Burberry and V&A Trace Trench Coat History in 170th Anniversary Show

Burberry partners with the V&A for an archival exhibition marking the fashion house's 170th anniversary. Titled "The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon," the show at V&A South Kensington's Prince Consort Gallery traces the coat's evolution from Thomas Burberry's 1879 invention of cotton gabardine to present-day designs. It is organized into three sections: "Invention" covers the gabardine origin; "Craft" details hand-finished collars, House Check lining, and storm accessories; "Creativity" highlights runway moments from Chief Creative Officers Daniel Lee and Christopher Bailey. Objects exhibited for the first time include early 20th-century catalogues and a trench worn by Hardy Amies. The exhibition runs September 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, ahead of The Burberry Gallery—a reimagined V&A fashion gallery opening in late 2028. Curator Oriole Cullen and Burberry Brand Curator Carly Eck are quoted.