Burberry, a name synonymous with British heritage and luxury, boasts a history as rich and complex as its iconic check pattern. The Burberry logo, a seemingly simple emblem, has undergone subtle yet significant transformations over the decades, mirroring the brand's journey from a practical outerwear provider to a global fashion powerhouse. Understanding the evolution of the Burberry logo is to understand the brand's own evolution – its struggles with counterfeiting, its strategic rebranding efforts, and its enduring appeal.
Burberry Original Logo: Humble Beginnings in Victorian England
To understand the Burberry logo, we must first journey back to 1856, to Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. This is where 21-year-old Thomas Burberry established his outerwear shop. The original Burberry logo, unlike the instantly recognizable designs of today, was far more understated. While precise images from this early period are scarce, early branding likely focused on the name "Burberry's" and perhaps a simple depiction of the shop itself, highlighting its focus on practical and durable outerwear. This era reflects the brand's initial focus: providing high-quality, weatherproof garments for the British countryside. There was no singular, standardized logo as we understand it today. The focus was on quality craftsmanship and word-of-mouth reputation.
The Rise of the Check and the Emergence of a Visual Identity:
The true genesis of the Burberry visual identity lies in the development of its now-famous check pattern, officially known as the "Haymarket Check." Created in the early 20th century, this distinctive pattern – initially a beige, brown, red, and black plaid – became intrinsically linked to the brand. While not initially a logo in itself, the check's distinctive appearance quickly served as an unofficial brand identifier, appearing on the linings of Burberry coats and gradually expanding to other products. Its unique design, with its subtle yet instantly recognizable blend of colors, became a symbol of quality and sophistication. This period saw the gradual incorporation of the Burberry name alongside the check, solidifying the brand's visual identity. The check's rise to prominence was a testament to its inherent design strength – a pattern that effortlessly balanced practicality, elegance, and memorability.
Burberry Old vs New Logo: A Tale of Two Eras
The transition from the relatively undefined early branding to the more formalized logo designs of the 20th century is a key aspect of Burberry's story. The "old" logos, while lacking the uniformity of later iterations, were characterized by variations in typography and the gradual integration of the check pattern. These variations reflect the brand's organic growth and the lack of a centralized, globally consistent brand identity management system that would become common later.
The "new" logos, particularly those used from the mid-20th century onwards, saw a greater emphasis on simplification and consistency. The introduction of a more refined and stylized "Burberry" logotype, often accompanied by the check pattern or a knight emblem (a design inspired by the company's coat of arms), created a more cohesive and memorable brand image. This standardization was crucial for protecting the brand's image from the growing tide of imitations.
current url:https://fohxcj.e968c.com/products/burberry-of-london-logo-41450