Burberry Perfume
Burberry was founded in 1856, when Thomas Burberry, a former apprentice of a country draper, opened an outfitters shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. Business thrived and by 1870, Burberry became known as an “emporium” with increased focus on the development on outdoor wear for local residents and visiting sportsmen who frequented the store.Thomas Burberry invented gabardine- a breathable fabric made using an innovative process where the yarn was waterproofed before weaving. This fabric was not only water – resistant but also very durable. A patent was taken out in 1888. Burberry opened his first shop at the Haymarket, now the company’s corporate headquarters. The Burberry Equestrian Knight logo containing the Latin word "Prorsum" meaning forwards was developed and registered as a trademark in 1901.
The Norwegian explorer Captain Roald Amundsen was outfitted by Burberry when he became the first man to reach the South Pole on 14 December 1911. Amundsen let a Burberry gabardine tent to inform Captain Scott of his successful mission. Ernest Shackleton was later outfitted by Burberry in his 1914 expedition to the Antarctic.
In 1914 Burberry was commissioned by the War Office to adapt its officer's coat, or Tielocken Coat, to suit the conditions of British contemporary warfare, resulting in the modern day "trench coat". After the war, the trench coat became popular with civilians. The iconic Burberry check was created in the 1920's and used as a lining in its trench coats. The trench, camel, black, white and red pattern known as the 'Burberry check' was first used as a lining for their trench coat in 1924 but it wasn't until as late as 1967 that the Burberry Check, now a registered trademark, was widely used alone for items including umbrellas, scarves and luggage.
Burberry also played a part in aviation, producing garments specially designed for aviators.
In 1955, the Queen awarded Burberry its first official Royal warrant and in 1989 received another from the Prince of Wales. In 2006 Burberry celebrated its 150th anniversary.
In 1995, Burberry launched Burberry Perfume for Women. This refreshing designer perfume soon became one of the most popular fragrances in the market In 1997, Rose Marie Bravo was hired as chief executive in order to revamp the brand’s image. She launched an advertising campaign featuring Kate Moss and brought in new products and designs. Other stars including David Beckham and Madonna have sported Burberry goods.
In February 1999, Burberry staged the first catwalk show for its collections during London Fashion week and was honoured as a British Classic Design Collection of the year. The company was firmly re-established as an icon of enduring style and was honoured by the British Fashion Council in 2000 and 2001 in both the Contemporary and Classic design categories.
Burberry Touch, a fragrance for men and women was launched in 2000 and Burberry Brit in 2003.
Financial analysts estimate that the company is currently worth £1.2 bn and £1.8 bn.
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