“The Evolution of the Burberry Logo: From Equestrian Knights to Global Icon”

Burberry is a British luxury fashion brand that has been around since 1856. Over the years, the company has undergone many changes, including its logo. Burberry’s logo evolution is an interesting story that reflects the brand’s growth and its effort to stay relevant in the fashion industry.

Burberry’s First Logo

1901-1968

Burberry’s first logo, designed in 1901, featured an equestrian knight on a horse, carrying a shield with the Latin word “Prorsum” which means “forward” in English. The knight and the shield were positioned above the brand name, which was written in a serif font.

This logo represented the brand’s heritage and its association with the British aristocracy. The equestrian theme was particularly relevant as Burberry had started as a company that produced outdoor clothing for hunters and other sports enthusiasts.

The Modernist Era

1968-1999

In the 1960s, Burberry started to adopt a more modernist approach to its branding, which included a change in the logo. The new logo, which was designed in 1968, featured the brand name in all-caps letters, written in a sans-serif font. The knight and the shield were removed from the logo, leaving only the brand name.

This logo was a significant departure from the brand’s traditional equestrian theme. It reflected the brand’s effort to reach out to a younger and more fashion-conscious audience. The new logo was simple, modern, and clean, which made it easier to apply to various products.

The Check Era

Burberry Check

In the 1980s and 1990s, Burberry experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the adoption of its signature check pattern. The check pattern was first used as a lining for Burberry’s trench coats, but it soon became a symbol of the brand itself.

To capitalize on the popularity of the check pattern, Burberry updated its logo once again in 1999. The new logo featured the brand name written in a sans-serif font, but it also included a red knight on a horse, holding a flag with the brand name written in all-caps letters. The knight was positioned above the brand name, and the entire logo was set against the check pattern.

The check pattern became a ubiquitous feature of Burberry’s branding. The new logo reflected the brand’s association with the check pattern, but it also maintained the connection with the brand’s heritage through the inclusion of the knight.

The Return to the Traditional

2018-NOW

In 2018, Burberry made a significant change to its branding by unveiling a new logo that harked back to the brand’s traditional equestrian theme. The new logo featured the brand name in all-caps letters, written in a sans-serif font. However, the knight and the shield made a comeback, along with the Latin word “Prorsum,” which appeared below the brand name.

The new logo was designed to reflect the brand’s focus on luxury and craftsmanship, as well as its heritage. The equestrian theme was seen as a symbol of the brand’s Britishness and its association with quality and tradition.

Conclusion

Burberry’s logo evolution reflects the brand’s journey over the years. From its origins as a company that produced outdoor clothing for sports enthusiasts, to its more recent focus on luxury and craftsmanship, the logo has evolved to reflect the changing times. The brand’s efforts to stay relevant have resulted in several logo changes, but each one has been carefully crafted to maintain the connection with the brand’s heritage while reflecting the changing tastes of its customers.