Christopher Bailey’s Contemporary Take on Burberry’s Iconic Trench Coat

One of Burberry's cool trench coats makes it way down the runway for fall-winter 2017. — One of Burberry’s cool trench coats makes it way down the runway for fall-winter 2017.

When it comes to style icons, Hollywood legends such as James Dean and Steve McQueen may come to mind. However, clothing can be equally iconic. One covetable item that stands the test of time is Burberry’s signature trench coat. Burberry lays claim to the creation of the trench coat, alongside Aquascutum.

Originally, the noted fashion house produced its trench coat for British army officers. Synonymous with the trench coat, one of Burberry’s styles was even worn by Humphrey Bogart in the 1943 classic film Casablanca. A commercial success as well, classic Burberry trenches include check lining. The signature detail was originally introduced in 1924.

Burberry’s Modern Trench Coat

The Burberry trench is revisited by Christopher Bailey. Left to Right: Fall/Winter 2005, Spring/Summer 2008, and Fall/Winter 2008

While Burberry still adheres to a classic aesthetic with its heritage trench coat, there have been several modern reinterpretations. The 2000 launch of Burberry Prorsum menswear signaled a new beginning. Designer Christopher Bailey made his debut as design director. Prorsum is latin for forward and what Bailey did in the following seasons perfectly exemplified this idea.

The Burberry reflects the changing times with a metallic foil trench coat for spring-summer 2013.

Bailey brilliantly took a heritage label and transformed it into a progressive fashion house. Gravitating towards color and prints, each season saw Bailey put a young new face on Burberry staples. From scarves to the iconic trench, Burberry had several recognizable hits. Showing a playful hand, Bailey sent a Burberry check trench coat in a treated fabric down the catwalk. However, the mere drama of his designs didn’t stop there. Delivering vibrant colors, Bailey’s short double-breasted trenches were the talk of the spring-summer 2008 season.

Continuing to transform, the Burberry trench coat suits many occasions. Left to Right: Burberry Fall/Winter 2006, Spring/Summer 2005, Spring/Summer 2006 — Modern Transformation: The Burberry trench coat suits many occasions. Left to Right: Burberry Fall/Winter 2006, Spring/Summer 2005, Spring/Summer 2006

The Burberry trench in its modern form has taken on many moods. From a sophisticated double-breasted style in suede to a bold metallic foil like spring-summer 2013, the trench proves to be as classic as it’s fashion-forward. Bailey’s repurposing of timeless style also demonstrated the trench coat’s versatility. During his tenure at Burberry, Bailey has effortlessly taken the trench from formal to casual and back. Whether, you’re a t-shirt type of guy or gravitate towards a sharp tailored suit, Burberry has the perfect trench for you.

Taking to the catwalk, a model wears a double-breasted trench from Burberry's fall-winter 2016 collection. — Taking to the catwalk, a model wears a double-breasted trench from Burberry’s fall-winter 2016 collection.

Although, Burberry is at the forefront of innovative styles, it still respects the classics. You can always depend on the label for one of its heritage trench coat styles. Available in long, medium, and shorts fits, Burberry offers its heritage trench year round. It also comes in a variety of colors, but the true essential is the label’s honey hued trench in weatherproof gabardine. In fact, gabardine was created by Burberry founder Thomas Burberry in 1879.