Top 10 most expensive clothing brands in the world
If you’re obsessed with expensive clothing brands and want to learn more about them, then you’ll be glad to know you’ve come to the right place. Today in this article we are going to review all the big names in the apparel industry. Yes! That sounds good! Well, thanks to the famous film The Devil Wears Prada, today we know many upscale clothing brands. But when it comes to the journey of these brands, how they managed to conquer a significant position in the fashion world, etc., we are not always fully informed. But don’t worry when we get here. This article will give you all the information you need about some of the most expensive and posh brands in the clothing department. Get ready because we will take you on a wonderful tour. Scroll down and get inspired by the successful journeys of some truly stylish and opulent clothing brands. On your marks, get set, go!
1. Chanel
This fashion brand stands for luxury, sophistication and timeless elegance. It was founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1909 and has since grown into one of the most recognizable and influential names in fashion.
Coco Chanel’s journey is nothing short of epic and legendary, and so is the brand. Brands with incredible stories like this are worth the extravagant price tag they carry. Chanel had a unique talent for recognizing what the world needed and making clothes accordingly. And their designs are relevant to this day. The revolutionary little black dress (LBD) remains the most prized possession in every girl’s wardrobe. Not to forget the perfume “Chanel No. 5”, which was unique in its kind. Chanel was one of the first revolutionaries to believe that luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not real luxury!
The brand is still at the forefront of luxury and premium brands, not only in clothing but also in accessories. Chanel’s brand value is a whopping $7 billion and is owned by the grandchildren of Pierre Wertheimer, Coco Chanel’s first business partner; while Karl Lagerfeld has continued as the creative director for over three decades.
2.Burberry
It’s been around for over a century and is probably the oldest fashion brand in the world. Thomas Burberry opened this shop in Basingstoke, England in 1856 and slowly the boundaries blurred. The brand’s latest additions are Burberry London and Burberry Prorsum.
The signature checked khaki and check jacket is the first thing that comes to mind when we say Burberry. It was developed for the military and then enjoyed great popularity among civilians as well. The design became such a hit that it is now part of every trending piece of clothing and accessory in one way or another. With an estimated brand value of $3.4 billion, only their customers understand what Burberry is.
3. Hermes
The Hermes brand has been around for over 200 years. They started out as a label in the 18th century, making leather harnesses, saddles, etc., and then slowly ventured into retail after Charles-Émile Hermes took over. Adolphe and Emile-Maurice then took over from their father Hermes and began making clothing for men, women and children.
Hermes is the epitome of sophistication and class in everything they make, be it bags, shoes, perfumes, clothing or even home furnishings. Like many other companies, Hermes has had its ups and downs in business. However, they weathered all the storms and continued to be a coveted, sophisticated premium brand for the elite. With $5 billion in sales, Hermes has come a long way, and that’s why they say you don’t build a multibillion-dollar empire overnight.
4.Prada
Miuccia Prada, born in 1949, a PhD student in political science and a former member and activist of the Italian Communist Party, is the current owner of Prada. She was the humblest heir to Mario Prada’s elite brand, Prada, which he founded in 1913. Muccio took over Prada in 1978 when her male cousin, who according to her grandfather was expected to take over, had no interest in fashion or fashion design. Mario Prada never believed that women would hold higher positions in general, and never imagined that any of his other female grandchildren would be able to do so.
Prada initially engaged in the manufacture of handbags, travel bags and suitcases for the Italian elite. However, when Miuccia Prada took over the company, she launched luxury ready-to-wear clothing for both men and women. Prada gained popularity even before this collection was launched, introducing luxurious nylon handbags and backpacks without the large, stifling logos taking over the design element, as was common with premium brands at the time. And that is precisely the reason why this label has always been perceived differently by its loyal customers. Patricio Bertelli, her then-boyfriend and now-husband, helped Prada break new ground, eventually opening their first flagship store in 1986. Prada eventually went public in Hong Kong and gradually opened stores around the world. The company’s net worth is an estimated $2.4 billion and it remains one of the most sought-after chic apparel brands around the world.
5.Gucci
Guccio Gucci first founded “Gucci” in the 19th century. It is currently considered the most successful Italian brand in the world. Guccio, who worked as an immigrant hotel clerk in Paris, was fascinated by the high quality handbags, leather handbags that customers brought and envisioned a business model based on this idea. He then returned to his hometown of Florence and founded Gucci during World War II. His sons later joined him and helped him expand his business in Milan, Rome, etc.
The symbol of Gucci attracted a lot of attention, and Hollywood stars flying from Italy began to pose with these bags. So they slowly penetrated the US markets. Gucci then opened its first store in New York in 1956 and eventually in the other major cities of the United States. Dawn Mello took over the company in 1989 after the company had gone through turbulent times with the death of Gucci Mello. He brought Tom Ford on board as creative director to enhance their apparel and accessories offering. Gucci entered into numerous partnership and contract agreements with other major Italian and American brands. According to Forbes, Gucci is the 38th most valued luxury brand in the world with a brand value of $12.4 billion and sales of nearly $5 billion, and that speaks for itself.
