In the world of designer fashion, uniqueness is everything. Some brands create timeless clothing and bring historical simplicity to modern times. Take Chanel, one of the most famous fashion brands globally, or Dior, which refined a special kind of elegance, modernizing women's dress in the second half of the 20th century. There are also revolutionaries and rebels who create bold and provocative clothing. Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, and Loewe forge ahead through constant experimentation.
Whether you're seeking information about the world's most famous brands or looking to update your wardrobe and invest in timeless clothing, knowledge about the major players in the fashion industry is essential.
Christian Dior
In 1947, Christian Dior founded his eponymous brand and introduced the New Look — a style and silhouette of clothing that changed the post-war world and made him one of the most famous designers in history. Today, the work of creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri continues to convey the sophistication and craftsmanship of the brand's founder.
Chanel
Gabrielle Chanel created the iconic Chanel brand. Karl Lagerfeld's tenure as the brand's creative director for four decades transformed Chanel into an international brand known for both avant-garde and elegant clothing. Today, creative director Virginie Viard works with a contemporary female vision for the House.
Louis Vuitton
Today, Louis Vuitton presents some of the boldest and most noticeable collections on the market, but the brand's history started in the world of travel, particularly with the creation of luggage. Louis Vuitton suitcases spread worldwide at the dawn of the air travel era. However, it was only at the end of the 1990s, under the energetic Mark Jacobs, that the brand amassed a legion of fans. Louis Vuitton's wide range is most famous for its accessories, as well as dresses and shoes by womenswear designer Nicolas Ghesquière.
Fendi
Karl Lagerfeld also lent his expertise to the Italian brand Fendi, historically known for its fur. Kim Jones is now the creative director of the womenswear line, but the Fendi family still takes an active part in creating collections. Silvia Venturini Fendi designs accessories and invented the famous "baguette" bag.
Saint Laurent
In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent invented Le Smoking and changed history, as it encouraged women to embrace men's silhouettes in clothing. Since then, the designer's eponymous label (now one of the most popular brands globally) has always been associated with rule-breaking. The brand produces clothing, as well as shoes and handbags.
Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani became famous for his clean approach to suits, and the name of his eponymous brand has become synonymous with elegance and Italian luxury. Giorgio Armani collections never disappoint, always featuring the perfect outerwear, as well as shoes, handbags, and leather goods designed to stand the test of time.
Coach
Dubbed "America's Leather House," Coach was founded in 1941, and its premium leather goods became world-renowned. The brand's modern collection designs remain timeless and encourage self-expression. The brand continues to produce unforgettable accessories, including the Tabby bag, made of smooth plush leather with a clasp forming the famous "C."
Prada
A family business that started in 1913 making leather goods, Prada became one of the most innovative brands in fashion under Miuccia Prada's leadership. Prada presents unconventional silhouettes that withstand the test of time and promote the development of fashion in general.
Gucci
Like Louis Vuitton, Gucci also began by making luggage and eventually transformed into one of the most famous brands globally. The past decade at the label was defined by Alessandro Michele, the former creative director who stood behind Gucci's bold and maximalist aesthetic. New creative director Sabato de Sarno introduced his anticipated first collection for Spring-Summer 2024, taking the Italian house in a new and more minimalist direction.
Loewe
Known as one of Spain's best leather brands, the 177-year-old Loewe brand appointed designer Jonathan Anderson to a key position in 2013, elevating the brand to a new level of popularity. At Loewe, one can find items where new classics collide with surrealism. The brand's leather goods are its pride and an absolute symbol of luxury.
Michael Kors
Michael Kors is unique for its scope, with collections expanding from luxury segments to much more accessible offerings. The Premium runway line is high-quality clothing designed for the modern woman. The more democratic direction of the brand creates handbags, sunglasses, and leather goods.
Valentino
Valentino Garavani founded his brand in 1960 with an impeccable range of clothing and accessories that carry the quintessence of Italian fashion. Creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli further emphasized the brand's relevance with his PP Pink collection for the Autumn-Winter 2022/2023 season, in almost fluorescent fuchsia, which has become the new signature of the brand.
Burberry
Few things signify English fashion heritage like the Burberry check pattern, adorning scarves, shirts, jackets, and the lining of their famous coats. Founded in 1856, the brand has been given a contemporary look under creative director Daniel Lee, demonstrating that it's still ready to compete with the biggest players in the world of fashion.
Hermès
Hermès Birkin bags and Kelly handbags are often seen as status symbols, but the accessories of this French fashion house are worth their value. Each bag is handcrafted and designed for a long life. Today, the brand is undergoing an inventive transformation, presenting unconventional accessories and new ways to make leather clothing.
Miu Miu
If Prada represents sophisticated and elegant clothing with a hint of whimsy, then Miu Miu is its younger, fun, quirky sister. Miuccia Prada lets her energy drive the brand she founded in the mid-1990s, where playful silhouettes are created for the boldest and most interesting women. Some of the brand's products are more dreamy than practical, but when it comes to the rest of the clothing, handbags, and shoes, it's hard to find a fashion insider who wouldn't want them.
Versace
The Versace brand is invariably associated with constructions and cuts. This reputation emerged in the 1990s, when Gianni Versace's collections were risky and fabulous, thanks to cuts and silhouettes. Versace is an extremely valuable brand that produces clothing, accessories, shoes, and perfumes.
Dolce & Gabbana
A brand that represents bold Sicilian glamour. Dolce & Gabbana features maximalist silhouettes, bold prints and patterns, and little black dresses preferred by icons like Monica Bellucci.
Tory Burch
An iconic American brand that impeccably embodies contemporary elegance and sophistication in each of its products. Recently, the brand has taken a versatile direction, focusing on timeless trench coats, wool sweaters, and sneakers — everything a modern woman needs.
Max Mara
In the Italian brand Max Mara, expect to find luxurious fabrics and items you'll keep for a lifetime. Apart from the world's best coats, the brand also has bags made for everlasting wear and silhouettes suitable for any occasion.
Ferragamo
There are many reasons why Ferragamo has an impeccable reputation, which can be traced back to its premium products that span generations. Today, new creative director Maximilian Davis has made Ferragamo leather more desirable than ever, thanks to contemporary handbags and shoes that invite new customers and impress existing ones.
Balenciaga
Founded by the late Cristóbal Balenciaga as one of the most innovative and well-known fashion houses in the world, Balenciaga has been a super-brand of the last decade, thanks to creative director Demna. Under his leadership, the brand combined elements of streetwear with high fashion and created accessories that changed the perception of fashion as a whole.
Tom Ford
Designer Tom Ford's sexualized and liberated approach to luxury made Gucci the most popular brand in the mid-1990s after many years of stagnation. Ford left the brand in 2004, but launched his eponymous label in 2010, known for hyperbolized glamour and a high level of craftsmanship. Some of his most recognizable accessories are his range of sunglasses. The brand also produces some of the most coveted fragrances. Although Tom Ford stepped down from the role of creative director in his brand in 2023, his legacy lives on.
Alexander McQueen
The late Alexander McQueen is one of the most influential and talented designers in modern fashion, with collections that have shaped the industry for years. After his death in 2010, his colleague Sarah Burton was announced as his successor and continued his work with elegant clothing for women and men, until she presented her final Spring-Summer 2024 collection.
