With over 50 years of history under its belt, the iconic Burberry Check cashmere scarf is one of the rare fashion pieces that has truly stood the test of time. It’s a seamless blend of English heritage, timeless luxury, and modern flair—a cozy rectangle of cashmere that’s as chic today as it was decades ago. But here’s a fun fact: the creation of one of fashion’s most beloved accessories was a complete accident.
Back in 1967, a manager at Burberry’s Paris store decided to spruce up an otherwise plain window display by flipping up the hems of trench coats to reveal the distinctive Burberry Check lining—a striking pattern of intersecting black, white, and red stripes on a beige background.
The pattern immediately captured the attention of passersby, sparking soaring demand for merchandise adorned with the now-iconic check. Sensing that they were onto something big, Burberry quickly produced hundreds of umbrellas featuring the print, which sold out almost instantly. This success paved the way for the introduction of the cashmere scarf we know and love today—an emblem of elegance and style.
The cashmere scarf remains to this day a classic luxury item that fits neatly into Burberry’s collection of high-quality, weatherproof heritage items. Each scarf is woven on traditional looms at a Scottish mill founded in 1797, undergoing a meticulous 30-step process that includes washing the fabric in local spring water and careful brushing with teasels—a type of dried flower—for an ultra-soft finish.
Now, Burberry plans on bringing its iconic scarf into the digital age. As part of the festive ‘Wrapped In Burberry’ holiday campaign, the brand launched an innovative virtual scarf try-on experience, allowing customers to explore Burberry’s collection of scarves and visualize how the cozy accessory will look on them—all without leaving home. By blending tradition with technology, this new feature proves that Burberry’s legacy isn’t just rooted in the past, but constantly evolving for the future.
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