Burberry Celebrates 170 Years with Trench Coat Campaign

Iconic British brand redefines its classic outerwear through celebrity collaborations and modern design twists.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of the luxurious, textured fabric of a Burberry trench coat, captured in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting to create a glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic.Burberry's iconic trench coat, reimagined through the lens of contemporary culture, remains a symbol of British style and craftsmanship.NYC Today

Burberry is marking its 170th anniversary with a new ad campaign that showcases the brand's iconic trench coat through the lens of 23 celebrities from film, music, sports, and fashion. Photographed by Tim Walker, the black-and-white portrait series features a cross-generational cast including Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner, and Hikaru Utada, each putting their own spin on the timeless garment. The campaign celebrates the trench's evolution from its military origins to a fashion staple, exploring how it has become a canvas for self-expression across eras.

Why it matters

The Burberry trench coat is a symbol of British heritage and style that has endured for generations. This campaign showcases how the iconic design can be reinterpreted by contemporary culture-makers, keeping the brand relevant and resonant with younger consumers while honoring its storied past.

The details

Burberry's 170th anniversary campaign, titled "The Trench, Portraits of an Icon," features a diverse cast of 23 celebrities photographed by Tim Walker in striking black-and-white portraits. The campaign highlights how the trench coat, originally designed by Thomas Burberry for British Army officers during World War I, has become a fashion statement that transcends its utilitarian origins. In addition to showcasing heritage styles, the campaign also features modern iterations like lightweight tropical gabardine trenches in vibrant colors, blending tradition and innovation.

  • Burberry was founded in 1856.
  • The campaign launched on April 12, 2026.

The players

Burberry

A British luxury fashion house, founded in 1856, known for its iconic trench coat and signature check pattern.

Thomas Burberry

The founder of Burberry, who designed the original gabardine trench coat for British Army officers during World War I.

Joshua Schulman

The CEO of Burberry, who has emphasized the trench coat's role as a vehicle for self-expression and its importance in driving the brand's sales turnaround, particularly among Gen Z customers in China.

Tim Walker

The renowned British photographer who shot the black-and-white portraits for Burberry's 170th anniversary campaign.

Kate Moss

A British supermodel and longtime Burberry collaborator, featured in the campaign.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The trench is more than just a coat—it's a statement.”

— Joshua Schulman, CEO of Burberry

“The campaign isn't just about fashion; it's about how a single piece can reflect individuality across generations.”

— Joshua Schulman, CEO of Burberry

What’s next

Burberry's fall 2026 collection, designed by Daniel Lee, will feature new interpretations of the trench coat, including ruffled collars and sparkly fringe, further pushing the boundaries of the iconic design.

The takeaway

Burberry's 170th anniversary campaign celebrates the enduring legacy of the trench coat, showcasing how this classic British garment has become a canvas for self-expression and individuality across generations. By blending tradition and innovation, the brand is ensuring the trench's continued relevance and appeal to modern consumers.