DALLAS, Oct 5, 2001/ FW/ --- Known for its trademark plaid, Burberry has over a hundred year history. It was founded by Thomas Burberry in 1856 as a specialty store for outdoor wear and sporting goods.

Thomas Burberry was not only an entrepreneur, he was also an innovator. He invented the water resistant fabric gabardine in 1888.

The company would continue to specialize in outerwear 100 years after it was founded. The famous Burberry check was introduced as an inside lining to trench coats during the 1920s when it was also registered as a trademark.

It would not be until the fashion revolution of the 1960s with London dominating the fashion scene with the Beatles and Twiggy as spearheads that Burberry would make a stab at the fashion scene. Their famous Burberry checks would be used in umbrellas, luggage and scarves.

Two decades later, the company started to revitalize its brands and trademarks. It was accompanied with retail expansion, opening stores in New York and other major cities.

In 1997, it entered the high fashion scene, debuting at London Fashion Week on-schedule show with Roberto Menicheti as the Artistic Director. The Italian designer would make Burberry into a fashion force with his edgy designs.

In March of 2001, British designer Christopher Bailey took over the helm at Burberry as Artistic Director.

Under his helm, the House of Burberry stepped back from plaid while going back to its British roots of Burberry.

In turn, Bailey's new direction will bring the house into new heights.

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2007 (Photo by Giovanni Pucci)

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2008 (Photo by Giovanni Pucci)

Website: www.burberry.com

For store locations, please log on at www.burberry.com

Press Contact:
BURBERRY PRORSUM:
Menswear
Tel: +39 02 55 22 841
Fax: +39 02 55 23 13 12

Womenswear:
Papł Sanguineti
Tel: +39 02 58 34 921
Fax: +39 02 58 30 68 05

Burberry of London
Buyers:
Ulrik Garde Due
Tel: 020 7968 0238
Fax: 020 7925 0540

Burberry Prorsum
Burberry Ltd
Press:
Sarah Manley
18-22 Haymarket
LONDON SW1Y 4DQ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7968 0301
Fax: +44 20 7968 0393

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