located in Amman, JO
Burberry Gilmore Satchel Perforated Leather XL Hobo Bag Effortlessly understated, this Burberry XL hobo bag blends relaxed structure with elevated craftsmanship. Crafted from soft b...
2000s Burberry Classic Check Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage Burberry shoulder bag made of multicolor classic check pattern with black leather trim, and silver tone hardware. The interior is lined with black canvas and next to the ma...
2000s Burberry Navy Blue Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
Burberry shoulder bag made of blue navy textured leather with gold toned hardware. The interior is lined with black fabric and navy blue leather, and next to the major compartment it...
BURBERRY olive green leather OLYMPIA SMALL Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Burberry Small Olympia Shoulder Bag in olive green smooth leather. The modified demi-lune silhouette and streamlined detailing lend a sleek look to this bag with gold-...
2000s Burberry Beaton Handbag in Black Quilted Leather
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
Burberry Beaton bag made of black quilted leather. The hardware is gold toned. The bag is lined with synthetic fabric. The interior is divided into two compartments by a larger zippe...
Burberry Vintage Leather Bridle House Check Canvas Satchel
By Burberry
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The house of Burberry has a knack for creating classic bags with a twist. This Burberry Dark Tan Bridle House Check Canvas Satchel Bag features belted details that create an effortle...
2000s Burberry Shoulder Bag/Clutch in PVC and Yellow Leather
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Burberry shoulder bag/clutch made of vinyl coated canvas with the classic Burberry check, covered with yellow leather trim. The bag features gold toned hardware. The shoulder strap...
Burberry Check Fold Wallet
By Burberry
Located in Amman, JO
Classic and timeless, this Burberry wallet showcases the brand’s iconic Vintage Check pattern in beige, accented with a black leather trim for durability and contrast. Designed with ...
Vintage Burberry Haymarket check tote bag
By Burberry
Located in NEWARK, GB
An ever stylish vintage Burberry tote bag. Classic Haymarket check in a lightly coated canvas in Burberry signature colours. It has an oxblood red leather handle and silver tone ...
Burberry Shoulder Hobo Bag in Coated Multicolor Canvas and Gray Leather
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Burberry shoulder bag made of coated multicolor canvas with light gray leather trim, and shiny pewter toned hardware. The exterior features the Burberry Nova Check pattern, The in...
Black & White Burberry Nova Check Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in New York, NY
Black & White Burberry Nova Check Shoulder Bag. This shoulder bag features a canvas Nova Check body, patent leather trim, silver-tone hardware, a single shoulder strap, and a top...
BURBERRY Black Faux Leather Check Trim Wallet
By Burberry
Located in San Francisco, CA
BURBERRY wallet in a black faux leather featuring signature BURBERRY check trim, multiple card slots with coin purse, and snap closure.Good Pre-Owned Condition. Moderate marks and si...
2000s Burberry Brown Leather Mini Crossbody Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Burberry mini crossbody bag crafted from brown textured leather with silver toned hardware. The interior is lined with Burberry check canvas and it consists of one compartment. Th...
1990s Burberry Beige & Brown Canvas Backpack
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Burberry backpack made of brown/beige fabric with Burberry logo, brown leather trim, and gold toned hardware. The interior is lined with a synthetic brown fabric and next to the ma...
Burberry, Olympia Nova check shoulder bag
By Burberry
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Burberry, Olympia Nova check shoulder bag in brown. The item is in good condition, a small damage on the canvas on the back. Interior has a few make up stains.
2000s Burberry Black and White Check Canvas Tote Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
Burberry canvas tote crafted from black & white canvas with the Burberry check. The bag features black leather trim and silver toned hardware. The interior is lined with purple fabri...
2000s Burberry Multicolored Nova Check Dryden Crossbody Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Burberry Dryden crossbody bag crafted from vinyl coated canvas with the Burberry Nova Check pattern and black patent leather trim. The hardware is shiny pewter toned. The interior ...
BURBERRY Beige Brown Plaid Cotton Acrylic Cosmetic Pouch
By Burberry
Located in San Francisco, CA
BURBERRY LONDON cosmetic pouch in a beige and brown cotton acrylic blend twill featuring a plaid pattern and zip closure.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Measurements: Length: 4.5...
Burberry New Cheetah Print Grace Bag
By Burberry
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Burberry brand new cheetah print Grace cross body bag. Adjustable shoulder drop 17”. Comes with original tag and dust cover.
Burberry Medium Check Canvas Freya Tote
By Burberry
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Burberry Medium Check Canvas Freya Tote is a luxurious blend of canvas and smooth calfskin leather in rich brown. Perfect for everyday use, it offers a front flap pocket, leather...
