Burberry stands as one of the most renowned luxury brands globally, ranking as the tenth largest in terms of luxury market presence. The brand is celebrated for its exquisite trench coats, fragrances, handbags, scarves, footwear, and a variety of leather accessories. The unparalleled craftsmanship evident in each item contributes to its distinctive luxurious appeal, making Burberry a favorite among discerning consumers.
Headquartered in London, England, Burberry boasts a significant international presence with nearly 418 stores spread across 34 countries. For added convenience, shoppers can also purchase Burberry products online. The brand is particularly known for its iconic check pattern, which is meticulously designed and highly recognizable.
If you've ever encountered a Burberry store or explored its online offerings, you might have felt puzzled by the distinction between "Burberrys" and "Burberry." It's common to mistake Burberrys for a counterfeit or a separate entity altogether. In this article, we will clarify the differences between the two, so let’s dive right in and explore everything you need to know about Burberrys and Burberry.
What is the Difference Between Burberrys and Burberry?
Interestingly, Burberrys and Burberry refer to the same brand. Initially launched as Burberry, the fashion house underwent a name change to Burberrys over time. However, in 1999, it reverted to its original name, Burberry, for reasons that remain unclear. In essence, the brand's journey has transitioned from Burberry to Burberrys and back to Burberry once again.
Today, the majority of Burberry products prominently feature the name "Burberry." If you come across an item displaying the "Burberrys" logo, rest assured it's not a counterfeit; rather, it's a vintage piece produced before 2000, placing it squarely in the 20th century. Consider it a fortunate find, but verify its authenticity to ensure it is genuine, and stick with us until the end, as we will provide tips on identifying counterfeit items.
A Brief History of Burberry
Feeling intrigued about the brand's illustrious history? Burberry was founded by Thomas Burberry in 1856 in the quaint town of Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. A pivotal moment in the brand's rise to fame occurred in 1879 when Thomas introduced gabardine, an innovative fabric that is waterproof, durable, and breathable—ideal for the British climate. This marked the beginning of the brand's popularity.
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In 1893, the resilient gabardine was worn to the Arctic by the distinguished zoologist and polar explorer, Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Following his expedition, many other celebrated explorers, including Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton, chose Burberry as their preferred attire for adventure.
In 1901, Burberry unveiled its iconic equestrian knight logo, which has since become emblematic of the brand. During World War I, British soldiers donned Burberry trench coats, solidifying the brand's legacy. Over the years, Burberry's reputation has only grown, establishing it as one of the most beloved luxury brands of the century.
Sub-Brands of Burberry
You may have heard of Burberry Porsum, Burberry Brit, Burberry Blue Label, or Burberry London at some point. Are these all the same, or do they differ in some way? Each of these represents a sub-brand of Burberry, although they have now been consolidated under the umbrella of the main brand. Let’s delve into the specifics of each sub-brand.
Burberry Porsum
Burberry Porsum was regarded as the most luxurious sub-brand, focusing primarily on runway collections. The term "Porsum" translates to "forward," signifying a line intended for those keen on fashion experimentation and runway styles. However, this line was discontinued in 2015, and now all collections fall under the singular name “Burberry.”
Burberry Blue Label
Initiated by Sanyo Shokai in 1996, Burberry Blue Label catered specifically to the Japanese market, initially targeting women before gradually introducing a men’s line known as Burberry Black Label. This label exclusively featured products available in Japan. In 2015, the partnership between Burberry and Sanyo Shokai ended, leading to the Blue Label's independence. Sanyo Shokai continues to operate the Blue and Black Labels, while Burberry has also established its own operations in Japan.
Burberry Brit
Similar to Burberry Porsum, Burberry Brit was one of the three principal lines within the luxury brand. This line primarily showcased classic styles that appealed to a younger, fashion-savvy clientele. Featuring trench coats, raincoats, and scarves, Burberry Brit offered a more affordable alternative to Porsum. However, it too was discontinued in 2016.
Burberry London
Burberry London represented another of the brand's main lines, focusing on casual streetwear and comfortable clothing suitable for everyday activities and outdoor adventures. As the most affordable of the three lines, it was also discontinued in 2016 and merged into the overarching Burberry brand.
How to Identify Authentic Burberry Products?
Now that you have a foundational understanding of Burberry and its history, do you feel equipped to distinguish authentic Burberry products from counterfeit ones? If you’re unsure, consider the following indicators:
Authentic Burberry items feature neat stitching that reflects impeccable craftsmanship.
For Burberry bags, be wary of fakes that have the logo either stamped or printed on them.
Genuine products display leather labels with centered logos or metal plaques bearing stamped logos.
The folded tags accompanying the products should accurately describe the item; discrepancies may indicate a counterfeit.
Examine the iconic plaids: authentic Burberry plaids are straight and evenly matched, while counterfeit plaids tend to be skewed and mismatched.
On Burberry trench coats, a prominent “BURBERRY” label is found along the neckline, accompanied by a smaller label that indicates the coat's origin and size, both centered.
If you're still uncertain about a product's authenticity,
