UPMARKET fashion house Burberry has increased revenues by 17 per cent in the first half.

Chief executive Rose Marie Bravo has been credited with reviving the brand's popularity since she joined the company, with initiatives such as the recruitment of supermodel Kate Moss to showcase the look.

The company, based in Haymarket, London, said three shops in Milan, Italy, and Virginia and Las Vegas in the US drove the growth.

Burberry plans to open a further six stores at the end of this financial year, including one in Russia.

The company, famed for its beige and red checks, partially floated on the London Stock Exchange last year.

It has also courted controversy over pay policies that could earn Ms Bravo an estimated £12.4m if she is fired.

Almost a third of investors voted against its remuneration report at the annual meeting in July.