Burberry played by Beatrice Brandini
Burberry, on the occasion of its 170th anniversary, is celebrating with a special exhibition, “The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon,” celebrating its most iconic and emblematic garment.
The famous Burberry gabardine, since 1879
The British brand will be the protagonist of an exhibition at the V&A South Kensington, within the Prince Consort Gallery, rarely accessible to the public. A wealth of images and rare materials, drawn directly from the archive, will retrace the history of this legendary raincoat.
Pattern of the legendary Burberry capes, 1880
The exhibition will be divided into three sections; the first, “Invention,” will tell the story of Thomas Burberry’s invention of cotton gabardine; the second, “Craft,” will explore the elements that made the Burberry trench coat unique, such as the House Check lining; and finally, the final section, “Creativity,” will present 19 looks from the fashion shows of the last twenty-five years, exclusive creations, created by creative directors such as Christopher Bailey, Daniel Lee, Riccardo Tisci.
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Illustration by Beatrice Brandini, from the book ICON VINTAGE DRESS
“As we celebrate the House’s 170th anniversary, we are thrilled to collaborate with the V&A to pay homage to the timeless legacy of the Burberry trench coat: a globally recognized design icon, an expression of British craftsmanship, and a symbol of innovation, creativity, and enduring style,” said Carly Eck, Burberry Brand Curator. “For the first time, numerous pieces from the brand’s archive will be on public display, from early 20th-century catalogs to a Burberry trench coat once owned by designer Hardy Amies.”
Thomas Burberry patents the Tielocken coat, 1912
I’ve already mentioned this piece, including it in my book “Icon Vintage Dress,” and in the post https://www.beatricebrandini.it/en/women-of-pure-class-and-the-must-have-some-clothes-make-no-mistake/ I consider it a perfect piece for every occasion, those things that match, no matter how you style them, will always make you look elegant and perfectly suited to any occasion, whether it’s a formal or more casual occasion.
The Equestrian Knight Design by Burberry, 1901
It all started with an innovative idea. Thomas Burberry was convinced that there had to be an alternative to the heavy, stiff fabric used to make raincoats. His research led him to create a gabardine that protected from the rain while remaining breathable and comfortable. Burberry gabardine was patented in 1888… the rest is history.
The legendary Burberry Check fabric, used as a lining, 1920s
Burberry advertising campaign, 1982
A piece that should be in everyone’s wardrobe, and even though its price isn’t exactly affordable (but we can take advantage of sales or secondhand), I consider it a long-term investment. Less is more, and the Burberry raincoat takes the crown.
The Burberry trench coat as interpreted by Beatrice Brandini
Enjoy your life!
Beatrice