In this article, I’ll introduce you to the world’s 25 most popular high fashion brands right now.
Lyst, Statista, Mintel, CB Insights, and LARA Media Group have provided the data to assemble this article.
The data includes the shopping preferences of over 150 million online buyers and sales figures from over 18,000 online clothing stores.
25/25
STONE ISLAND
Italy
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Creators of powerful activewear lines, athleisure outfits, and smart casual suits, Stone Island has become a key source of inspiration for Millennials from all over the world.”
Launched in 1982 as a ‘design lab’ by Massimo Osti, Stone Island is an Italian label with solid roots in industrial design.
Stone Island is a leading streetwear brand recognized for its stripped-back aesthetics and iconic compass logo patch.
- Partnered with Turin’s C2C festival on the Stone Island Sound project.
24/25
THOM BROWNE
United Kingdom
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Hailing from Mayfair, London’s center of royalty, Tom Browne is a fresh statement of current fashion trends and high-quality craftsmanship.”
Considered a visionary in suiting and tailoring, Thom Browne has grown from a small “by appointment” store to a globally admired lifestyle label.
Questioning standards and proportions, Thom Browne’s clothing put a fresh spin on heritage-inspired style, skinny silhouettes, and playful androgyny.
- Launched sports-inspired collections for Nordstrom’s New Concepts pop-up program and co-branded Galaxy Z flip phone with Samsung.
23/25
LOEWE
Spain
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Stunning garments of classic style and fragrances that amaze shoppers from all over the world.”
Founded in 1846, Loewe is one of the world’s oldest major luxury Houses and an incontestable market leader.
The Spanish luxury fashion house specializes in leather goods, clothing, perfumes, and unique high-end accessories.
- Kicked off the fifth edition of the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize and announced musician Kim Hyun-ah as ambassador.
22/25
VALENTINO
Italy
EDITOR’S NOTE
“A fashion label of classic style and heritage, loved by contemporary celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Penelope Cruz, and Keira Knightley.”
Of all the fashion companies on this top, Valentino is a case apart.
The story of Valentino began in 1959 in the heart of Rome, the Eternal City.
Founded by Valentino Garavani, the House is known for its trademark fabric shade known as “Valentino red.”
Meghan Markle wore a red Valentino dress for an official engagement during Morocco’s February 2019 royal tour.
Valentino designed custom wedding dresses for icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Jennifer Lopez, Anne Hathaway, and Julia Roberts.
In 2016 under the sole creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, a new chapter began for the brand when a new set of values, contemporary but faithful to the brand’s heritage, were created.
- Dressed Zendaya for the Oscars, held an haute couture show in Venice – in partnership with 17 artists – and pledged to go fur-free.
21/25
RAF SIMONS
Belgium
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Acclaimed by media, influencers, and consumers, Raf’s creations make headlines worldwide, from Spain to Japan and Switzerland to China.”
Raf Simons launched his menswear label in 1995, and since, the Belgian fashion designer has taken the fashion world by storm.
Ex-creative director of Jil Sander, Christian Dior, and Calvin Klein, as of April 2020, Simons is the co-creative director of Prada, together with Miuccia Prada.
- Collaborated with Dr. Martens on a new boot, celebrating the company’s 60th anniversary.
20/25
DOLCE & GABBANA
Italy
EDITOR’S NOTE
“A favorite brand among Hollywood celebrities, Dolce and Gabbana delivers an indisputable mix of classic and contemporary fashion styles.”
Dolce & Gabbana is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in 1985 by designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.
The brand became famous after Madonna selected D&G to craft her costume for the “Girlie” world tour and the jewel-encrusted corsets for the Cannes Film Festival.
Although the designers’ relationship ended in 2005, the duo continues collaborating.
As The New Yorker puts it, “Gabbana is the eyes for Dolce’s hands.”
- Celebrity endorsements and fashion workshops for students in collab with Istituto Marangoni.
19/25
ARMANI
Italy
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Elegant and refined, Armani is all about luxurious creations of timeless looks that enhance one’s natural beauty.”
Giorgio Armani S.p.A., also known as Armani, is an Italian luxury fashion house founded by designer Giorgio Armani.
The Italian fashion house designs haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods, shoes, watches, jewelry, accessories, eyewear, cosmetics, and home interiors.
The brand sells products under several labels: Giorgio Armani Privé, Giorgio Armani, Armani Collezioni, Emporio Armani (including EA7), Armani Jeans, Armani Junior, and Armani Exchange.
- Armani Beauty Collection is leading – in terms of sales and customer demand – the market of luxury beauty products in Asia and the Middle East
18/25
HERMES
France
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Exquisite garments and unique accessories from a heritage fashion label hailing from the country of haute couture.”
Hermès International S.A., or simply Hermès, is a French luxury goods manufacturer established in 1837.
