High fashion houses have endured because of the quality of the craftsmanship that goes into each and every product they release. Who could forget the iconic Chanel tweed suit or the Dior New Look?
Nowadays, there are a few new contenders in the designer market, but it’s those classic, quintessential, famous fashion brands that continue to set the pace for everyone else.
In this article, we’ll give you a list of ten iconic brands and their most coveted products.
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The Luxury Clothing Market In Australia Today
The whole luxury market is estimated to be worth a jaw-dropping AU$579 billion, and that figure is set to climb even higher as newer brands open branches all over the world. Many of the world’s most expensive brands have had branches in Australia for years, but tourism and influencers have started a crazy boom in the country’s luxury market.
More tourists from Asia are coming to Sydney and Melbourne to compare prices and snag their dream items at lower prices. Australian malls have noted the increase in foot traffic, and nowadays many outlets offer price comparisons and translators for an easier shopping experience. The growing demand for high fashion goods can explain why big brands like Chanel and Prada are interested in expanding the number of outlets they have here.
Brands like Michael Kors, Celine, and Marc Jacobs are particularly popular with younger buyers because they’ve been featured heavily in their IG faves’ snaps. Carrying a luxury handbag has become a status symbol in the age of social media. One particular Saint Laurent bag has been dubbed the ‘influencer bag’ because it’s so popular with Instagram models and influencers.
The 10 Best Luxury Brands
10. Balenciaga
There was a time you couldn’t go anywhere without seeing a Balenciaga City handbag! Gwyneth Paltrow and Rihanna are often seen sporting the edgy creations of this Spanish couture house. Balenciaga’s most recent fashion must-have? The Triple S sneaker, which has been hailed as the coolest new designer item released at the start of this year.
9. Givenchy
This brand is known for popularising skinny cigarette pants, the little black dress, and versatile leather bags that go with every outfit. Cate Blanchett and Kim Kardashian are both huge fans of Givenchy’s classic looks and craftsmanship. Audrey Hepburn’s elegant black gown in Breakfast At Tiffany’s was made by Givenchy, and the Givenchy Antigona handbag is still a must-have for many women.
8. Louis Vuitton
Celebrities have been spotted with the signature LV stamped all over their satchels and belts, but this is not a novelty item for Louis Vuitton. This centuries-old brand originated as a supplier of luggage to French royalty. Sarah Jessica Parker, Gigi Hadid, and Chloe Grace Moretz have all been spotted with a Vuitton bag, and they’re just a few of the stars who love this French brand.
7. Yves Saint Laurent
Yves Saint Laurent was founded in 1961, but this fashion house continues to produce timeless classic coveted by fashionistas everywhere. Their monogrammed bags with luxe gold hardware, party dresses, and lipsticks remain firm Fashion Week favourites all over the world, YSL has gotten even more popular thanks to celeb fans Sienna Miller and Lady Gaga.
6. Christian Dior
Many a celebrity has been snapped walking down the red carpet in a sublime Dior gown, but they’re just as well-known for their perfumes and makeup. Poison and Fahrenheit are still popular perfumes with collectors. A trendy Dior item to watch recently is the recently revived saddle bag, with Miranda Kerr and Beyonce bringing back this ‘It Girl’ piece from the early ‘00s.
5. Fendi
This Italian fashion house started as a fur and leather shop and later transitioned into modern haute couture, offering luxurious bags, handcrafted shoes, and ready to wear apparel. Sunglasses and eyewear are also popular items from this brand, but bags monogrammed with its trademark double F remain their best-selling products.
4. Prada
Founded in 1931 by Mario Prada, this brand specialises in leather handbags, shoes, and accessories. The Prada Sidonie bag was last year’s must-have and was found snapped on the arms of Kaia Gerber, Hailee Steinfeld, and Rita Ora. If you’re looking for comfortable yet incredibly chic footwear, Prada’s shoes remain some of the best you can buy season after season.
3. Chanel
Chanel has become synonymous with the best of women’s fashion. Best known for their perfectly cut suits and leather bags, this French fashion house recently made a foray into more whimsical items like canvas backpacks and streetwear. Rihanna and Blake Lively are Chanel fans and have often been seen wearing clothes and bags from this haute couture house.
2. Gucci
Italian brand Gucci was founded in 1921 and continues to impress the public with its contrasting textiles and fashionable men’s suits. The more recent collections have seen the use of floral patterns and beribboned necklines. Recently, Gucci has been producing more modern pieces like sneakers and hoodies, all sporting its iconic stripes.
1. Hermes
Hermes started as a store for bespoke equestrian goods, but nowadays they’re known for their bags and silk scarves. Named after fashionable celebrities Jane Birkin and Grace Kelly, the Birkin and Kelly are beautifully-made bags that are so popular that they have waitlists. Both Hermes bags have been spotted in the closets of Miranda Kerr and Kylie Jenner.
Investment Pieces You Can Wear Again And Again
Luxury products tend to dictate what we see in fast fashion, but there’s a world of difference between a high fashion item and a high street dupe! The appeal of haute couture isn’t in the trendsetting appeal, but rather the excellent craftsmanship that ensures these pieces will last for decades and remain as stylish as ever.
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