Free exhibition marking Burberry's 170th anniversary that traces the history of the trench coat from its military origins to a fashion icon.
The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon is on display at the V&A South Kensington in the Prince Consort Gallery, and it's free to visit. It marks Burberry's 170th anniversary, tracing the trench from its start as practical military outerwear to the global fashion icon it is today.
The display opens back in 1879, when Thomas Burberry invented cotton gabardine—the breathable, weatherproof fabric that made the trench such a sought-after protective coat. From there, the story is told in three chapters: 'Invention', 'Craft', and 'Creativity'. The craft section breaks down the coat's signature details, from the hand-finished collar and House Check lining to the storm flap and detachable throat latch. There are archive pieces shown publicly for the first time, including early 20th-century Burberry catalogues and a trench worn by the designer Hardy Amies.
The final part gathers around 19 runway looks from the last 25 years by creative directors Christopher Bailey, Ricardo Tisci and Daniel Lee. Overhead, a ceiling of clouds inspired by John Constable's painting of Hampstead Heath lights the gallery. Burberry is also supporting a wider transformation of the V&A's fashion galleries, with The Burberry Gallery due to open in autumn 2028.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in London and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
It's free to visit and runs until 3 January 2027, so you've got plenty of time to fit it in.
Date
17 October – 3 January
Price
Free
Recommended Age
+14 years