The French fashion house specializes in leather goods, lifestyle accessories, home furnishings, perfumery, jewelry, watches, and ready-to-wear.
The brand’s Birkin bag is topping the list of designer bags as the most iconic product from the French Maison.
- Hermes is the home of the world’s most recognizable bags for women, such as the Birkin, Kelly, and Constance bags.
17/25
RICK OWENS
USA
EDITOR’S NOTE
“A visionary designer label that enchants with unique, minimalistic styles, style-breaking designs, and out-of-this-world streetwear shoes.”
Rick Owens is a super clothing American label founded in 1994 by a designer named Rick Owens.
Often riffing on and reinterpreting, Rick Owens is the ultimate way for fashionistas seeking to experience unique aesthetic concepts.
- Collabs with Birkenstock and Dr. Martens.
16/25
OFF-WHITE
Italy
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Trendy, fresh, on high demand right now, Off-White is a streetwear label adored by old and young customers alike.”
The winner of top fashion brands in 2021, Off-White remains one of the hottest brands in the world for the third successive quarter.
The designer label builds on younger buyers and celebs who champion the label’s anti-establishment take on luxury, and it is hailed as one of the best streetwear fashion brands of 2023.
With a digital-native approach, Off-White (which surpassed 10M Instagram followers this quarter) and founder Virgil Abloh (7.1M followers) have a substantial social media following.
While very unfortunate, the passing of Virgil Abloh in November last year created an extra layer of mystery and scarcity around the brand.
- LVMH acquired a 60% stake in the brand, and Kid Cudi wore an Off-White dress on Saturday Night Live.
15/25
FENDI
Italy
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Not just another Italian brand owned by the Parisian fashion house (better-said conglomerate), LVMH, Fendi’s position is unique in its category of couture, renowned for elegance, craftsmanship, innovation, and style.”
Established by Adele and Edoardo Fendi in Rome in 1925, the House of Fendi has emerged as a fashion house renowned for its elegance, craftsmanship, innovation, and style.
Karl Lagerfeld joined Fendi in 1965, giving the label a real design boost.
The LVMH group acquired Fendi in 2001 and helped finance its global expansion.
Since shifting to LVMH, the Italian luxury fashion house has become synonymous with quality, tradition, experimentation, and creativity.
High celebrity adoption and growing social media interest are driving the brand’s popularity.
- Teamed with Donatella Versace on a unique collection, announced eyewear partnership with Thélios, and opened pop-up Fendi Caffès in Milan and Miami.
14/25
VERSACE
Italy
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Loved for its belts, cotton scarves, and loungewear pieces designed with absolute comfort in mind, Versace is your quick gateway to Italian fashion and style.”
Versace is an Italian luxury fashion company founded by Gianni Versace in 1978.
The brand’s logo is the head of Medusa, a Greek mythological figure.
Gianni Versace chose Medusa as the logo because she made people fall in love with her, and they had no way back.
The designer hoped his company would have the same effect on those who wore Versace’s clothes and shoes.
Thanks to Donatella Versace’s leadership and iconic supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, the luxury house became one of the most popular labels of 90s fashion.
- Unveiled surprise ‘Fendace’ collection with Fendi, dressed Lil Nas X for the Met Gala, and Ariana Grande on The Late Late Show.
13/25
MONCLERItaly
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Launched as a brand designed to cover travel and holiday time, Monclair is – in 2023 – one of the most coveted streetwear names, easily recognized and adored worldwide.”
Founded in 1952 by René Ramillon, Moncler takes its name from the French Alpine town of Monestier-de-Clermont.
With a firm grip on its mountaineering heritage and a perfect fusion of street style and alpine sensibility, Moncler has gained cult status across men’s, women’s, and children’s styles.
Alongside its main lines, the collaborative Genius Project eschews bi-annual runway shows in favor of original capsules with a contemporary touch.
- Appointed Gino Fisanotti as the brand’s Chief Brand Officer, launched the latest Craig Green Genius collection based on contrasts, and had Alicia Keys hosting the Mondogenius 2021 show.
12/25
JACQUEMUS
France
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Not keen on the classic idea of fashion weeks, this French fashion house stands out through limited-edition collections and ready-to-wear lines made from sustainable materials.”
Jacquemus was launched by Simon Porte Jacquemus when the designer was only 19 years old.
Credited with bringing ‘freshness’ to the French fashion scene, Simon’s collections are deconstructed, surrealist, and often ‘NSFW.’
Also, with the boom of stores like Anthropologie and brands like Free People, Jacquemus’ Spring/Summer 2022 collections draw inspiration from the classic bohemian style.
- Launched Le Ciuciu bag with Kendall Jenner as the face of the F/W ’21 campaign and La Montagne runway show in Paris with Bella Hadid.
