The luxury fashion market continues to thrive, with consumers seeking out designer brands that offer superior craftsmanship, innovation, exclusivity, and heritage. Luxury fashion houses have mastered the art of creating desire and demand through carefully crafted brand identities while upholding principles of quality and prestige.
This definitive ranking showcases the top 100 most prominent and recognizable luxury fashion brands dominating the market right now. From iconic heritage maisons to contemporary high-end labels – these coveted brands represent the pinnacle of style, quality, and status.
How We Ranked the Top Luxury Fashion Brands
Several factors went into determining the top 100 luxury fashion brands for 2023:
- Brand value – Using data from market reports like the Best Global Brands by Interbrand and BrandZ’s Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands, we analyzed which fashion brands ranked the highest in estimated brand value. Brand value takes into account financial performance, brand impact, and brand equity.
- Heritage – Many esteemed luxury brands have enduring legacies spanning 100+ years. Longevity, heritage, and craftsmanship traditions factor into a luxury brand’s prestige.
- Exclusivity – From limited product runs to invitation-only ateliers, creating scarcity and exclusivity is key for luxury brands. Brands that retain an elite status factor are highly on this list.
- Brand recognition – The most iconic brands tend to have signatures recognized globally – whether it’s monogram logos, distinct packaging or flagship stores. High brand awareness indicates popularity.
- Demand – Continued consumer demand and brands’ abilities to capture market share in the competitive luxury industry impacted rankings. Brands with sustained growth and influence ranked higher.
Without further ado, here is our curated list of the top 100 luxury and designer fashion brands for 2023 across apparel, bags, shoes, jewelry, and more.
Top 100 Luxury Fashion Brands
Top 10 Global Luxury Fashion Brands
The top 10 luxury fashion brands consistently rank as the most valuable and coveted labels worldwide. They represent the pinnacle of excellence in quality, prestige, and brand power in the luxury fashion industry.
Country: France
Founding: 1854
Louis Vuitton sits at #1 as the world’s most valuable luxury brand. The iconic LV monogram was created in 1896 to prevent counterfeiting of the brand’s luggage. Louis Vuitton is one of the oldest and most respected names in luxury, known for its high-quality leather goods, trunks, accessories, and clothing.
Recent exciting brand initiatives include opening its mammoth flagship store in Seoul, Korea in 2022 and debuting a collaborative capsule with streetwear label Supreme in 2017.
2. Chanel
Country: France
Founding: 1909
Synonymous with luxury and sophistication, Chanel remains a perennial favorite among the world’s elite. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s visionary designs like the Chanel suit and Little Black Dress liberated women from corseted styles and came to define timeless Parisian chic.
Today Chanel is renowned for its tweed suits, quilted leather bags, No. 5 perfume and iconic branding such as the interlocking CC logo. Drool-worthy recent launches include the Chanel No5 In The Snow collection and the new Mademoiselle Privé Seoul exhibition celebrating Chanel’s history and influence in Asia.
3. Hermès
Country: France
Founding: 1837
Hermès represents the pinnacle of French craftsmanship and attention to detail. The heritage brand is best known for its superior leather goods including the iconic Birkin and Kelly handbags that often have waitlists.
Hermès retains its elite, exclusive status in the luxury tier. Recent launches keeping the brand buzzing include the limited edition Hermès Heure H watch with a unique lapis lazuli dial and a new Los Angeles flagship store opened in 2022.
4. Gucci
Country: Italy
Founding: 1921
Gucci has reclaimed its place as one of fashion’s most influential luxury brands under Alessandro Michele’s whimsical creative direction. Known for bold patterns, eclectic prints, and standout branding, Gucci represents the glamorous side of Italian luxury.
The brand made major waves in 2022 by holding its Gucci Cosmogonie fashion show in Puglia, Italy’s Castel del Monte. Superstar models like Gigi Hadid walked the cosmic-themed runway. Gucci plans to continue pushing boundaries with an upcoming collaboration with streetwear giant Adidas in 2023.
5. Dior
Country: France
Founding: 1946
Christian Dior’s iconic “New Look” collection helped revive Parisian couture after WWII with its elegant, feminine aesthetic. Dior embodies the pinnacle of luxury craftsmanship.
Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri pays homage to Dior’s legacy while bringing a modern perspective with feminist undertones to designs. The brand remains a red carpet and wedding dress favorite among celebrities.
6. Cartier
Country: France
Founding: 1847
The legendary French jeweler and watchmaker is a byword for timeless elegance. The panthère, Trinity rings and LOVE bracelets are just some of Cartier’s internationally recognized designs. Alongside fine jewelry, Cartier is respected for its high-end watches.
