A Short History of Burberry
Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the British luxury fashion house started as an outerwear brand specializing in weatherproof fabrics. In 1879, Thomas Burberry invented gabardine, a breathable yet waterproof fabric, revolutionizing outerwear. The trench coat, originally designed for British soldiers during World War I, became one of the brand’s most iconic pieces.
Throughout the 20th century, Burberry expanded globally, introducing its famous Burberry Check in the 1920s as a trench coat lining. The brand gained prestige among the British aristocracy and later among celebrities.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Burberry underwent a transformation, shedding its outdated image and embracing high fashion. The brand rebranded under Rose Marie Bravo, followed by Christopher Bailey, who turned Burberry into a digital-first luxury brand.
Recent years have seen several logo redesigns, including the 2018 minimalistic rebrand by Peter Saville and the 2023 return to heritage branding under Daniel Lee.
Interesting Facts About Burberry
Burberry was an official outfitter for explorers: Burberry coats were worn by Roald Amundsen, the first man to reach the South Pole, and Ernest Shackleton on Antarctic expeditions.
The Burberry Check was once exclusive: Initially used only as a trench coat lining, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the check pattern was used in scarves and accessories.
Burberry held a Royal Warrant: It was a favorite of the British Royal Family and held multiple Royal Warrants over the years.
The brand faced overexposure in the 2000s: Due to widespread counterfeit products and excessive use of its check pattern, Burberry had to take drastic steps to reclaim its luxury status.
Burberry was one of the first luxury brands to embrace digital marketing: In 2009, it launched the Burberry Acoustic project, blending fashion with music, and pioneered live-streamed runway shows.
1. Introduction: The Significance of a Luxury Logo
Logos play a crucial role in the identity of luxury brands. They symbolize heritage, craftsmanship, and prestige. Burberry's logo evolution reflects its transformation from a functional outerwear brand to a global luxury powerhouse.
2. The Early Years: Thomas Burberry’s Vision (1856 - 1901)
Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the brand was initially known for its durable, weather-resistant fabrics. The trench coat, designed for military use, became an essential product. However, Burberry lacked an official logo in its early years.
In 1901, Burberry introduced its first official logo: the Equestrian Knight emblem. The knight, adorned in armor and holding a shield, represented chivalry, tradition, and strength. The inclusion of the Latin word "Prorsum" (meaning "forward") signified innovation and progress.
3. The Golden Age of the Equestrian Knight (1901 - 1999)
For nearly a century, the knight emblem became synonymous with Burberry. It was prominently featured on trench coats, advertising campaigns, and even product packaging. Alongside this, the signature Burberry check pattern—introduced in the 1920s as a trench coat lining—became another iconic brand symbol.
By the mid-20th century, Burberry had expanded into new markets, with the knight logo reinforcing its image as a British heritage brand.
4. The Rebranding Era: Burberry’s Modernization (1999)
Under the leadership of Rose Marie Bravo, Burberry underwent a major transformation in the late 1990s. The brand sought to modernize its image while maintaining its heritage. The wordmark was redesigned to a sleek, serif font, and the company officially dropped the "s" from "Burberrys." This change helped simplify the brand’s identity and appeal to a younger, global audience.
Additionally, this period marked the brand’s collaboration with high-profile designers and celebrities, further increasing its luxury status.
5. The Minimalist Shift: Peter Saville’s 2018 Redesign
In 2018, Burberry introduced a radical rebranding under the creative direction of Riccardo Tisci. Graphic designer Peter Saville, known for his minimalist approach, was tasked with redesigning the logo.
- The new logo featured a bold, sans-serif typeface.
- The Equestrian Knight emblem was removed entirely.
- The design aimed to be more modern, digital-friendly, and globally recognizable.
While the redesign was praised for its contemporary aesthetic, some fans felt that it distanced Burberry from its historical roots.
6. The 2023 Logo Reintroduction: A Return to Heritage
In 2023, Burberry once again revised its logo under the creative direction of Daniel Lee. The brand chose to reconnect with its heritage while maintaining a modern touch. Key changes included:
- The return of the Equestrian Knight emblem, reinforcing the brand’s British legacy.
- A refined serif wordmark inspired by historical Burberry logos.
- A richer, more sophisticated brand aesthetic designed to appeal to both loyal customers and new generations.
According to industry experts, this decision was a response to growing consumer appreciation for classic luxury branding. Burberry’s return to a heritage-inspired design aligns with a broader trend among luxury brands emphasizing authenticity and craftsmanship.
"Burberry’s 2023 logo update signals a renewed commitment to its roots, balancing tradition with contemporary appeal." – Emily Harper, Luxury Branding Consultant
7. Expert Opinions on Burberry’s Logo Evolution
"Burberry’s transition to a sans-serif logo aligns with the digital-first approach seen in other luxury brands like Balenciaga and Saint Laurent." – Sarah Thompson, Brand Strategist
"While some luxury houses embrace heritage, others choose minimalism to future-proof their brand. Burberry took the latter path, opting for adaptability over nostalgia." – James Carter, Fashion Historian
8. Interesting Facts About the Burberry Logo
- The Equestrian Knight logo was chosen through a public competition in 1901.
- Burberry’s check pattern was once associated with British aristocracy but later gained mass appeal.
- Peter Saville, who designed the 2018 Burberry logo, also worked on rebranding Calvin Klein and Prada.
- Daniel Lee’s 2023 rebranding marked a revival of traditional luxury aesthetics.
9. Our AI-Generated 2025 Version of the Burberry Logo
As part of our tradition, we used our AI-powered logo generator to create an alternative version of the Burberry logo. This version blends modern aesthetics with heritage elements, demonstrating how AI can reinterpret classic luxury branding.
10 FAQs:
1. What was the first Burberry logo?
The first official Burberry logo, introduced in 1901, was the Equestrian Knight emblem, symbolizing chivalry, strength, and innovation.
2. Why did Burberry remove the Equestrian Knight logo in 2018?
In 2018, Burberry opted for a modern, minimalist sans-serif wordmark to align with digital branding trends and appeal to a global audience.
3. What does the word “Prorsum” in the old Burberry logo mean?
“Prorsum” is Latin for “forward,” representing Burberry’s commitment to innovation and progress.
4. Why did Burberry bring back the Equestrian Knight in 2023?
The 2023 rebranding under Daniel Lee reinstated the knight emblem to reconnect with Burberry’s British heritage and reinforce its luxury identity.
5. Who designed Burberry’s 2018 logo?
The 2018 minimalist logo was designed by Peter Saville, known for his work with luxury brands like Calvin Klein and Prada.
6. What inspired the font in Burberry’s 2023 logo?
The 2023 serif typeface was inspired by historical Burberry logos, bringing back a more elegant and timeless look.
7. Why did Burberry change its name from “Burberrys” to “Burberry”?
In 1999, Burberry dropped the “s” to modernize the brand and simplify its identity for a global market.
8. Is the Burberry check pattern still part of the brand’s identity?
Yes, while the logo has evolved, the iconic Burberry check pattern remains a key part of the brand’s visual identity.
9. What was the purpose of Burberry’s 2023 rebranding?
The 2023 redesign aimed to restore Burberry’s heritage appeal while maintaining a modern, sophisticated image.
10. How has Burberry’s logo influenced other luxury brands?
Burberry’s shift between minimalism and heritage has influenced other luxury brands in their approach to balancing tradition with modernity.