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 Gents Silver Tone Steel Black Face
By Burberry
Located in New York, NY
*Reference Number: BU9001 -Brand BURBERRY -Movement: Quartz -Weight: 109.8gr -Dial Color: Champagne -Case Material: Stainless Steel -Bracelet: Stainless steel -Scratch Resistant Sa...
Silver, Steel, Stainless Steel
$837
W 1.19 in L 7.68 in
0.95 ct Diamonds, 23.15 ct Black Stones Rose Gold Silver Beaded Link Bracelet
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing beaded7link bracelet in 14K rose gold and silver structure mounted with 23.15 ct of 4 black stones rows embellished with silver detailes studde...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Tresor 1.50 Carat Round Black Diamond 18KT Gold Steel Agate Men's Bead Bracelet
By Tresor Paris
Located in London, GB
The Original Tresor Paris Bracelet from the Jubilée collection featuring 1.80 Carat Pave set Black Round Diamond bead set in 18 Karat White Gold. The bracelet has 3 stainless steel beads and 17 matte Black satin agate beads. Size will fit from 7.00 to 8.50 inches (17.78 cm to 21.59 cm). Contemporary and trendy bracelet suitable for any occasion. 10 mm bead with approximately 1.50-1.80 Carat diamond set in 18 Karat Gold. Available in other sizes and gemstones on request. About Tresor Paris Defined by luxury and elegance, the multi-award-winning jeweler Tresor Paris offers a vast collection of exquisite diamond and fashion pieces. It has gained a reputation for designing timeless jewelry in both classic and contemporary settings. Boasting expertise from decades working in the jewelry business, Tresor Paris ensures that fine quality is at the heart of every piece in every collection with materials including shimmering diamonds, colorful precious stones, 18 carat gold sterling silver & stainless steel, pretty pearls, and of course the iconic glittering Tresor Paris bracelets. With a wide range of jewelry to choose from, Tresor Paris crafts collections are versatile and easy to wear. Tresor Paris has collaborated with designers including PPQ, Corrie Nielsen, and Fyodor Golan to design bespoke pieces for their London Fashion Week...
Agate, Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
10.98 Carat Ruby, Silver and Stainless Steel beaded Classic Macrame Bracelet
Located in London, GB
This 10.98 Ruby Stainless Steel and Silver beaded Macrame bracelet from The OriginalTresor Paris Audace Collection features 7 satin beads and 14 shiny Stainless Steel beads and two magnetite rings...
Ruby, Stainless Steel, Steel, Silver, Sterling Silver
Men's Vintage Black Beaded Bracelet with Silver by Allison Bryan
By Allison Bryan
Located in London, GB
This bracelet features black coloured Venetian glass trade beads, accented with alternating fine silver beads. Strung on strong, stretchy elastic. These antique Venetian trade beads...
Silver
11.76 Carat Emerald Silver Stainless Steel Modern Classic Bead Macrame Bracelet
By Tresor Paris
Located in London, GB
This 11.76 Carats Emerald Stainless Steel and Silver beaded bracelet from The Original Tresor Paris Tendresse Vert Collection. This Bracelet features 7 satin finished beads and 14 shiny Stainless Steel beads and two magnetite rings...
Emerald, Silver, Stainless Steel, Steel
Vintage silver tone glass crystal beaded cha cha cha stretch designer bracelet
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • silver tone with glass stones • vintage designer bracelet MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 61 ...
$540Sale Price|43% Off
Black Spinel Pearl Silver Artisan Crafted Bracelet
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Sparkling black spinel glistens in an attractive rectangular shape silver bar feature lending a modern twist to this artisan created slate-toned pearl bracelet. You will love the ver...
Diamond, Pearl, Spinel, Black Spinel, Sterling Silver
1.80CT Round Black Diamond G/VS 18KT Gold Steel Black Agate Men's Bead Bracelet
Located in London, GB
This Bracelet from features one Pave set diamond bead in 18 Karat White Gold, 3 stainless steel beads and 17 matte Black satin agate beads. Size will fit from 7.00 to 8.50 inches (17...
Agate, Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage silver tone glass crystal beaded cha cha cha stretch designer bracelet
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • silver tone with glass stones • vintage designer bracelet MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 61 ...
Sterling Silver Mexican Bracelet Amethyst Aztec Face Mask
Located in Wallkill, NY
Vintage Sterling Silver Mexican bracelet. This is amazing in person. Cabochon Round Amethyst Stones set in the bracelet. Main ...
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Vintage silver tone faceted aurora borealis crystal glass beaded bracelet
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • silver tone with crystal beads • vintage designer bracelet MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku ...
David Yurman Sterling Silver, Black Diamond & Onyx Spiritual Beads Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in London, GB
David Yurman Sterling Silver, Black Diamond & Onyx Spiritual Beads Bracelet From the Spiritual Beads Collection is this bracelet crafted with matte-finished black onyx beads and a s...
Black Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver