How Burberry became the go-to for contemporary classics
Created under the masterful direction of maverick designer Riccardo Tisci, BURBERRY’s covetable SS21 collection is a testament to the brand’s rich history and its bright future
Having been at the forefront of global fashion for over 150 years, Burberry is something of a British institution. Established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, innovation has been at the heart of this storied brand since day one. It was, after all, Burberry’s invention of the house’s signature technical fabric, gabardine – a waterproof, tightly woven cotton, renowned for its practicality and durability – that turned the label into a household name. Burberry went on to outfit everyone from aviators and mountaineers to Antarctic explorers; however, to this day, the brand’s quintessential piece remains the iconic trench coat. A bona fide closet essential, this wardrobe staple was originally designed by the British house for troops fighting in World War One. Signature features such as epaulets and D-rings were actually devised from a purely practical point of view. However, heritage aside, the coat’s ultimate legacy has undoubtedly become its unfailing longevity.
This affinity for future-facing design rooted squarely in reality is something house’s current creative director, Riccardo Tisci, shares. The maverick Italian designer, who has been at the helm since 2018, is widely credited with turning streetwear into a runway mainstay and bestowing it with sartorial validity.
As the first season created and debuted post pandemic, SS21 proved challenging for designers across the board. However, true to form, these constraints only served to inspire Tisci, who took this season to meditate on, and modernize, the brand codes that make Burberry truly distinct. This, of course, led Tisci straight back to the trench coat; he has reinterpreted this eternal piece by adding contrasting denim and leather panelling, highlighting the exquisite construction that goes into each and every trench, while also making this forever piece feel like a truly fresh proposition. A chic addition to any outfit, style yours with everything from jeans and track pants to oversized tailoring and mini dresses to add an air of stylish insouciance. This trophy piece is one that will slot effortlessly into your wardrobe and hold a cherished place there for years to come.
Tisci’s Midas touch also extends to handbags. Since his arrival, Burberry’s accessory offering has expanded to include cult pieces such as the ‘Pocket’ tote. This capacious hold-all is roomy enough to carry all your daily essentials and then some, making it the day bag par excellence. Finished in butter-soft leather and complete with a graphic handle and utilitarian cross-body strap, its practicality belies its beauty and exquisite construction. As with every piece in the SS21 collection, it strikes the elusive balance between form and function.
By going back to the basics that the brand was built upon and reimagining these essential traits for our modern world, Tisci has created a dynamic collection of future heirlooms that can be worn now and for years to come. Proving that even at a time of global upheaval, Burberry’s signatures are more relevant than ever before.