Stars check in to mark iconic fashion label's anniversary

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

- BY HANNAH BRITT

CLASSIC Pat O'Reilly models car coat in 1958 SINGERS Raye with Olivia Dean

With its milestone birthday this year, the 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, 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 rainwear forever.

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.