Recent initiatives include launching its rare and precious Magnitude high jewelry collection in Monaco and exhibiting historic pieces from royal clients at the Palace of Holyroodhouse with permission from HM The Queen.
7. Prada
Country: Italy
Founding: 1913
Known for innovation and progressive styles, Prada represents modern Italian luxury. Recent collections evoke cozy, artsy vibes with influences from interior design and architecture.
Creative director Miuccia Prada consistently sets trends whether it’s with bold graphics, utilitarian details, or the brand’s influential nylon bags. The simple, refined Prada aesthetic continues to feel fresh.
Country: United States
Founding: 1837
The iconic jewelry brand is a global symbol of refinement and romance. Today under LVMH ownership, Tiffany & Co. remains focused on celebrating diverse forms of beauty. The brand retains its aspirational status, especially for engagement rings and gifts.
In 2021, Tiffany & Co. made headlines with its historical Exhibition in Doha, showcasing over 400 stunning archival creations for the first time in the Middle East. This built on the success of its 2019 Vision & Virtuosity exhibition in Shanghai.
9. Rolex
Country: Switzerland
Founding: 1905
One of the most recognized luxury watch brands, Rolex is the epitome of prestige, innovation, and performance. From the Submariner dive watch to the President bracelet, Rolex’s legendary watch models maintain their value and remain coveted as heirloom pieces.
Demand for Rolex watches continues to soar, outpacing supply. The brand astutely invests in long-term relationships with Rolex authorized dealers to uphold its high-end positioning.
10. Burberry
Country: United Kingdom
Founding: 1856
The iconic British fashion house is best known for its trench coats and Nova check plaid. Under creative director Riccardo Tisci, Burberry creatively modernizes heritage styles for a younger audience.
Recent brand highlights include unveiling a new monogram, a refreshed logo, and monthly product releases to engage today’s consumers. Burberry also made strides with sustainability practices such as going fur-free in 2018.
The Top 50 Classic & Iconic Luxury Brands
Beyond the top 10, many heritage luxury brands with over 100+ years of history comprise the top 50 section of our list. They represent the pinnacle of fine craftsmanship and enduring quality.
- Fendi – Founded in Rome in 1925, the Italian luxury house pioneered the concept of high-end ready-to-wear fur and leather goods.
- Balenciaga – Originally founded by Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1937, the avant-garde fashion house remains influential today under Demna Gvasalia’s direction.
- Bulgari – The Italian fine jeweler is a favorite among celebrities for its vibrant gemstone designs and vibrant Serpenti jewelry and watch collections.
- Versace – Known for its bold, sexy Italian glamour and pop culture influence, Versace has preserved its brand identity since 1978.
- Saint Laurent – Yves Saint Laurent’s groundbreaking designs revolutionized fashion in the 60s. Under Anthony Vaccarello, the brand honors that legacy while feeling cool and modern.
- Armani – Giorgio Armani defined 1980s power dressing and remains relevant today with sleek, refined designs for men and women.
- Dolce & Gabbana – The Italian designers behind this playful luxury label have created iconic fashion and advertising campaigns since 1985.
- Oscar de la Renta – The Latin American brand has been the epitome of feminine glamour and vibrant color since 1967, dressing everyone from global elites to Broadway stars.
- Valentino – Valentino Garavani’s legacy of opulent red carpet evening gowns continues to wow today, reinvigorated under Pierpaolo Piccioli’s creative direction.
- Rimowa – The German luxury luggage brand pioneered lightweight aluminum suitcases in 1950 and remains the leader in functional but stylish travel cases.
- Breguet – Regarded as one of the most important Swiss luxury watchmakers, Breguet watch craftsmanship does not compromise on quality or aesthetics.
- Piaget – Renowned for its ultra-thin watch movements and dazzling haute jewelry, the Swiss brand was pioneered by Georges Piaget in 1874.
- Tod’s – Diego Della Valle founded the Italian leather goods and shoe brand in 1978, gaining global recognition for its driving shoes.
- Bvlgari – From its iconic Serpenti jewelry to plush leather bags, the Roman luxury house reflects Italian glamour.
- Lanvin – Jeanne Lanvin’s legacy of intricate dresses and perfumes from the 1920s still inspires Lanvin’s collections today.
- Salvatore Ferragamo – Starting as a footwear brand in 1927, Ferragamo now encompasses leather goods, clothing, and accessories defined by Italian craftsmanship.