11/25
BALMAIN
France
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Adored in Asia right now, thanks to Rousteing’s genius vision and fruitful collaborations, Belmain’s luxury couture is a level up from its competition.”
Founded by Pierre Balmain in 1945, Balmain is a French luxury fashion house that operates 16 mono-brand stores in New York City, London, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, and Milan.
Olivier Rousteing has been the creative director of Balmain since 2011, after attending a prestigious French fashion school and working under Roberto Cavalli.
Rousteing is also credited with adding an Asian influence to Balmain’s clothing, as Asia comprises many of the brand’s buyers.
- Launched capsule makeup collection KYLIE X BALMAIN collaborates with Kylie Jenner, Balmain Sneaker Hub, and a Netflix documentary where Wonder Boy follows the life of the brand’s creative director, Olivier Rousteing.
10/25
GIVENCHY
France
EDITOR’S NOTE
“While owned by LVMH, the company has maintained its stylistic independence. With a powerful online presence, Givenchy’s dream luxury couture hails right from the heart of France.”
Leaders of contemporary fashion trends, the Parisian luxury fashion house of Givenchy was founded in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy and Jaani Robert Duffy.
Givenchy is worn by the world’s celebs such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Emma Stone, Julia Roberts, Rooney Mara, and Meghan Markle.
The French luxury conglomerate LVMH owns Givenchy’s couture, fragrance, jewelry, and cosmetics businesses.
- Dressed The Weeknd for his Superbowl performance, Elon Musk for Saturday Night Live, and Beyoncé and Jay Z for their About Love Tiffany & Co campaign.
9/25
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
United Kingdom
EDITOR’S NOTE
“The House of Alexander McQueen remains one of the most distinctive and innovative labels, unmatched in its uncompromising expressions of unbridled creativity.”
Founded by Lee Alexander McQueen in 1992, the House joined the Kering Group in 2001.
Sarah Burton was appointed Head of Design for womenswear in 2000 and named Creative Director in 2010, and under her leadership, the House produces critically acclaimed collections.
Nodaway, the House is synonymous with modern British couture, driven by a highly personal vision and respect for experimentation and time-honored craftsmanship.
Integral to the Alexander McQueen culture is the juxtaposition between the feminine and the masculine.
Between fragility and strength, romance and rebellion, man and machine.
An equal love of nature and an understanding of British history are vital inspirations for the House.
- Launched a new McQueen Roses installation at Bond Street flagship and the House’s fresh graphics, the McQueen Graffiti.
8/25
BURBERRY
United Kingdom
EDITOR’S NOTE
“A British label that needs no introduction and hated in the past for its lack of sustainability, Burberry is now at the forefront of innovation with exclusive garments made from recycled materials.”
Established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, Burberry is a British luxury fashion house headquartered in London, England.
The total brand value of Burberry was about $6.5 billion in 2021, making Burberry one of the top British fashion brands.
While initially focused on outdoor attire, the label has moved into high-fashion couture and accessories in recent years.
For her, him, the children, and the entire family, Burberry has them all, from trousers and shoes to accessories and sunglasses.
Burberry is also famous for its trench coats, leather goods, footwear, fashion accessories, eyewear, fragrances, and cosmetics.
- The first luxury brand to pledge to become Climate Positive by 2040.
7/25
SAINT LAURENT
France
EDITOR’S NOTE
“YSL has superb beauty products, makeup, perfumes, and skincare, not just fashion and clothing products. Check them out.”
More recently known as ‘Saint Laurent,’ Yves Saint Laurent is a French luxury fashion house founded by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé.
Founded in 1961, Yves Saint Laurent was the first couture house to introduce, in 1966, the concept of luxury prêt-à-porter with a collection called “Saint Laurent Rive Gauche,” synonymous with youth and freedom.
Part of the Kering Group and under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello, appointed in April 2016, Saint Laurent kept true to its identity of absolute modernity and fashion authority.
YSL is one of the best high-end designer brands in 2023 thanks to the following:
- The brand’s S/S ’21 campaign film was directed by Gaspar Noé and featured Catherine Deneuve and Kate Moss, followed by Romeo Beckham in F/W ’21 campaign.
6/25
BOTTEGA VENETA
Italy
EDITOR’S NOTE
“While still reluctant to internet advertising, digital commerce, and influencer media, Bottega Veneta has evolved from a local producer for family and friends into one of the most coveted Italian luxury houses.”
Founded in 1966 in Vicenza, Veneto, Bottega Veneta is an Italian label specializing in luxury goods and high fashion apparel.
The label started to gain popularity when its previous creative director, Tomas Maier, returned the brand to its original identity.
Maier removed visible logos from the brand’s products, highlighted the signature ‘intrecciato’ (intertwined) weave, and put the accent back on artisanal production.
