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When it comes to timeless style, the Burberry Trench Coat reigns over fashion alongside the Chanel suit and the Hermes bag. Established in 1856, Burberry (burberry.com), a luxurious British retailer, has been selling the trench in many guises for well over a century. From practical soldiers' uniform to prized heirloom, it has become synonymous with style -- a precious wardrobe addition for the well-heeled.
The Birth of the Trench Coat
Two companies claim the invention of the trench coat, Burberry and fellow Brit Aquascutum. Leaving that to Judge Judy, Burberry's is a masterpiece in practicality, durability and style. Traditionally it is a light olive twill, with design details such as a hook fastening collar and the signature Burberry checked lining. With prices from a few hundred dollars on eBay to around $5,000, you can buy one in Burberry, department and vintage stores worldwide.
The Trench Coat at War
In 1901 a designer named Thomas Burberry proposed his raincoat design to the British Army as its official raincoat. It became known as the "trench" coat after being worn by thousands in the battlefield trenches of World War I. Burberry had tweaked details, adding epaulets, d-rings and straps for better performance. By World War II, the Burberry trench coat was worn by troops in both U.K. and U.S. armies.
The Trench Coat and Hollywood
Like Carrie Bradshaw in the noughties, screen stars have always influenced fashion. Outside of the battlefields, the Burberry trench coat was popularized by its appearance in movies such as the "Pink Panther" films and "Casablanca," and by style icons of the day. Amber Morales, "Daily Mirror" fashion editor, explains: "The epitome of understated elegance, it's historically been worn by women with an innate sense of style like Catherine Deneuve and Audrey Hepburn."
Down Time for a Classic Coat
There was a period (somewhere between flares and skinny jeans) when Burberry was seen as out of touch. Its distinctive check became the uniform of both rich fusty grandmas and the flashy and tasteless. You could stumble across the quintessential coat in thrift stores and garage sales. "So robustly made as to be almost indestructible, they outlived their owners and were tossed aside by the next generation," explains "The Guardian." It seemed Burberry had lost its way.
A Triumphant Return
Since his appointment in 2001, designer Christopher Bailey has transformed the coat. "By hooking the trench into fashion," he revitalized it, says "The Guardian." There is the Prorsum runway collection (new season, new must-have trench), a new bespoke service (studs, anyone?) and even a website, The Art of the Trench (if you have one, upload a snap of you wearing it) -- not to mention the celebrity fans, including a potential future queen of England.
