Burberry's Trench Coat Evolution Celebrated Through Archive Designs for 170th Anniversary

Burberry marks its 170th anniversary by highlighting the trench coat's enduring legacy through eight defining designs from its archive. The iconic garment originated from Thomas Burberry's 1879 invention of gabardine fabric, leading to the Tielocken coat in 1895 and the trench coat's introduction during World War I. Creative directors have continuously reinterpreted the trench, with Christopher Bailey (2001-2018) adding metallics and confetti rain effects, Riccardo Tisci (2018-2022) transforming it into gowns, and current chief creative officer Daniel Lee presenting resin puddles on his February 2026 runway at London's Old Billingsgate Market. Tim Walker's new photographic series 'The Trench, Portraits of an Icon' features 23 figures including Kate Moss, Little Simz, Teyana Taylor, and Jack Draper. The coat has been worn by Hollywood legends like Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, and Greta Garbo. Lee describes the trench as 'the foundation of Burberry' and 'a symbol of resilience, innovation and personal style.' The house was founded in 1856 in Basingstoke, Hampshire, with weather protection as its core purpose. The anniversary coverage appears in Wallpaper*'s May 2026 Design Issue.