Burberry, a luxury British fashion house with origins in battlefield gear and outfitting real-life explorers, is universally renowned for its vintage trench coats, jackets, footwear and handbags. The brand has undergone several transformations since its inception in the 19th century.
When the 21-year-old apprentice draper Thomas Burberry (1835–1926) opened a small clothing outfitter in Basingstoke, Hampshire, in 1856, he catered to the needs of the local population, focusing on weatherproof clothing designed for outdoor activities like hunting, riding and fishing.
Building on his success, Burberry researched more fabrics that would be suitable for these country pursuits. In 1888, he patented gabardine, a durable, breathable fabric that was ready for any British weather. The material was groundbreaking for rainwear, which previously had been bulky and heavy. Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen wore it on his 1893 North Pole expedition and Burberry later outfitted Sir Ernest Shackleton on his Antarctic expeditions. These high-profile demonstrations of its design for extreme conditions fueled Burberry’s growth as a trusted brand.
The Tielocken coat — a forerunner to the trench coat — was patented in 1912, featuring just a button at the collar and a single strap. Higher-ranking British officers during World War I donned trench coats designed by the likes of Burberry, Aquascutum and other firms.
The design of Burberry’s classic trench demonstrated a consideration of the demand for both weather protection and function on the battlefield, with every element having its purpose, whether it was the epaulets for an officer’s rank or the gun flap at the breast. When the now-familiar check — a plaid check with black, white and red stripes on a background of beige — was added as a lining during the 1920s, a fashion icon was born. Scarves and other items featuring the pattern rendered the Burberry plaid an instantly recognizable hallmark of the house around the globe.
The brand continued to gain popularity throughout the 20th century, but by the 1990s, it was in dire need of a refresh. By the time Christopher Bailey was named design director at Burberry in 2001, the check was so ubiquitous through rampant knockoffs that it had become a reference for kitsch rather than quality.
Drawing on its heritage of craftsmanship with a new streetwear edge, Bailey helped rebuild Burberry’s relevance as a reputable fashion brand. Key to this reimagining was developing an understanding of how to democratically market high-end luxury fashion. Milestones in this regard materialized in 2010, when Burberry became the first brand to livestream a fashion show (and did so using 3D technology), and in 2020, when the house brought its London Fashion Week presentation to Twitch, a popular American livestreaming service. The international visibility brought with it renewed interest in the brand, which eventually revived its tartan after dropping it from many of its clothes, including in a 2018 collaboration with Russian designer Gosha Rubchinskiy that swathed shirts, dresses, coats and bags in the check.
Although tastes have changed, the signature trench coats that date back to Burberry’s beginnings remain at the brand’s core, with new fabrics and fits continuing to adapt this British style classic to contemporary trends.
Find vintage Burberry trench coats, shoes, handbags and other outerwear and accessories on 1stDibs.
Burberry Check Blue Tinted Rectangular Sunglasses circa 1990s
By Burberry
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Burberry Check Blue Tinted Rectangular Sunglasses from the circa 1990s embody classic British elegance with a distinctive vintage appeal. Featuring the iconic Burberry check pattern ...
Burberry 1990's Patterned Shield Sunglasses
By Burberry
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Vintage Burberry at it's best! Get a piece of the iconic fashion house with these deadstock sunglasses. Adding the right accessories to an outfit can really take it from zero to hero! Try it out with these cool and edgy sunglasses. Vintage is always better as the quality of these sunglasses will last you a lifetime! These vintage 1990's Burberry sunglasses feature a large oversized shield shape, semi-rimless style, faint green tinted lenses, beautiful gold thin metal temples, iconic Burberry pattern on the front, and 'BURBERRY' embossed detailing on each side of the sunglasses. These sunglasses have been kept safe for 30 years and are in almost new condition, never worn! These would look perfect dressed up for drinks with friends or throw them on with a t-shirt and jeans to elevate the look. Try styling these vintage Burberry with some Versace leather pants...