- Fendi – The heritage Italian fur and leather goods fashion house experienced a revival under Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini Fendi’s creative direction.
- Loewe – Originally a Spanish leather workshop in 1846, Loewe now produces coveted luxury handbags and clothing under Jonathan Anderson’s creative helm.
- Tag Heuer – Founded in 1860, the Swiss watchmaker continues to fuse fashion with function for precise and stylish timepieces loved by racecar drivers and celebrities alike.
- Paul Smith – With his colorful, tailored designs since 1970, British designer Paul Smith brought his playful personality to luxury menswear.
- Céline – Though Hedi Slimane controversially rebranded it to Celine, the brand retains its reputation for elegant, Parisian luxury clothing and leather goods.
- Dunhill – First known for luxury leather luggage in 1893, this British brand has evolved into fine menswear with a strong accessories focus.
- Ermenegildo Zegna – Under four generations of the Zegna family, the Italian menswear brand has kept innovation and craftsmanship at its core since 1910.
- Lalique – René Lalique’s legacy of exquisite crystal creations and perfumes from 1888 established the French brand as the leader in luxury glassmaking.
- Graff – As a premier luxury jeweler, Laurence Graff has dazzled royalty and celebrities with the brand’s rare diamonds and gemstones since 1960.
- De Beers Jewellers – Expanding from diamond mining to luxury retail in 2001, De Beers offers fine jewelry showcasing rare diamonds.
- Vacheron Constantin – As the oldest Swiss watch manufacturer since 1755, Vacheron Constantin represents the ultimate in horology and decorative arts.
- Boucheron – Starting in 1858, the French jeweler pioneered trends like Art Deco designs and colorful stone combinations in jewelry.
- Patek Philippe – Independent and family owned, the Swiss watchmaker creates coveted heirloom-quality timepieces that hold their value.
- Audemars Piguet – This innovative Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has broken conventions in watchmaking since 1875.
- Chloé – With its signature romantic French style since 1952, Chloé continues to create feminine ready-to-wear, bags and accessories.
- Emilio Pucci – Pucci’s bold graphic prints and jet-set resort wear have maintained a fashionable following since 1950.
- Kate Spade New York – Launched in 1993, Kate Spade’s handbags brought a playful personality to luxury accessories. The brand now includes clothing and jewelry.
- Net-a-Porter – As a leader in luxury e-commerce since 2000, Net-a-Porter delivers coveted fashion brands online to elite clientele.
- Christian Louboutin – Instantly recognizable by its red-lacquered soles, Louboutin’s sexy stilettos have gained a global following since 1991.
- Carolina Herrera – Known for sophistication and modern glamour, the Venezuelan designer has run her eponymous fashion house in New York since 1981.
- Jimmy Choo – Tamara Mellon co-founded the luxury shoe brand in 1996, gaining celebrity favor for its designer heels.
- Breitling – Known for technical innovation and aviation ties since 1884, the Swiss watchmaker crafts stylish, high-performance watches.
- Bottega Veneta – Celebrating the brand’s 50th anniversary in 2016, Bottega Veneta’s luxury leather goods and clothing ooze subtle sophistication.
- Longines – With an accessible luxury price point, Longine’s timepieces exude elegance and enduring quality thanks to its Swiss roots since 1832.
Top Modern & Contemporary Luxury Brands
Luxury fashion continues to evolve, with new brands gaining prestige and influence. Up-and-coming labels making their mark today include:
- Off-White – Virgil Abloh’s streetwear-infused designs made the label ultra hot. His untimely passing will not diminish Off-White’s buzz.
- Amina Muaddi – Launched in 2018, Muaddi’s ornate, feminine footwear creations have won over style stars worldwide.
- Jacquemus – With his playful, nostalgic French aesthetic Simon Porte Jacquemus has disrupted the luxury scene starting in 2009.
- Fear of God – Jerry Lorenzo’s luxury streetwear label injects L.A. cool into high fashion with faith-inspired designs.
- VAE Victis – Dedicated to quality Italian craftsmanship, Valentina Ariani’s made-to-order shoe label has gained elite status since 2013.
- Marine Serre – The French designer has defined a new contemporary luxury category fusing innovation and sustainability since 2017.
- Daniel Lee – Appointed creative director in 2018, Daniel Lee has revived Bottega Veneta with trendsetting pouch bags and modern, feminine designs.
- Peter Do – Crafted in Italy and Japan, Peter Do’s refined genderless collections and minimalist bags have won over luxury fans since 2018.
- The Row – Established in 2006 by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The Row offers refined luxury essentials perfect for a clean, chic aesthetic.
