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Burberry Celebrates the Iconic Trench Coat with V&A Exhibition

As the fashion house marks its 170th anniversary, a new display will reach back into the archives to revisit the history of one of its most legendary creations

By Alexandria Sillo
Close-up of a brown checkered pattern coat with a Hardy Amies London label on the inside lining.
Personalized label in fashion designer Hardy Aimes’s Burberry trench coat. Photo: 2023 Burberry Limited

Together with the V&A, Burberry is marking its 170th anniversary with an archival exhibition exploring the evolution of the fashion house’s iconic trench coat. “The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon,” which will be housed at V&A South Kensington’s Prince Consort Gallery, will trace the chronological history of the coat’s practical beginnings in 1879 through the present day.

“As we mark 170 years of the house, we are thrilled to partner with the V&A to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Burberry trench coat—a global design icon rooted in British craftsmanship and a symbol of innovation, creativity, and timeless style,” says Carly Eck, Brand Curator, Burberry. “A myriad of objects from the brand’s archive will be publicly exhibited for the first time—from early 20th-century catalogues to a Burberry trench coat worn by fashion designer Hardy Amies.”

Mannequin wearing a shiny metallic purple trench coat over a silver shirt and dark tie.
Men’s pink metallic silk trench coat from Spring-Summer 2013. Photo: 2023 Burberry Limited
Vintage fashion illustration of a person in a long coat with a dog, labeled "Burberry Model No. 2."
A womenswear catalogue featuring trench coats.
c. 1937–44. Photo: 2023 Burberry Limited
Knit hat designed to look like a duck's head with green, yellow, and brown colors, featuring long orange ties.
Men’s knitted duck hat from Winter 2023. Photo: 2023 Burberry Limited

The exhibition begins with “Invention,” which revisits Thomas Burberry’s original invention of cotton gabardine in 1879, which led to its use in the trench coat as protective, albeit stylish, outerwear. In the “Craft” section, fashion lovers will get an up-close look at the hand-finished collar and distinctive House Check lining as well as storm-related accessories that have made the coat iconic.

The “Creativity” section highlights standout Burberry runway trench coat moments, including designs from Chief Creative Officers Daniel Lee and Christopher Bailey, as well as the relationship between the fashion house and the V&A. The exhibition comes ahead of The Burberry Gallery, which will include a reimagining of the V&A’s fashion galleries set to open in late 2028.

Intricate mosaic-patterned outfit with a teal shawl draped over the shoulder.
Men’s mirror-embroidered trench coat from Autumn-Winter 2015. Photo: 2023 Burberry Limited
Mannequin displaying a purple floral trench coat dress with layered fringe detail on a black stand against a white background.
Women’s purple baroque-print fringed trench coat from Winter 2025. Photo: 2023 Burberry Limited

“In advance of the V&A and Burberry partnership on the forthcoming Fashion Gallery, we are delighted to work with the Burberry Archive to showcase the history of the celebrated trench coat: a British fashion staple that has stood the test of time and continues to evolve a century on,” says Oriole Cullen, Senior Curator, Fashion and Textiles, at the V&A.

“The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon” is on view at V&A South Kensington from September 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027.

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