170 years of Burberry

Stars check in to mark iconic fashion label's anniversary

- BY HANNAH BRITT

Advert from 1916

EXUDING effortless sophistication, Kate Moss gives the Burberry trench inimitable sex appeal, as the iconic brand celebrates 170 years as a style leader.

With its milestone birthday this year, the quintessentially British brand has unveiled The Trench, Portraits of an Icon a set of stunning black and white images by photographer Tim Walker, featuring 23 legends from film, music, sport and fashion, all wearing Burberry's trademark trench coat.

An accompanying film, showing interactions between models and crew, is set to a soundtrack by Blur.

Daniel Lee, Burberry's chief creative officer, says: "Think of it as a tribute to Burberry - a symbol of British style and craftsmanship."

Founded in 1856 by 21-year-old draper's apprentice Thomas Burberry in Hampshire, his namesake breathable gabardine fabric engineered to resist the elements was invented in 1879.

The waterproof material meant the mackintosh was able to protect against all weather conditions, transforming rain-wear for ever.

Everyone from the military to models was eager to wear the amazing new fabric that transformed the mac from frumpy to fashionable - functional but also elegant.