- Cecilie Bahnsen – With her ethereal dresses and on-trend puffed sleeves, Cecilie Bahnsen embodies a new Scandinavian luxury design.
- Brunello Cucinelli – Understated Italian luxury done right, Cucinelli’s cozy-chic cashmere knits and casual wear have earned devotees since 1978.
- Loro Piana – Revered for its ultra-soft cashmere and elite craftsmanship perfected since 1924, Loro Piana oozes understated luxury.
- Canada Goose – Combining fashion and function for extreme weather, Canada Goose engineered a new premium outerwear category starting in 1957.
- Elie Saab – The Lebanese designer’s ornate embroidered gowns have become staples for celebrity red carpets and weddings since 1982.
- Gabriela Hearst – Architectural, sustainable luxury ready-to-wear inspired by Hearst’s Uruguayan heritage has won fans since 2015.
- Giuseppe Zanotti – With an innate sense of what’s sexy, Zanotti’s luxury shoes have gained a devoted following since 1994.
- Acne Studios – The Swedish label pioneered accessible luxury basics with its tailored, minimalist aesthetic since 1996.
- Sies Marjan – Sander Lak’s vibrant ready-to-wear brought a joyous new perspective to luxury fashion from 2016 until closing in 2020.
- JW Anderson – With gender-fluid, artistic fashion since 2008, Jonathan Anderson constantly pushes creative boundaries.
- Lemaire – Christophe Lemaire previously revived Hermès before launching his eponymous luxury label focused on timeless, minimalist designs in 2014.
- Jil Sander – Ruled by a less-is-more aesthetic since 1968, Jil Sander created a new template for modern luxury and androgyny.
- Isabel Marant – Effortlessly chic French girl style has remained Isabel Marant’s specialty since 1994 through her luxe bohemian designs.
- Altuzarra – Joseph Altuzarra has brought refined craftsmanship and innovation to modern luxury ready-to-wear since founding his brand in 2008.
- Victoria Beckham – From pop star to respected designer, Beckham has fulfilled her fashion destiny with sophisticated luxury designs since 2008.
- Thom Browne – Browne’s shrunken tailored aesthetic challenges conventions and has redefined menswear and womenswear since 2001.
- Olivier Rousteing – As creative director of Balmain since 2011, Rousteing has reinvigorated the French house with bold new energy and opulent designs for the digital age.
- Alexander McQueen – The late Lee Alexander McQueen left an indelible mark on fashion through his avant-garde creativity and dark romanticism starting in 1992.
- Anya Hindmarch – Hindmarch’s quirky luxury handbag designs won over modern consumers seeking personality when she launched her label in 1987.
- Self-Portrait – Founded in 2013, the brand’s affordable luxury dresses are perfect for everything from weddings to dates.
- Loewe – Jonathan Anderson balanced modernity with Loewe’s Spanish roots after taking the creative helm in 2013. Must-have designs include coveted plush leather bags.
- Roksanda – Roksanda Ilinčić delivers artistic, feminine ready-to-wear from her London studio since launching her brand in 2005.
- Chopova Lowena – With cool shoes and vintage-inspired clothing, Chopova Lowena represents a new generation of luxury designers since 2017.
- Simone Rocha – Following in her father’s footsteps, Simone Rocha’s feminine, avant-garde collections demonstrate modern Irish design since 2010.
- Gabriela Hearst – Architectural, sustainable luxury ready-to-wear inspired by Hearst’s Uruguayan heritage has won fans since 2015.
- Brandon Maxwell – As Lady Gaga’s stylist turned designer, Maxwell has created modern glamorous styles true to his Texas roots since 2015.
- Christopher John Rogers – Rogers’ vibrant, maximalist designs have brought joyful expression to luxury fashion since 2016.
- Wales Bonner – Grace Wales Bonner’s intellectual approach explores her African-Caribbean heritage through precision tailoring since 2014.
- Brother Vellies – With handmade artisanal designs inspired by her African ancestry, Aurora James founded Brother Vellies in 2013.
- Colville – As a collectively designed brand, Colville thoughtfully produced gender-neutral clothing and accessories in Italy since 2018.
- Thebe Magugu – Hailing from South Africa, Magugu’s eponymous label explores African culture and history through considered luxury fashion.
- Peter Pilotto – Peter Pilotto fused technology with female empowerment for his graphically charged luxury label since 2007 before stepping down in 2020.
- Rokh – Fusing subtle elegance with streetwear, Roksanda Ilinčić launched the Rokh label in 2016 as a contemporary counterpart to her main line.
