As Emma Watson wows at Burberry's London catwalk comeback, we look at the history of the luxury brand

dazzles at the Burberry Prorsum show at London Fashion Week

It wasn't so long ago that Burberry check was the fabric of choice on council estates, defining chav fashion.

Fast-forward five years, and the luxury brand is virtually unrecognisable.

The label's first show at London Fashion Week for more than a decade was this week's hottest ticket, with a front row bristling with A-listers and fashion editors including Vogue's Anna Wintour, current 'face'  and long-term fans Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Huge relief, then, for the brand that has endured a somewhat checkered history since its humble beginnings in a Basingstoke store in 1856...

1879

Thomas Burberry invents gaberdine, the world's first breathable fabric. The beginnings of the label's trademark coat are born.

1914

During World War I, Burberry designed mackintoshes for officers of the British Royal Flying Corps, later the RAF. The military model became known as the trench coat, and would later be adopted by civilians.

Bold start: An advert for Burberrys 'practical and becoming' motor dress, left, and the fashion label's famous check

1924

The famous Burberry check, registered as a trademark, was introduced as a lining to the trench coat.


 

1983

The Prince and Princess of Wales (above) are photographed in Burberry ensembles while holidaying in Nova Scotia.

Classic look: Prince Charles and Diana Princess of Wales look effortlessly elegant in Burberry ensembles in Nova Scotia

2001

Designer Christopher Bailey (right) takes the helm and downplays the Burberry check as part of the label's unofficial re-branding.

Re-brand: Designer Christopher Bailey, left, and a new-style trenchcoat

2002

Burberry's heritage chic becomes the look of choice for celebrities from Madonna to Mr and Mrs Beckham, with the check print scarf selling out in stores from New York to Tokyo.

Celebrity choice: Ex sopa star Daniella Westbrook and her baby step out in London wearing matching Burberry check

2004

Daniella Westbrook and her daughter are 'papped' in head-totoe Burberry. The soap star and some-time cocaine addict is crowned Queen Chav. Her response? 'It's a real compliment.'

2006

Kate Moss returns as the face of Burberry in a campaign shot by Mario Testino nine months after the fashion house scrapped her campaign following tabloid accusations that she used drugs.

Faces of Burberry: Supermodel Kate Moss pictured in a 2006 ad campaign

2007

Burberry discovers model de jour and former fish and chip shop worker Agyness Deyn, who stars in its autumn campaign of this year.

2008

Burberry begins its ascent to global adoration. With a 25 per cent jump in profits, the label makes the top five luxury goods brands in the world.

Runway presence: Agyness Deyn, left, starring in Burberry's autumn 2007 campaign and a model in one of the designer's creations in London last week