If there’s one thing that’s stagnant about the world of fashion, it is the constant evolution and competition among brands. While many companies have caught people’s attention over the years, very few have maintained their position as global leaders or icons and continued to dominate the market. This can largely be attributed to their offering of exclusive, high-quality products that not only meet global tastes but also set the trends for the years to come.
Louis Vuitton
A part of the LVMH group, Louis Vuitton is one of the most iconic and highly valued fashion brands in the world. Their collection hosts a range of largely unchanged designs, leading to a lot of counterfeiting as well.
Maintaining its luxury status, the brand strictly adheres to its “no sale” policy. Within their restricted brand guidelines, Louis Vuitton continues to wow its audiences with well-thought-out collections. The Speedy bag, launched back in 1930, and the Neverfull tote, launched in 2007, continue to remain the brand’s top-selling bags, thanks to their practicality and contemporary design.
Chanel
One of the biggest names in the world of fashion, Chanel is a luxury brand that was started by legendary designer Coco Chanel in 1910. Today, it is privately owned by two brothers – Alain and Gérard Wertheimer, through the holding company Chanel Limited.
The brand is most commonly associated with popularizing the concept of little black dresses and tweed outfits and indulging in exuberance in the form of pearl necklaces and heady fragrances like the Chanel N°5.
Exclusivity has been one of the most important factors in building the brand’s identity. Heritage designs, attention to detail, and unique customer experiences have helped the brand remain relevant even 100 years after its inception, and dynamic styling has helped it scale new heights.
Gucci
Founded by Guccio Gucci in 1921, Gucci is world-renowned for its double-G logo. The brand initially focused only on manufacturing luxury bags; the foray into clothing came only in 1968. The Gucci family was completely ousted from the company by the 1980s, and the brand underwent a major overhaul. By 1994, designer Tom Ford had stepped in and transformed Gucci’s designs, boosting its popularity among younger generations.
Today, Gucci remains firmly at the helm of pop culture, featuring its designs on many beloved celebrities around the world.
Prada
The roots of Prada are rather humble – a small leather goods store started by Mario Prada in 1913. But by the 1980s, Prada took over the fashion world under the able leadership of Miuccia Prada, who made the brand a household luxury name.
In its rich heritage, the House of Prada has been associated with avant-garde designs, quality craftsmanship, and commitment to innovation. Over the last few years, the brand has also made efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices in its factories and stores.
Dior
One of the most prominent couturiers in history, Christian Dior, revolutionized an entire generation of clothing with the introduction of the “New Look” in the 1940s and 50s. This look featured rounded shoulders, a cinched waist, and a full skirt, which shifted focus from the wartime practicality to femininity, grace, and opulence. This made Dior a household designer name, associated with the qualities of sophistication, elegance, and luxury.
Over the years, Dior has played to its strengths, investing in contemporary marketing strategies to stay relevant. The brand has also expanded its offerings, venturing into the beauty space with a range of high-quality products like fragrances, lipsticks, foundations, and much more.
Hermès
Popular for legendary bags like the Birkin and the Kelly, Hermès is one of the biggest luxury brands in the world. Not only have their products become a status symbol, but they are also perceived as quality investments, with some fetching over 120% of their price in resale value.
The brand has maintained its exclusivity by relying on traditional marketing strategies, predominantly word of mouth. Its unique positioning has also put its products on the pedestal as family heirlooms, passed down generations.
That being said, Hermès is not entirely rooted in tradition. In the recent past, the brand has invested heavily in experimenting with new-age, eco-friendly materials, spearheading the move towards innovation and sustainability in the fashion world.
Saint Laurent
Breaking the rules of gendered clothing, Yves Saint Laurent was a pioneer in the fashion world. The brand introduced a unique tuxedo suit, which had influences of masculine and feminine clothing.
Since its launch, the brand has not shied away from the bold and experimental styles, incorporating heavy graphic prints and pushing the boundaries of luxury fashion with edgy designs and marketing.
The haute couture brand has now expanded its offerings to include a range of makeup, accessories, jewelry, and much more.
Versace
It’s impossible to talk about avant-garde without bringing up Versace. Founded by Gianni Versace, the brand has continued to make bold designs that expand the boundaries of fashion. When other brands have often opted for the “quiet luxury” look, Versace has always been a daring competitor with its ultra-glamorous and alluring pieces.
The brand has also taken a keen interest in making the move towards sustainability-driven innovation in fashion, experimenting with recycled materials and eco-friendly practices in its designs.