Burberry

Profile

Once the staid uniform of starchy upper-crust Brits, Burberry is riding a second wave of mass success thanks to creative director Christopher Bailey and his uber-cool design team. While vintage-inspired rain and trench coats still abound, the signature Burberry check now graces bikinis, tight jean pockets and even nifty skateboards. The Burberry flagship store, in Midtown East, embodies this idea of old becoming new, with gleaming hardwood panels and brass fixtures set off by glass display cases, bright skylights and giant wooly sheep dolls—yes, sheep dolls—dotting both the men's and women's floors. (And although the merchandise is still full of plaid patterns, the store décor is mercifully free of Burberry's trademark black, tan, and red check.) Accessories like solid leather handbags, slick aviator sunglasses and plaid address books find their home on the first floor, while men's and women's casual and outerwear and an entire section of formalwear, featuring couture gowns and hand-tailored tuxedos, occupy separate spaces in the store. For tykes of privilege, children's coats, jumpers and shoes are also available. The smaller SoHo store stocks an edited version of the flagship's collection. — Faran Alexis Krentcil

Sales

Post Thanksgiving, Post Christmas, Labor Day.

Key Departments

Men's Formalwear

Husbands-to-be on the hunt for formal attire can pick up a classic black suit for around $1,295. Those in search of a more upscale look should check out the Burberry Prorsum collection.

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Best of New York Awards

• Best Coats (2004)