Medievally Burberry

When Thomas Burberry began his first drapery business in 1856 at the age of 21, it was just a small outfitter store with no business trademark or what we know today as a logo to represent his business.

Only in 1901, after the business went on a steady path with two famous inventions - the breathable and weatherproof Gabardine and Tielocken, a trench coat predecessor adopted by the Brit officer during Boer War - the house came out with its trademark - an armored Equestrian Knight accompanied by the word 'Prorsum' which means 'forward' in Latin. The logo, along with its hallmarked checks were the elements that shot it to fame.

Taking inspiration from the medieval time hero Joan of Arc, the same legendary muse who inspired Dior's Joan of Arc haute couture and Spring/Summer 2007 ready-to-wear and accessories collection by British enfant terrible designer John Galliano, Burberry's Creative Director Christopher Bailey came up with an exclusive limited edition dress that pays tribute to both Joan of Arc legend and the iconic Equestrian Knight that's synonymous to the brand.

Introducing the Armor Beaded Dress, made exclusively for discerning fashionistas and staunch Burberry fans in limited quantities.

The dress is one of the 150 year old brand's highlight pieces taken from its current Burberry Prorsum Fall/Winter 2007-08 collection that's going to hit Burberry stores worldwide early September.

The dress features funnel neck with embroidered metallic sequin discs secured by small metal bead heads on black jersey lining all done by hands. The dress is only available through Burberry's online store and bad news for Asian fashionistas, orders can only be delivered to selected European countries.

Do you want to know how much does it cost to get yourself armored in this one-off dress? Well, it retails for a cool sum of £2250.00 or approximately RM 15, 819.60 when converted into local currency. Not a big problem for those who have too many moolahs and don't know where to waste them!

Other online exclusive item at Burberry online store is the Laney bag, which is a quilted leather bag with magnetic closure.

It has chrome leather handle and chains with trench lining and one-zip pocket. Retailing at £ 350.00 (RM 2,461.19), Laney is available in four hues - black, light beige, red and nickel.

Burberry Prorsum Fall/Winter 2007-08 Ready-to-Wear and Accessories collection will arrive at all Burberry stores and selected department stores worldwide between the end of August and early September.

*Photos courtesy of Burberry.

Burberry - Ground Floor, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50800 Kuala Lumpur; Passenger Level (International Departure), Satellite A, Kuala Lumpur International Airport.