Burberry 1990's Bronze Rectangular Sunglasses
By Burberry
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Vintage Burberry at it's best! Get a piece of the iconic fashion house with these deadstock sunglasses. Adding the right accessories to an outfit can really take it from zero to hero in one step! Try it out with these cool and edgy sunglasses. Vintage is always better as the quality of these sunglasses will last you a lifetime! These vintage 1990's Burberry sunglasses feature a narrow petite rectangular shape, metal-rimmed style, faint brown tinted lenses, beautiful bronze metal, and iconic Burberry pattern detailing on each side of the sunglasses. These sunglasses have been kept safe for 30 years and are in almost new condition, never worn! These would look perfect dressed up for drinks with friends or throw them on with a t-shirt and jeans to elevate the look. Try styling these vintage Burberry with some Versace leather pants...
Burberry 1990's Rimless Oval Sunglasses
By Burberry
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Vintage Burberry at it's best! Get a piece of the iconic fashion house with these deadstock sunglasses. Adding the right accessories to an outfit can really take it from zero to hero! Try it out with these cool and edgy sunglasses. Vintage is always better as the quality of these sunglasses will last you a lifetime! These vintage 1990's Burberry sunglasses feature a petite oval shape, rimless style, faint blue tinted lenses, a beautiful silver thin metal and blue temples, and iconic Burberry pattern and logo embossed on each side. These sunglasses have been kept safe for 30 years and are in almost new condition, never worn! These would look perfect dressed up for drinks with friends or throw them on with a t-shirt and jeans to elevate the look. Try styling these vintage Burberry with some Versace leather pants...
1990s Burberry Purple Check Rectangular Frame Tinted Sunglasses
By Burberry
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The 1990s Burberry Purple Check Rectangular Frame Tinted Sunglasses epitomize the bold fashion statements of the era. With a striking purple check pattern, these sunglasses combine a...
Gucci Chunky Tortoise Style Sunglasses circa 1990s
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Vintage Gucci Chunky Tortoise Style Sunglasses are a timeless accessory that effortlessly combines retro charm with modern sophistication. Featuring bold, oversized frames crafted from high-quality tortoise-patterned acetate, these sunglasses exude an air of luxury and vintage appeal. The chunky design not only offers excellent sun protection but also makes a statement, elevating any outfit with a touch of glamour. These sunglasses pair beautifully with a range of high-end designer pieces, such as a classic Chanel tailored blazer, a sleek Louis Vuitton leather handbag, or a pair of Prada silk scarves...
Burberry Joni Sunglasses With Logo Lettering
By Burberry
Located in London, GB
Burberry Joni Sunglasses With Logo Lettering Oversized green sunglasses designed with a 3D gold-tone metal cut-out 'BURBERRY' logo lettering running across the sides. Featuring dar...
Burberry Women Sunglasses B4283 One size
By Burberry
Located in Kaunas, LT
Check my other listings. Have many more designer clothes for sale. Open to any offers. Item for sale is 100% genuine Burberry B4283 Women Sunglasses Color: brown (An actual color ma...
BURBERRY black acetate CAT-EYE Sunglasses Gradient Lens B 4118-Q
By Burberry
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Burberry sunglasses with a black acetate frame and leather temples featuring grey gradient lenses. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. Come with case. Wi...
Burberry Beige Square Sunglasses
By Burberry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
- Beige frame - Polar brown gradient lenses - Gold tone hardware - Made in Italy - Includes dust bag and case
Vintage sunglasses from Thierry Mugler - Podium - 1990's
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Paris, FR
Discover one of the most iconic eyewear creations by Thierry Mugler, a design that perfectly embodies the brand’s avant-garde vision and audacious aesthetic. Crafted during the 1990s...
Burberry, green sunglasses
By Burberry London
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Burberry, green sunglasses. The item is in very good condition.
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