Burberry...A Brief History

02, Nov, 2010

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Burberry is a luxury brand with a distinctive British sensibility, strong international recognition and differentiating brand values that resonate across a multi-generational and dual-gender audience. The Company designs and sources apparel and accessories distributing through a diversified network of retail, wholesale and licensing channels worldwide.

Since its founding in England in 1856, Burberry has been synonymous with quality - as defined by the endurance, classicism and functionality that characterised its history as the outfitter of choice for the explorers and adventurers who pioneered aviation and arctic exploration. Burberry’s development of the trench coat at the turn of the last century rewrote the history of outerwear - when an article of clothing that was designed as practical military gear became an enduring icon of fashion and earned Burberry two Royal Warrants as weatherproofers to both Her Majesty the Queen and the Prince of Wales. The introduction of the trademark Burberry check as the lining to the trench coat in the 1920s created yet another brand icon - one with worldwide recognition of unparalleled status.

CHRISTOPHER BAILEY
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
As Creative Director of Burberry, Christopher Bailey is responsible for the design of all Burberry collections and product lines including Burberry Prorsum, Burberry London, Thomas Burberry and all Burberry licensed products globally. He is also responsible for the company’s overall image including all advertising, corporate art direction and store design and visuals.

Christopher Bailey, 37, is British and was born in Yorkshire.
Christopher joined Burberry in May 2001.
Prior to his appointment at Burberry, Christopher was the senior Designer of Womenswear at Gucci in Milan from 1996 to 2001. From 1994 to 1996 he was the Womenswear Designer at Donna Karan.

AWARDS:
2007
Menswear Designer of the Year 2007, British Fashion Awards (UK)
Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Huddersfield, Yorkshire
2006
Honorary Doctorate from the University of Westminster, where Christopher graduated from with a BA in 1990
2005
Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards (UK) 2003 Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Art. Christopher graduated from the RCA with an MA in 1994.
2003
Honnorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Art. Christopher graduated from the RCA with an MA in 1994

BURBERRY BRIT
CONCEPT
In 2003, Burberry Fragrances launched Burberry Brit for Women. In true British style, Burberry celebrated the individual and introduced a fragrance that embodies a person rather than abstract emotional concept. In 2004, Burberry Fragrances followed the launch of Burberry Brit for Women with the introduction of Burberry
Brit for Men.
Embodying the spirit of Burberry and its modern British style, the Burberry Brit Woman and Man are refreshingly unpretentious, stylish without effort and have a confidence that can only come from authenticity.

DESIGN
Designed by Fabien Baron, the bottles are instantly recognizable. The Eau de Parfum for Women, in its rectangular glass bottle, is decorated with the Burberry check in colours of black, white and red. For Men, the bottle design remains the same, but with the check in masculine shades of grey.
The outer packaging for both scents features the check design and small label, resembling the seal on a preciously wrapped gift.

BURBERRY BRIT FOR WOMEN
FRAGRANCE
Burberry Brit for Women is a green oriental fragrance that features a surprising mix of sugar and spice. Fresh and playful top notes with Italian lime, icy pear and crisp green almond. sweetness emerges through sexy sugared almond and lush white peony. The scent intensifies with the warmth of amber and mahogany, but calms with sensual notes of amber, vanilla and tonka beans.

BURBERRY BRIT FOR MEN
FRAGRANCE
Burberry Brit for Men is a fresh oriental woody fragrance. The unique top notes combine a blend of juicy green mandarin and sparkling bergamot together with freshly cut ginger and frozen cardamom. Its heart is enriched by the elegance of wild rose, spicy hints of nutmeg and vibrant tones of cedarwood. The addition of oriental woods, grey musk and tonka beans makes the scent both sexy and masculine.

BURBERRY THE BEAT FOR WOMEN
EAU DE PARFUM
CONCEPT
Attitude meets energy.
The British Heritage, History And Modernity
The Energy of Fashion, Music and Dance
The Attitude of Youth and Expression
The True Spirit of the movement.

