170 years is no small feat. Least of all in the fashion industry, a sector navigating a particularly delicate moment, where even the most established houses can falter. If there is one firm that has weathered every storm, continually evolving without ever betraying its essence, it is Burberry.
Established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the British house has built a legacy that transcends trends. Throughout its long history, Burberry has achieved numerous milestones, including the invention of trench in 1879, a pioneering fabric designed to resist the elements while allowing freedom of movement. Today, each trench coat continues to embody that same duality: practical yet expressive, functional yet unmistakably elegant.
If one piece defines Burberry beyond doubt, it is the trench coat. Seen season after season on the streets of the world’s most influential cities and adaptable to almost any occasion, the trench is far more than a garment. It is a statement of intent. To mark its 170th anniversary, Burberry unveils The Trench, Portraits of an Icon, a campaign that pays tribute to this enduring silhouette.
Shot by the esteemed Tim Walker, the series brings together 23 international figures who each lend their presence to the coat. Presented in intimate black-and-white portraits, Walker dispenses with colour to focus instead on attitude and gesture (a collar turned up, a belt loosely tied) capturing the effortless sophistication the trench imparts to its wearer.
Featuring figures such as Kate Moss, Jonathan Bailey, Kendall Jenner, Kid Cudi, and Teyana Taylor, the cast forms a cross-generational portrait of contemporary culture, a collective study in character and charisma that underscores the trench’s universal appeal. “To celebrate the Burberry trench, an icon of British style and fashion, we invited friends from across the creative world to bring it to life,” says Daniel Lee, Chief Creative Officer, emphasising the spirit of collaboration at its core.
Beyond the portraits, a documentary film set to a soundtrack by Blur captures unscripted exchanges between cast and crew, reflecting a modern Britain that is creative, confident, and outward-looking. As CEO Joshua Schulman notes, the trench remains one of the most iconic signifiers of the house, a story rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and authenticity that has defined Burberry for 170 years. Judging by this celebration, its legacy feels not only intact but more alive than ever. Happy Birthday, Burberry!
Take a look at the latest Burberry campaign below:
