When it comes to luxury fashion brands, Gucci is a name that is recognized worldwide. The Italian brand has been synonymous with high-quality materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and iconic designs for almost a century. However, there are other brands that are considered even more prestigious and coveted by the elite.
1. Hermès
Hermès is a French luxury brand that has been around since 1837. The company started as a harness workshop and has since expanded to include leather goods, ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, and perfumes.
Hermès is known for its iconic Birkin and Kelly bags, which are highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. The brand also uses only the finest materials in its products, such as crocodile skin and sterling silver.
Fun Fact:
- The Birkin bag was named after actress Jane Birkin who complained to Hermès CEO about not being able to find a bag she liked
- The waitlist for a Birkin bag can be years long
2. Chanel
Chanel is a French fashion house founded by Coco Chanel in 1909. The brand is known for its timeless designs such as the little black dress, the Chanel suit, and the quilted handbag with chain strap.
Chanel also produces haute couture collections twice a year in Paris. The brand’s logo – two interlocking Cs – has become one of the most recognizable symbols in fashion.
Fun Fact:
- Coco Chanel was once quoted as saying: “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”
- The classic Chanel flap bag was designed in 1955 and is still popular today
3. Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton is a French fashion house founded by the designer of the same name in 1854. The brand is known for its monogrammed leather goods, including handbags, luggage, and wallets.
Louis Vuitton has also expanded into ready-to-wear clothing, shoes, accessories, and even jewelry. The brand has become a status symbol for many due to its high price point and exclusivity.
Fun Fact:
- Louis Vuitton’s son George invented the company’s signature monogram in 1896 as a way to prevent counterfeiting
- The brand has collaborated with artists such as Takashi Murakami and Jeff Koons on limited edition collections
So while Gucci may be one of the most recognizable luxury brands in the world, there are others that are considered even more prestigious by those in the know. Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton all have their own unique histories, designs, and legacies that have made them icons of luxury fashion.