The 8,000 square foot store, Burberry's first in Los Angeles, is scheduled to open in early Autumn 2001. The store will showcase the Burberry design collections for men and women, as well as the brand's signature accessories.

"The U.S. market continues to be key to our retail growth strategy with significant untapped potential," stated Burberry chief Executive Rose Marie Bravo. "This prime location in Beverly Hills gives us an exciting opportunity to introduce the shopping experience of our London flagship to the resident customer base as well as Southern California's important tourist market."

The design of the store reflects the prototype created for the Company's worldwide flagship, which opened on New Bond Street in London in September of last year. A merger of classicism and modernism, the overall look is very residential with warm wood tones and rich leathers. The color palette and detailing takes inspiration from Burberry's trademark plaid. Randall A. Ridless who was responsible for the design of the London flagship will be supervising the project in tandem with Architect Daniel J. Barteluce and the Burberry in-house design team.

Burberry, the original British luxury brand, was founded in 1856. With headquarters in London and New York, the company currently has 18 directly operated stores in the United States, including locations on Post Street in San Francisco and South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.