- Cult Gaia – Jasmin Larian founded the label in 2012, gaining viral fame for artistic statement bags like the Ark bag.
- AREA – With confident designs for powerful women, AREA has been redefining modern evening wear since launching in 2014.
- Altuzarra – Joseph Altuzarra has brought refined craftsmanship and innovation to modern luxury ready-to-wear since founding his brand in 2008.
- Gabriela Hearst – Architectural, sustainable luxury ready-to-wear inspired by Hearst’s Uruguayan heritage has won fans since 2015.
- Mowalola – Inspired by her Nigerian heritage, Mowalola Ogunlesi’s futurist designs shaped a new vision for luxury fashion after debuting in 2017.
- Wales Bonner – Grace Wales Bonner’s intellectual approach explores her African-Caribbean heritage through precision tailoring since 2014.
- Peter Do – Crafted in Italy and Japan, Peter Do’s refined genderless collections and minimalist bags have won over luxury fans since 2018.
- A-Cold-Wall – Samuel Ross’ conceptual British label blends luxury and streetwear through deconstructed tailoring and graphic motifs since 2015.
Most Coveted Luxury Brands By Category
Beyond apparel, today’s luxury brands expand into other indulgent categories like luggage, footwear, accessories, and beauty. Here are the most coveted brands by category that consumers invest in:
Handbags
- Chanel
- Hermès
- Louis Vuitton
- Bottega Veneta
- Prada
- Saint Laurent
Shoes
- Christian Louboutin
- Manolo Blahnik
- Jimmy Choo
- Gucci
- Prada
Jewelry
- Cartier
- Tiffany & Co.
- Bulgari
- Van Cleef & Arpels
- Harry Winston
Watches
- Rolex
- Patek Philippe
- Audemars Piguet
- Cartier
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
Fragrances
- Chanel
- Dior
- Gucci
- Tom Ford
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Eyewear
- Gucci
- Prada
- Cartier
- Ray-Ban
- Oakley
Cosmetics
- La Mer
- La Prairie
- Sisley Paris
- Le Labo
- Byredo
Why Do Consumers Crave Luxury Fashion?
There are many factors that drive the enduring consumer appetite for luxury fashion brands:
- Prestige – Luxury conveys status and style. Ownership represents being part of an elite echelon that only a few can access.
- Quality – From detail-oriented craftsmanship to premium materials, luxury brands invest in excellence that shows through their products. This leads to lasting value.
- Heritage – Longstanding maisons trace their legacies back 100+ years. Traditional craft and heritage matter to luxury consumers seeking authenticity.
- customer service – Luxury brands offer dedicated customer service and personalized experiences in boutiques. This builds lasting relationships and loyalty.
- Originality – Many iconic luxury pieces like the Chanel 2.55 bag or Cartier LOVE bracelet remain timeless classics that retain their value.
- Scarcity – Keeping availability limited and production exclusive increases desirability. Luxury brands master the balance between demand and supply.
- Philanthropy – More brands are differentiating themselves via social causes. Conscientious luxury appeals to modern affluents seeking meaning beyond materialism.
Investment-Worthy Luxury Fashion
For shoppers looking at luxury fashion as long-term investments, Hermès bags, Rolex and Patek Philippe watches, Tiffany jewelry, and Cartier love bracelets tend to retain or increase in value over time rather than depreciate. Rare vintage Chanel pieces are also auctioned for extremely high prices.
While less-known emerging brands can seem intriguing for investment potential, established luxury brands with enduring reputations and demands remain safer choices for longevity.
The Past & Future of Luxury Fashion
Many esteemed luxury brands share common origins as small leather workshops and boutiques catering to royal clients in France, Italy, and other parts of Europe starting in the mid-19th century. Over the decades, these labels eventually expanded into global enterprises thanks to smart investments and partnerships.
While heritage continues to anchor the legitimacy of traditional luxury brands, new labels are on the rise. Streetwear and sustainability will increasingly influence future trends in the luxury space. As Millennials and Gen Z gain spending power, brands will need to connect with younger, conscious consumers without discounting their luxury DNA.
The top 100 luxury brands continue to inspire aspirational desire and loyalty across demographics. For those who can access these rarefied heights of style and quality – luxury fashion retains its magical allure.
Final Thoughts
This definitive guide to the top 100 luxury fashion brands covers legacy maisons and fresh labels across apparel, accessories, and more. Despite economic shifts, the allure of luxury fashion endures.
Which of these esteemed high fashion brands top your wishlist? Share your favorite luxury labels and coveted pieces in the comments.