Burberry is marking its 170th anniversary by putting one of its most recognisable pieces back in focus: the trench coat.
The British fashion house is celebrating the milestone with The Trench, Portraits of an Icon, a campaign that looks at the garment’s history and how it has changed over time. The campaign brings together figures from film, music, sport and fashion.
The trench began as functional outerwear designed to protect against the elements. Over the years, it became closely associated with Burberry and was adapted across different collections.
Many of its original details remain. These include gabardine fabric, D-rings, a storm shield, epaulettes and a belt. While those elements have stayed, the coat’s cut, materials and styling have changed across different periods.
Burberry’s archive traces that evolution, with versions dating from 1927 through to more recent collections. Together, they show how the trench has been reworked while retaining its basic construction.
The anniversary also gives Burberry a chance to revisit other parts of its archive. Among them are its 1980s poolside styles, including towelling bags and swimwear featuring the Burberry Check and Knight motif.
These pieces sit alongside other established Burberry codes, including the cashmere scarf and Equestrian Knight Design.
The trench remains the clearest link between Burberry’s past and present. What began as practical outerwear has become a recurring part of the fashion house’s collections, with its core design continuing to evolve over 170 years.
