Burberry

In the mid-Victorian era, the apprentice Thomas Burberry opened a small clothing shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire. A dedication to high quality and the development of new materials raised Mr Burberry's shop to a high reputation, and by 1870 the shop had grown into a small empire. In 1880, his company introduced an invention that made it to the pages of history. Gabardine was a lightweight, breathable, rain and tear-resistant fabric, distinguished by its diagonal weave.

In 1891, the company changed its name to Thomas Burberry & Sons as a new generation was ready to make their contribution. In 1895, the company developed the Tielocken, a precursor to the trench coat and worn by army officers during the Boer War. In 1901 arrived the still-used knight logo with the Latin word PRORSUM (onwards) on the banner. In 1914, the company received an order from the army for an overcoat. Epaulettes were added to the Tielocken and D-shaped metal belt rings, and the trench coat was born. In 1920, the classic Burberry tartan was created, which became part of the lining of the trench coats as an ornament. In 1955, Queen Elizabeth granted the company a Seal of Royal Warrant, and in 1989 it received another one from the Prince of Wales.

In 2006, Burberry celebrated its 150th anniversary as an internationally renowned clothing brand, but its logo and tartan had fallen into disrepute. Like all clothing manufacturers that grow too big, Burberry's prestige has waned as its symbols have been appropriated by the masses.