Burberry Unveils Star-Studded Campaign for 170th Anniversary Milestone
In a grand celebration of its 170th anniversary, the heritage British fashion brand Burberry has launched a captivating global campaign titled 'The Trench, Portraits of an Icon'. This initiative features a stunning collection of images, highlighting 23 legendary figures from the worlds of film, music, sport, and fashion, all elegantly dressed in Burberry's iconic trench coat.
A Timeless Icon Reimagined
Invented by brand founder Thomas Burberry in 1879, the Burberry trench coat was originally designed to offer protection against all weather conditions. Crafted from gabardine, an innovative fabric that revolutionised rainwear, it has since become a symbol of British style and sophistication. The new campaign, photographed by renowned artist Tim Walker, brings this classic piece to life through a series of striking black-and-white portraits.
Among the standout stars featured are supermodel and British icon Kate Moss, a long-time admirer of the brand, who poses in a classic outerwear look. Reality star and supermodel Kendall Jenner, aged 30, adds a sultry touch with her trench coat snaps, while model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is captured sheltering under a Burberry check umbrella. Other notable participants include actress Daisy Edgar-Jones, who exudes effortless cool, and Arsenal footballer Eberechi Eze, looking razor-sharp in his Burberry ensemble.
Royal and Rock Star Endorsements
The Burberry trench coat has long been a favourite among royalty and celebrities alike. Historical moments include King Charles wearing his Burberry trench alongside the late Princess Diana during a 1983 holiday in Nova Scotia. More recently, Catherine, Princess of Wales, donned her trench on a royal visit to Belfast with Prince William in 2011.
In the music world, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher showcased his Burberry trench at the brand's London Fashion Week show in 2018. This year, his sons Lennon and Gene continued the family tradition, wearing Burberry's iconic check print to the latest catwalk event. The campaign also features a diverse array of other icons, such as Agyness Deyn, Hikaru Utada, Kid Cudi, and Little Simz, emphasising the coat's cross-generational appeal.
Celebrating Heritage and Innovation
Daniel Lee, Burberry's Chief Creative Officer, commented on the campaign, stating, "To celebrate the Burberry trench, an icon of British style and fashion, we invited friends from across the creative world to bring it to life." This sentiment is echoed by Joshua Schulman, Chief Executive Officer of Burberry, who highlighted the trench coat's enduring legacy: "The Burberry trench coat stands as one of the most iconic signifiers of our brand, and this campaign tells its timeless story - a story rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and authenticity that have defined us for 170 years."
As Burberry marks this significant anniversary, the campaign serves as a year-long celebration of the house's archive and history. It honours a legacy that continues to shape its present and future, inspiring individuals across generations to express their individuality while remaining unmistakably Burberry. The trench coat, with its deep roots in British culture, remains a staple of style, instantly recognisable on both the street and the global stage.
