The designer brand Burberry was founded in 1856 by 21 year old Thomas Burberry who was a former draper’s apprentice. Thomas began his career in fashion when he opened up his own shop located in Basingstoke in Hampshire which specialised in selling waterproof overcoats. The shop quickly became popular in the area and his name and profile as a designer was raised. Thomas Burberry is a classic example of a designer who had always maintained a strong passion for all the elements associated with fashion design and his love of fine, high quality fabrics – something which Burberry is iconic for today, ultimately led him to becoming so highly regarded from a young age.

One of the most popular items created by Burberry which has also led to its iconic status was designed in 1914 and is still today a wardrobe staple for many – the Burberry trench coat. The design element which completely defines Burberry from other brands without the need of a physical label is the famous Burberry check which with its black, tan, and red pattern is known as the “Haymarket check” or the “Burberry classic check” and this is what lines the famous trench coats and is still found on perfume bottles, clothing and accessories including the range of Burberry sunglasses. The coat went through years of re-design and improvement, was finally launched in 1924 and is now a timeless classic.

Burberry is regarded as one of the most sought after luxury brands and favoured for its exquisite and classic style. Fans and customers of the brand even include Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Wales.

When a label has existed for such a long period of time, it is inevitable that it will need re-vamping in order to keep up with current trends and style. Near the end of the 20th century, Rose Marie Bravo was brought in to modernise the image of Burberry and she was responsible for rebuilding the Burberry brand in the UK and Europe and ensured it was only sold to select luxury retailers which has created a sought after and elite image. She also hired Italian-American Roberto Menichetti as her new head designer in 1998, who quickly made Burberry’s Prorsum brand the hot brand for any fashionista to be seen in. Now Burberry has branded stores and boutiques around the world, and the products maintain a classic, practical and functional use with a completely unique sense of style. Whilst balancing its classic styling with contemporary trend injections Burberry is popular among a wide age range and respected for its significant historical value.

Burberry sunglasses are one of the most modern additions to the Burberry line can be described as beautifully classic but have modern twists to keep the style in keeping with current trends and appeal to a wide range of ages. The iconic Burberry check pattern is also featured on many of the styles, some more subtle such as on a section of the arms. Due to Burberry having such an extensive history, it has been featured in many fashion exhibitions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the collection includes ranges for men, women and children as well as swimwear and accessories including the fantastic range of Burberry sunglasses.

During the 1970s, the brand became associated with the British football scene which led it to bing labelled as the brand for ‘chavs’ or ‘hooligans’. However, during the past  two years, with models such as Agyness Deyn, Lily Donaldson and Lara Stone being featured in the Burberry advertising campaigns and the brand being focused upon in publications such as Vogue, Harpers Bizarre and Tatler, the Burberry image has reverted back to its rightful classic and sought after status and loved for its elegant and refined and typically English dishevelled and effortless style.

Italian fashion label Dolce & Gabbana is famous for its elaborate and glamorous advertising campaigns and past models and that have all made memorable appearances include Gisele, Lily Donaldson and Gemma Ward. The latest glamazon to grace the billboards and silver screens as the face of D&G is actress Scarlett Johansson who is the perfect match for the sophistication and femininity that the brand aims to convey in its range of clothing, accessories, jewellery and watches.

There has been a huge issue surrounding the use of thin models in advertising campaigns and on the catwalks and therefore an icon such as Scarlett Johansson who is renowned and adored for her curvaceous, womanly figure and extraordinary beauty, is the perfect choice to represent the theme of D&G. The actress’s image is very reminiscent of 50’s Hollywood glamour and this is definitely the essence of the D&G collections with the watches being as sparkly, sophisticated and chic as ever.

There are some wonderful new styles to look for this season, all of which are perfect for the inevitable parties that take place over the festive season and beyond. The new Flock D&G watches are both aesthetically stunning and practical with their silver D&G branded bangle strap and simple faces in either mint green or black. The new Visionnaire D&G watch with its multi strand links and diamante inserts is absolutely striking and makes for the ideal evening style watch that will perfectly compliment your party dress. For something a little more neutral and understated yet with that untouchable D&G chic edge, the New Gloria watch with its black or white leather strap and diamante bezel is a perfect way to jazz up your day look and can easily transcend through to a dressed up evening out. For the men, the Anchor D&G watch certainly allows you to shine in a masculine manner with its polished stainless steel strap and ultra chic black and silver round dial with the iconic D&G logo positioned at the bottom.

D&G is a label which is consistently spotted at high profile events whether this is the brand sponsoring a party (such as the New Moon preview after party) or if the attendees are seen wearing garments and accessories by the label. It is a brand which is always on the scene and people are constantly aware of its ever evolving collections. The advertising campaigns are also key to establishing the image that D&G wants to portray in the actual products – the elaborate settings, exquisite colours and romantic tone all help to convey D&G as a brand that is synonymous with all of these elements. The collection of D&G watches are the perfect way to capture a part of that glamour and the bold and unique designs which push design and colour boundaries really make a statement about your style. The new additions for this season are perfect if you want to shine like a Hollywood star and add something really special to your festive look!

Gucci’s flagship London store at 18 Sloane Street was recently treated to a renovation to bring it in line with the brand’s contemporary 21st Century image. The new-look boutique was unveiled on the eve of the G20 meeting in April, as Alexandra Schulman, the editor of British Vogue threw a lavish dinner for Gucci’s creative director Frida Giannini. Guests and revelers included Sophie Dahl with fiancé Jamie Cullum, Claudia Schiffer, the Geldof sisters and Richard Ashcroft.   Just like their stores, Gucci’s campaigns are hitting more modern notes. Using a slew of hip stars to promote their fresh image, glossy Gucci ads have seen actress Clare Danes, popstar Rhianna and Brit model Lily Donaldson fly the glamorous Gucci flag.   Often going above and beyond her Gucci obligations, Rhianna in particular is a huge fan of the label. She is pictured regularly wearing Gucci and sporting the most up-to-date Gucci sunglasses. Other fans of Gucci sunglasses include Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kylie, Paris Hilton, Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Katherine Heigl and the beautiful Camilla Belle.

Often ostentatious Gucci sunglasses celebrate the label’s glitzy vibrant Italian heritage. Bold and strong with arresting detail on the arms, regularly incorporating the ‘G’ of the logo, Gucci shades are flash and fabulous. The new collection for 2009 is comprehensive and smart, using cut out detailing, hints of gold, hearts and baroque patterns. Colours are diverse, from black and tortoiseshell to red and white, there’s a shade for every fashionista. And the styles vary greatly too, from classic over-sized square and circular lenses and frames to blinged up aviators and a nod to the ever-popular ray-ban style.

Proving there’s still plenty of call for striking European style shades, Gucci have come up trumps with this season’s sunglasses collection and we urge you to unleash your inner diva and GO GUCCI!

Click here to visit our Gucci Sunglasses section