DESIGN
Unique to the current portfolio, the Beat’s bottle and outer packaging emphasize a modern aesthetic fusing metal and glass with frosted Burberry check branding.
The white leather-like strap with logo stamped metal clip references the fashion accessories collection. A soft and appealing nude fragrance colour adds feminine appeal. The crisp white packaging reinterprets the iconic check pattern in reflective chrome and features the bold and graphic Burberry The Beat logo. The matchbox-like opening allows the customer to discover the product, glorified in a mirror silver tray.
FRAGRANCE
Burberry The Beat is a sparkling woody floral fragrance. The unexpected association of Ceylon tea with iris creates an energetic style and powdery sensuality. The bluebell accord brings a distinctive floral wet green note with a luminous and fluid character. Top notes of bergamot, cardamom, pink pepper and mandarin wrap the fragrance in a light and fresh complexion. Dry down notes of white musk, vetiver and cedarwood amplify a carnal aspect to its femininity.Perfumers: Béatrice Piquet, Dominique Ropion, Olivier Polge

BURBERRY THE BEAT FOR MEN
CONCEPT
A fragrance that symbolizes a successful fusion of complementary assets, individualities and strong values which are key components of Burberry today.
A fragrance about the guy who lives in the Moment : a respect for British heritage, history and modernity. Masculine energy, innovation and creativity. Attitude expressing individuality.

DESIGN
“The bottle and packaging embody the effortless masculinity and personality of The Beat man. Metallic greys, charcoals and smoked graphites convey the iconic Burberry heritage with an innovative check etching that reflects a modern individual attitude, versatility and style.” Christopher Bailey
The bottle : Metal and glass with intense dark smoked charcoal and raised graphite interpretation of the Burberry check, create seductive masculine facets to the bottle. A waxed black, cotton strap engraved with the Burberry logo rests alongside the bottle.
The packaging : Rendered in metallic shades of grey and black the matchbox style packaging combines the effortless attitude of the fragrance with the characteristics of The Beat guy expressed through innovative, modern design and creativity.
FRAGRANCE
An addictive fresh spicy woody fragrance with a beat of energy.
Leatherwood LMR: An exclusive ingredient characterized by a distinctive sexiness. A smoky and textured woodiness tinted with leathery accents. A carnal and magnetic addiction bending tradition with a touch of rebellion.
Vetiver bourbon: A legendary wood. A fragrant ambivalence - dry and wet, cold and warm, rough and noble - giving birth to an unmistakable style. The signature of a British timeless elegance.
Energy accord (Cedrat, Black Pepper, Violet Leaves): Vibes of energy running through the fragrance. The juicy and sparkling thrill of cedrat. The vibrant and sharp flash of black pepper. The green and lively pulse of violet leaves. The expression of Burberry’s sleek and avant-garde allure.
Perfumers : Olivier Polge, Domitille Bertier, Dominique Ropion

BURBERRY THE BEAT FOR WOMEN
EAU DE TOILETTE
CONCEPT
A new facet of the original The Beat For Women fragrance. The Beat Eau de Toilette is youthful, feminine, fresh and elegant
The British rebellion & Modernity, The Energy and Spirit of Youth. The attitude and Femininity. The Tradition Contrasted with Individuality
A fragrance made for the young and elegant but rebellious and totally unpredictable woman.Totally feminine and full of life.

DESIGN
The packaging has been redesigned in a fresher, softer spirit, in shades of white for this lighter version of the Eau de Parfum.
The design and shape are the same as for the Eau de Parfum: A shiny white cap and brilliant white tartan decorate the while a white oil skin cord with a chrome Burberry logo clasp recall the packaging of the accessory collection.
The pale pink fragrance is delicate, charming and extremely feminine.
The packaging is decorated in the traditional Burberry tartan in shades of white.
FRAGRANCE
Burberry The Beat For Women Eau de Toilette is a musky fruity floral fragrance.
Top notes of Italian mandarine essential oil give the fragrance zest and energy.
Perfumers : Olivier Polge and Dominique Ropion