Burberry

Thomas Burberry opened his first store in Basingstoke in 1856 with a simple mission: to design clothing that protected people from the British weather. The brand gained immediate traction for inventing gabardine, a breathable yet waterproof fabric that transformed travel gear during the Victorian era. This innovation allowed explorers and soldiers to face harsh conditions without sacrificing comfort or mobility.

Today the company operates as a publicly traded entity on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker BRBY. While Christopher Bailey led creative direction until 2018, Marco Gobbetti now steers the business strategy as CEO. The house maintains flagship locations in London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Shanghai while managing a robust global e-commerce network.

Recent years have brought significant shifts for the luxury group. By August 2026, stock values had dipped roughly 55%, prompting Frasers Group to acquire a major stake and become the third-largest shareholder. Despite these market fluctuations, the brand continues launching new products like the Burberry Goddess Amber Vanilla fragrance in July 2026 and hosting exclusive events such as a summer pop-up at Topping Rose House in the Hamptons. [edit]