Burberry was founded by Thomas Burberry (who was just 21 years old) in 1856. Originally known as Burberry’s of London, he started the label on the principle that Brits should be better protected from the country’s dismal weather. Shortly after, in 1879, Thomas Burberry invented gabardine – a lightweight, breathable, and waterproof material. It completely changed rainwear, which had previously been waxed to repel water and, as a result, was heavy and uncomfortable to wear. 

During WWI, he used gabardine to craft Burberry’s now-famous trench coat (receiving its name from the trenches the soldiers fought in). On the trench, Thomas Burberry included many design elements to help them while in combat – most importantly, complete protection in even the most severe weather conditions. In the 1920s, the Nova Check was introduced as a lining inside the coats. It is a plaid pattern, which traditionally has a beige base and red, black, and white stripes. Since, it has become synonymous with the house and is now commonly referred to as the Burberry Check. 

In the ‘90s and early-‘00s, the Burberry Check became iconic. Particularly after the release of the Nova Check Cap, which was an affordable piece that allowed more people access to Burberry’s luxury, everyone from the elite to the working class was sporting the plaid pattern. Though it fell out of style for some time, it made a comeback in Spring/Summer 2018, Christopher Bailey’s final show as the house’s creative director, and has appeared on Burberry’s runways ever since. 

With the rise of streetwear, Burberry’s Nova Check is again in demand. Want to get the look with an original piece? Go back into the house’s archives with a Burberry Tote Bag from our pre-owned collection. We offer it in a variety of colorways but, even if you stray from the original, its print will always be recognizably Burberry.

One of the most popular silhouettes ever produced by the brand, the Burberry Tote is both practical and stylish. It is large enough to hold any essential (from a laptop to a rolled-up picnic blanket) and can be dressed up or down (for the office or a weekend afternoon with friends). The Burberry Tote is a must-have for any capsule collection. 

Still in production, a new Burberry Tote Bag retails at around $1,100. Shop at The Vintage Bar, and you can score up to 80% off!