Burberry celebrates 170 years with a trench coat exhibition at the V&A 

When it comes to British fashion’s defining garment, the trench coat is hard to beat. Originally designed for the battlefield, it was Burberry that transformed it into a global style icon. Now, as the brand marks 170 years, it is partnering with the Victoria and Albert Museum for ‘The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon’, a free exhibition tracing the coat’s evolution from military essential to enduring symbol of British design.

The exhibition places a strong emphasis on craft, spotlighting the intricate details that define the trench coat’s construction and enduring appeal. From its practical beginnings with the creation of water-wicking gabardine to keep soldiers dry in the trenches of war, to its elevation as a symbol of refined design. Each element, from fabric innovation to precise tailoring, reveals how utility evolved into one of the most recognisable silhouettes in modern wardrobes.

Alongside this, a focus on creativity brings together 19 standout runway looks from the past two and a half decades, highlighting the vision of Chief Creative Officers Daniel Lee and Christopher Bailey. Together, these elements chart the trench coat’s continued reinvention, underscoring its ability to evolve while remaining a cornerstone of modern style.

“As we mark 170 years of heritage of the house, we are thrilled to partner with the V&A to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Burberry trench coat,” Brand Curator Carly Eck said in a statement. “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.”

The display opens ahead of the launch of The Burberry Gallery at V&A South Kensington in autumn 2028. As part of the museum’s wider fashion galleries, the redesigned space will create a spectacular new environment dedicated to inspiring visitors and exploring the craftsmanship, creativity and cultural impact of fashion.

The gallery will offer a new platform for the V&A’s collection, enabling audiences to engage with fashion’s evolving stories through immersive displays and exhibitions.

‘The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon’ will be on display at V&A South Kensington from 21 September to 3 January 2027.