Icon: The Burberry Trench Coat

The origin of the trench coat is perhaps more historical than one would initially expect. Made famous by iconic Hollywood and Foreign stars like Humphrey Bogart and Alain Delon, it was more utilitarian then fashion oriented upon its creation. The ubiquitous coat was designed by Thomas Burberry in 1901 (he also invented the gabardine) as a concept for an army officer's raincoat, which quickly became an alternative to the heavy serge coats previously worn by British and French soldiers. During the First World War, the initial design was modified and the shoulder straps and D-rings that are now synonymous to Burberry's rich design portfolio were added to the garment. The D-ring was then used for the attachment of hand grenades or any other military equipment while the shoulder straps were the hangers for epaulettes and other rank insignia. For it's utility and function in battle, soldiers baptized the coat by the name we know today.

The trench coat still remains the starting point for all Burberry menswear collections. Seasonally re-envisioned to reflect the direction of the current trend, it never loses its sense of function and classic design. Rarely has a fashion product become such a driving force in our global fashion conscious.

In recent years, the Burberry trench has been available in a range of lengths, colors and styles, including a lightweight pack-away, a washed leather and a double breasted wool, all of which are made entirely in England using the same manufacturing methods that have made them famous from their conception. But no matter which style you buy, this item will always remain classic, genderless and arguably the most timeless piece that can transcend fashion, and is therefore, by definition, a true example of an indisputable icon.

SS 2009 Burberry Trench Coats currently available at stores nationwide and www.burberry.com