As Burberry’s iconic trench coat goes on display at the V&A Museum, attention has turned to some of the notable figures who have helped define the garment’s enduring appeal over the decades. From film and television characters to musicians and members of royalty, the trench coat has been a versatile and symbolic piece in popular culture.

The trench coat’s association with classic detective roles is well documented. In 1964, Peter Sellers first donned the garment as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau in the film "The Pink Panther," contributing to the coat’s connection with quirky, memorable sleuths. Similarly, Peter Falk portrayed TV detective Columbo with a familiar rumpled trench coat in the 1970s, reinforcing the coat’s image as a signature element of the archetypal investigator, despite the character's shabby appearance.

Angela Lansbury further cemented the trench coat’s place in the mystery genre with her portrayal of Jessica Fletcher in the American series "Murder, She Wrote," which ran from 1984 onward. Lansbury’s character consistently wore the coat throughout the show’s 264 episodes, becoming part of her distinctive look as a writer-turned-amateur detective.

The fashion appeal of the trench coat extends beyond television and film. American department store Saks, in 1971, notably introduced a trench coat line for dogs, illustrating the garment’s reach into various facets of fashion and lifestyle.

Among notable public figures, Zara Phillips, a member of the British royal family, was seen in 2007 wearing a trench coat as she entered the paddock, showcasing the item’s association with regal style. Actor Larry Lamb also sported the coat in 2010 at the British Soap Awards while portraying Archie Mitchell on the popular British series "EastEnders."

Musicians have also been part of the trench coat’s story. Charlie Watts, the late drummer and founding member of the Rolling Stones, embraced the look in 1984 upon arriving at Heathrow, adding to the garment’s rock-and-roll credentials.

Other actors have been linked to the trench coat in various ways. In 1960, Jack Lemmon earned an Oscar nomination for his role in Billy Wilder’s comedy-drama "The Apartment," where his character’s wardrobe included the classic coat, symbolizing a blend of sophistication and everyday practicality. In 1993, Richard Wilson, known for his role in "One Foot in the Grave," was seen wearing a trench coat during the launch of the drama "Under The Hammer," which focused on life at an art auction house.

Overall, the trench coat remains a fashion staple, associated with a range of personas—from royal figures and musicians to iconic screen detectives—underscoring its timeless presence in both popular culture and design history.