6.Diors
Christian Dior, known as “Dior”, began in 1946 as a premium brand designing haute couture for women. It later expanded to “Baby Dior” for children and “Dior Homme” for men. Dior was one of the first brands to present its complete collection at its residence, which was also its flagship store at 30 Avenue Montaigne Paris. He presented his “Corolle” and “Huit” collections with 90 different looks, which Harper’s Bazaar soon dubbed “New Looks”. In 1947, Dior started making perfumes and released its first perfume, named after his sister “Miss Dior”.
Christian Dior soon conquered the American markets and expanded its brand into other segments such as make-up, perfumes and accessories and naturally remained a top competitor in the ready-to-wear and fashion segments with an estimated brand value of US$43 billion Haute Couture.
One of the reasons for Dior’s success is its focus on innovation and creativity. Christian Dior’s groundbreaking “New Look” collection in 1947 revolutionized womenswear and helped establish the brand as an industry leader. Today, Dior continues to push the boundaries of fashion with its innovative designs and use of cutting-edge technology.
7. Dolce and Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana is relatively new compared to the other big old names in luxury brands. It was founded in 1985 by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana and has steadily grown in popularity. They then partnered with a company in Japan that exported clothing to the United States to launch their collections, eventually catapulting them into the American economy.
Dolce & Gabbana launched knitwear collections and two separate lingerie and swimwear lines in 1987, which were also a huge hit. Her clothes were a big hit with Hollywood actresses and wearing this label was considered a status symbol. Eventually they started making perfumes and successfully launched some of the best fragrances. Dolce & Gabbana’s $1.4 billion in sales speaks volumes about the brand.
8.Ralph Lauren
From serving in the army to working as a salesman and now on the list of “The Richest Men Alive” Ralph Lauren had many firsts associated with his name. Shortly after leaving his army job, Ralph Lauren joined the Brooks Brothers as a salesman and became the best of his kind. This piqued his interest and he began making ties for men. He convinced management to allow him to open his own line. Bloomingdale’s approved its first venture into developing an exclusive men’s collection and leased space for a designer boutique for the first time.
Ralph Lauren started his business with a polo badge in 1971 and launched collared t-shirts with the logo on the chest that are still all the rage today. Lauren opened other labels like Ralph Lauren Black, Ralph Lauren Polo, etc. They deal in perfumes, accessories, men’s and women’s luxury items, and ready-to-wear. Ralph Lauren is also a hot favorite on the red carpet and his famous costumes for the cast of The Great Gatsby. The company’s net worth is currently estimated at a whopping $5 billion.
9.Versace
Gianni Versace is an Italian who comes from a family of designers. His mother, who was engaged in tailoring, came into contact with fashion at an early age. Fashion and designing clothes came naturally to him since he started working for his mother right out of high school. He later moved to Milan and started working as a freelancer. Finally, in 1978, he founded his label “Versace” and launched his first ready-to-wear collection. Versace always worked with his brother and sister who helped him broaden his horizons.
Versace launched its first couture collection in 1989 and later two other labels called “Versus” and “Instante”. He was also the very first designer to understand the importance of a Hollywood star or supermodel presenting collections. They slowly moved into accessories, perfumes, swimwear, etc., building an $800 million luxury empire in less than a decade. Ironically, in 1997, Versace was murdered by a serial killer right outside his home in South Beach, Florida. His sister has since taken over Versace and the brand is unstoppable with a brand value of $5.8 billion.
10. Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani is nothing short of pure sophistication, and when you see someone wearing this label in any capacity, you know they belong to society’s elite. Armani founded the “Giorgio Armani Corporation” in Milan in 1978. However, his fashion journey began in 1958 when he collaborated with various Italian brands and designed exclusive men’s clothing. His fashion work helped him build a strong network within the industry, which compelled him to open his own brand.
Giorgio Armani signed an agreement with L’Oreal that led them to start making perfumes. Around this time they expanded into Armani Jeans, Armani Kids and Emporio Armani. They have almost 2000 stores in Europe, USA and around the world. Over the years, Armani has steadily increased its market share, and with an estimated brand turnover of over $3 billion, there is no turning back.
In summary, the world of luxury apparel brands is a fascinating realm of sophistication, creativity and influence. These top 10 most expensive clothing brands have not only left an indelible mark on the fashion industry, but also shaped the way people perceive style and elegance. From the timeless elegance of Chanel to the iconic symbols of Gucci, each brand has its own unique story and journey that has contributed to its status as a global fashion company.
Through innovative designs, impeccable craftsmanship and a quest for quality, these brands have earned the loyalty of discerning consumers and celebrities alike. Her luxurious offerings go beyond mere clothing to become a symbol of status, sophistication and impeccable taste.