Vogue described Maier’s changes as “stealth wealth.”
However, the brand’s recognition as a top fashion brand is attributed to Daniel Lee, the brand’s new Creative Director.
- S/S ’22 viral celebrity dressing moments, including Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and rappers Skepta, Slowthai, and Little Simz.
5/25
BALENCIAGA
Spain
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Balenciaga’s stunning cuts continue redefining athletic minimalism and oversized apparel in high fashion.”
Balenciaga is a luxury fashion house of Spanish heritage – founded in 1917 by Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga – and currently based in Paris, France.
Christian Dior referred to Balenciaga as a couturier of uncompromising standards and “The master of us all.”
Thanks to Demna Gvasalia, the brand’s designer, Balenciaga is back to its creative roots.
Gvasalia explored the house archives to reimagine the work of Cristóbal Balenciaga — from a fresh perspective.
Now a global fashion brand, Balenciaga hits the ground running regarding streetwear.
- Released Pride Collection to support The Trevor Project and teamed up with Kanye West for his Donda album launch.
4/25
PRADA
Italy
EDITOR’S NOTE
“One of the world’s most iconic fashion houses, Prada benefits greatly from Simon’s input of fresh styles and cuts that bring the label back to the public’s attention.”
Started as a small leather goods store 100 years ago by Mario Prada, the label with the same name is now one of the world’s most iconic fashion houses.
Prada combines distinctive elements of artisanal know-how heritage with modern principles of environmental protection, cultural support, and ethical manufacturing.
Nowadays, Prada is conducted by a revolutionary duo of designers: Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, nailing a sweet spot between classic and fun.
- Formed ‘Aura Blockchain Consortium’ with LVMH and Cartier and presented the S/S ’22 collection live from Milan and Shanghai.
3/25
LOUIS VUITTON
France
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Founded in Paris in 1854, at the dawn of the modern travel era, LV is propelled by an innovative spirit, boundless creativity, and unparalleled savoir-faire.”
More commonly known as Louis Vuitton or by its initials LV, Louis Vuitton Malletier is a French fashion house and luxury goods company founded in 1854 by Georges Louis Vuitton.
Trained as a box maker for packing everyday objects and voluminous wardrobes, Louis Vuitton and his successors introduced numerous innovations, such as the flat-top trunk, lightweight canvas, signature patterns, and the tumbler lock.
Nowadays, Louis Vuitton’s legacy is expressed through its rigorous spirit of innovation, the boldness of its creations, and an uncompromising demand for excellence.
Named the world’s most valuable luxury brand for six consecutive years (2006–2012) and with over 460 stores in 50 countries, the brand continues its mission to explore new stylistic horizons.
The brand’s LV monogram appears on anything, from luxury trunks and leather goods to ready-to-wear shoes, watches, jewelry, accessories, sunglasses, and even books.
- Showed Cruise 2023 at Axe Majeure near Paris and appeared on Vogue US cover as worn by Amanda Gorman.
2/25
GUCCI
Italy
EDITOR’S NOTE
“With modern prints and embroidery (even on sneakers), Gucci a high-end fashion brand loved by the young generation in 2023.”
Gucci is an Italian luxury fashion and leather goods brand founded by Guccio Gucci in Florence, Tuscany, in 1921.
Nowadays, under the romantic and eclectic direction of Alessandro Michele, Gucci’s bags are redefining the designer market for the 21st century.
Gucci represents the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship – maybe that’s why Gucci is SO expensive!
From ‘Horsebit’ loafers and ‘Dionysus’ bags to exquisite hand-finished dresses, these collections include some of fashion’s most sought-after pieces.
- Dressed Billie Eilish and Harry Styles for the Grammys, launched a new North Face collaboration, and started selling digital sneakers with Wanna.
1/25
DIOR
France
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Dior, oh, Dior! The French luxury house continues to assert its vision through timeless sculptures of elegant, structured, and infinitely feminine collections.”
More commonly known as Dior, Christian Dior SE is a French luxury fashion house controlled and chaired by the French businessman Bernard Arnault, who heads LVMH, the world’s largest luxury group.
Dior was founded in 1946 by French fashion designer Christian Dior; the House is directed by Pietro Beccari, the CEO of Christian Dior Couture since 2018.
This brand sells shoes and clothing, while haute couture is under the Christian Dior Couture division.
- Held fashion shows for haute couture and S/S ’22 and announced a new partnership with the Paris Saint-Germain football club.
Note
The article is pending an update with high-end designers and luxury fashion brands like Salvatore Ferragamo, Christian Louboutin, Vera Wang, Jimmy Choo, Christian Audigier, Hugo Boss, Tory Burch, Phoebe Philo, Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors, to be included, as proposed by our readers.
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From all 30 high-end fashion brands presented in this article, which one is your favorite and why?
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London’s office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