BURBERRY brown orange e-canvas TB MONOGRAM STRIPE ZIP POUCH Bag
By Burberry
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Burberry zip pouch is crafted from various shades of brown TB Monogram e-canvas, accented with a striking orange, black, and white center stripe and finished with...
BURBERRY red grainy leather TB SMALL Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Burberry Small TB Shoulder Bag in red grained calfskin with a gold-tone metal Thomas Burberry Monogram clasp. Opens with a flap with c...
Burberry, turquoise woven leather bag with embossed croc print
By Burberry
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Burberry, turquoise woven leather bag with embossed croc print. This piece was exclusively made for the catwalk show and is unique. This product has been used only a few times and is...
2000s Burberry Brook Nova Check PVC and Black Patent Leather Hobo Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
An authentic Burberry Brook hobo shoulder bag. The bag features a Nova Check coated canvas, black patent leather trim, and pewter-toned hardware. The interior is lined with beige fab...
BURBERRY by Christopher Bailey Brown Textured Pebble Grain Leather Messenger Bag
By Burberry
Located in San Francisco, CA
BURBERRY by Christopher Bailey bag comes in a brown textured leather featuring a messenger style, gold tone hardware, top handles, detac...
2000s Burberry Dryden Multicolor Nova Check PVC and Orange Leather Crossbody Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
Burberry Dryden crossbody bag made of vinyl coated canvas with orange patent leather trim and shiny pewter toned hardware. The interior is lined with fabric, and next to the major co...
1980s Burberry Green Grey Check Toweling Beach Gym Pool Tailor Bag
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
Vintage Burberry Tailor bag in green house check pattern with contrasting green lower section it’s embroidered Burberry logo detail, matching green/grey rope fastener featuring brass...
Burberry Woven Wool Handbag
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
Burberry Woven Wool Handbag Multicoloured woven wool patterned bag with brown leather trim, dual top handles and base. Featuring zipped top leading to fabric lined interior. Rrp A...
BURBERRY Black Plaid Leather Metal Bags
By Burberry
Located in San Francisco, CA
BURBERRY keychain in a black plaid texture leather metal featuring silver metal claps closure. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Measurements: Length: 6 cm. Sui Generis R...
Burberry 1990s Vintage Pocket Wristlet Pouch, Tartan Denim Unisex
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
1990s Burberry Pocket Shaped Wristlet Pouch, tartan print on front, denim on back, top zip closure with char, denim, red leather strap This classic design is perfect for fashion afi...
BURBERRY Lola Mohair Limited Edition lamb shearling gold TB crossbody bag
By Burberry
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BURBERRY Lola Mohair Limited Edition lamb shearling gold TB crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/E00475 Brand: Burberry Model: Lola Mohair Collection: Runway Material: Fur, Leather Color: B...
Burberry Mini Green Python Bag
By Burberry
Located in Paris, FR
Cute mini BURBERRY bag in python leather, delivered in its original dustbag Condition: very good Made in Italy Material: python leather Interior: black monogram canvas Color: green...
BURBERRY Multi-Color Plaid Leather Metal Bag Charm Bags
By Burberry
Located in San Francisco, CA
BURBERRY keychain a multi color plaid leather metal featuring a 3 eyes monster design, and silver metal claps closure. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Measurements: Length: 5 cm....
2000s Burberry Dryden Multicolor Nova Check PVC Crossbody Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
Burberry Dryden crossbody bag made of vinyl coated canvas with black patent leather trim and shiny pewter toned hardware. The interior is lined with fabric, and next to the major com...
Burberrys Beige x Brown Nova Check Garment Bag 826bur74
By Burberry
Located in Dix hills, NY
Burberrys Beige x Brown Nova Check Garment Bag 826bur74
Burberry Beige Nova Check Duffle Bag with Strap Boston Upcycle ready 65b421s
By Burberry
Located in Dix hills, NY
Burberry Beige Nova Check Duffle Bag with Strap Boston Upcycle ready 65b421s Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 20" Width: 9" Height: 11" Shoulder Handle Drop: 14.5"-25" Handle...
Burberry Lola Small Quilted Sequin Chain Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Burberry "Lola'' shoulder bag in all over quilted, topstitched sequins fabric and lambskin leather. Features Thomas Burberry monogram on front, tonal chunky chain shoulder strap, fla...
Burberry Small Men Women Handbag, S323
By Burberry
Located in Kaunas, LT
Item for sale is 100% genuine Burberry Women Men Handbag, S323 Color: Black (An actual color may a bit vary due to individual computer screen interpretatio...
BURBERRY Econyl Signature House Check brown checkered zip bum bag crossbody
By Burberry, Riccardo Tisci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BURBERRY Econyl Signature House Check brown checkered zip bum bag crossbody Reference: ANWU/A00031 Brand: Burberry Designer: Riccardo Tisci Collection: House Check Material: Econyl C...
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, handbag lovers are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classic bags still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.