DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: BURBERRY

In 1856, a 21 year-old Thomas Burberry, the OG Christian Siriano, opened his own shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. Burberry became reknowned for quality outerwear; in 1880 that reputation was cemented when Burberry invented gabardine, a rough-and-tumble fabric that could take a licking and keep on ticking considering that the fabric was water-resistant and yet breathable. However, gabardine wasn't the only contribution burberry made to outerwear. In 1914, the UK War Office tapped Burberry to construct an officer's coat which would be compatable for contemporary wartime conditions. Burberry took the task to hand and created the now iconic trench coat.

Today Burberry's not just known for innovation in outerwear. In 2001, Christopher Bailey joined the ranks as head designer at Burberry. Bailey, who previoulsy held design posts at Gucci and Donna Karan, revamped the brand and produced innovative and elegant designs for all facets of women's wear. No wonder style maven like Sienna miller and Kate Moss can often be seen decked out in Burberry and Hogwart's ingenue, Emma Watson has been tapped to be the face of the brand in their latest ad campaign.

Rather than focus this post on Burberry's signature haymarket check or camel colored coat, we've decided to post a few pieces that demonstrate Burberry's ability to produce stunning pieces that are red carpet ready, with or without the trench! After all, Prorsum does mean forwards in Latin . . .

*Burberry lavender metal floral necklace. In mint condition. Priced at $1120.

**Burberry brass coin dress. In a size 40 and in next-to-new condition. Priced at $6000.

***Burberry black pearlescent feather starched skirt. No size--probably a runway sample. in next-to-new condition and priced at $1500.

For further information or to purchase: please contact: lizzy@decadestwo.com