Burberry’s Iconic Logo: A Historical Evolution

The Story Behind Burberry Logo

When delving into iconic fashion symbols, the Burberry logo design immediately captures attention, akin to the timeless appeal of the Coca-Cola logo. Evoking elegance and tradition, Burberry’s emblem has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of British culture, much like the iconic beverage brand’s logo. It serves as a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy and commitment to craftsmanship.

As with any emblematic design, the evolution of the Burberry logo tells a captivating tale. From its inception, the logo has been synonymous with Burberry’s quintessential British charm, much like the enduring imagery associated with the Amazon Logo. Over time, it has become a visual representation of timeless style and luxury, akin to the iconic beverage brand’s enduring popularity.

For those intrigued by the intersection of design and culture, exploring the history of the Burberry logo design is akin to uncovering a hidden treasure. Just as a logo design service meticulously crafts a brand’s visual identity, Burberry’s logo has undergone careful evolution, mirroring the brand’s journey through time. From its humble beginnings to its modern sophistication, the logo’s story is as intriguing as it is stylish.

Established as a high-end fashion house in 1856, Burberry has stood the test of time much like Coca-Cola. Its instantly recognizable trench coats and checkered patterns have solidified its status as one of the world’s most renowned labels. Much like the Professional logo design services offered by leading agencies, Burberry’s visual identity has been meticulously cultivated, ensuring its resonance across generations.

One cannot overlook the significance of a brand’s logo in shaping its identity. Just as a Corporate logo design agency carefully crafts visual representations of brands, Burberry’s logo has played a pivotal role in defining its image. While the iconic equestrian and galloping horse have long been associated with the brand, the decision to remove the rider in 2018 marked a significant shift, reflecting the brand’s evolution while retaining its essence.

The History of Burberry

Early Beginnings

Thomas Burberry founded the brand in 1856 at the age of 21, pioneering the use of Gabardine, a revolutionary fabric for rainwear. The company’s growth led to its relocation to London in 1891, where its innovative designs gained prominence.

Popular Designs

In 1912, Burberry developed the trench coat, which gained fame during World War I and was worn by explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton. The trench coat remains a hallmark of the brand.

The Burberry Check

The iconic Burberry check, introduced in the 1920s, quickly became a signature design. However, widespread imitation in the 1980s and 1990s led to a decline in the brand’s exclusivity.

The Decline and Renaissance

Burberry faced challenges due to the imitation of its check design and overexposure. A major turnaround came with a campaign led by Christopher Bailey and Angela Ahrendts, who sought to reclaim the brand’s luxury status by reducing the check’s prominence and canceling licenses.

The Evolution of Burberry’s Logo

The First Version (1901–1968)

The initial Burberry logo, introduced in 1901, featured an equestrian figure with a pike and shield, symbolizing nobility and power. This design evolved but retained its core values of elegance and quality.

The Second Version (1968–1999)

Modernization efforts in 1968 resulted in a logo that balanced British heritage with cosmopolitan sophistication. This era highlighted the brand’s ability to adapt while preserving its traditional roots.

The Third Version (1999–2018)

A significant transformation in 1999 introduced an enlarged emblem with a reintroduced rider, symbolizing Burberry’s commitment to blending tradition with modernity. The elegant serif typeface and adjusted tagline reflected the brand’s evolution.

The Fourth Version (2018–2023)

The 2018 redesign embraced a modern, youthful approach, removing the knight symbol but keeping it in certain applications. This redesign represented Burberry’s readiness to evolve while maintaining a connection to its heritage.

The Fifth Version (2023–Present)

The 2023 logo features a refined, uppercase typeface with a feminine and lively feel. The updated design balances contemporary style with traditional elements, reflecting Burberry’s commitment to trendsetting and heritage.

Symbol, Color, and Font

Symbol

The equestrian figure with a shield symbolizes honor, pride, and nobility. The use of black in the logo conveys quality, elegance, and durability.

Font

The new typeface is a modern sans-serif similar to Urania Extra Bold, combining traditional serif elements with a sleek, contemporary look.

Color

While earlier versions used dark red, the current logo is predominantly black and white, underscoring the brand’s timeless elegance and adaptability.

Reflecting the Brand’s Core Values

Burberry’s logo evolution embodies its core values of excellence, innovation, and quality. It represents a blend of tradition and modernity, inspiring designers and enthusiasts alike.

Learning Lessons from Burberry’s Logo

Burberry’s logo exemplifies the importance of intelligent design, brand strategy, and cultural resonance. Its evolution demonstrates how a logo can adapt to market dynamics while maintaining consistency and symbolism.

FAQs

What does the Burberry logo mean?

The original logo featured a knight with a shield, symbolizing the founder’s aspirations and conveying nobility and grandeur.

What happened to the Burberry logo?

In 2018, the logo was redesigned by Peter Saville, removing the knight symbol and introducing a modern typeface.

Why is the Burberry logo TB?

The “TB” monogram stands for Thomas Burberry, the brand’s founder, and has been used since 1908.

Conclusion

Burberry’s logo is a compelling narrative of tradition and innovation, reflecting the brand’s journey from its origins to its modern-day reinvention. Like other iconic logos, it represents a blend of historical reverence and forward-thinking design. Burberry’s commitment to excellence and adaptability ensures its continued relevance in the luxury fashion industry, providing valuable lessons in branding for designers and marketers.