High end fashion refers to luxury, designer clothing and accessories from the most prestigious fashion houses. High end fashion brands are characterized by the finest materials, meticulous construction, innovative and elegant designs, and premium pricing. Owning pieces from high-end labels bestows a certain prestige and status symbol.

High end fashion houses tend to share some key characteristics that separate them from mainstream fashion brands. These include:

  • Exclusive - High end fashion brands intentionally limit the number of stores and availability of their collections to preserve exclusivity. Their products have an aura of scarcity and luxury.
  • Premium pricing - The use of the finest materials and craftsmanship as well as the exclusivity of high end fashion command top dollar pricing, often in the thousands for a single piece. This places them out of reach for the average consumer.
  • Parisian influence - Many high end brands originated in Paris or London, which are epicenters of world fashion. Names like Dior, Chanel, and Givenchy evoke French sophistication and glamour.
  • Iconic designers - Each fashion house is closely associated with the head designer, whose name becomes synonymous with the brand's aesthetic and luxury cachet. Examples include Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Gianni Versace, and so on.
  • Brand heritage - High end brands have long, storied histories spanning decades. Their heritage is an integral part of their brand image and prestige.
  • Bespoke details - From high quality fabrics like silk and cashmere to delicate embroidery and beadwork, high end fashion features immaculate details and craftsmanship.
  • Runway fashion - High end designer collections debut on runways during fashion weeks in style capitals like Paris, Milan, London and New York. They showcase the most aspirational, innovative fashion each season.

Let's look at ten of the most iconic and popular high-end fashion brands today.

Top 10 Popular High-End Fashion Brands


Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton is one of the most recognizable and valuable luxury brands in the world. Founded in 1854 in Paris by Louis Vuitton himself, LV is famous for its iconic monogrammed handbags as well as leathergoods and trunks.

Notable Collections and Designs: The Classic Monogram, Damier, Epi Leather collections; Speedy, Alma, Neverfull, Petite Malle handbags; trunks.

Brand Identity: Travel heritage, innovation, classic French luxury.

Target Consumer: Affluent and the fashion elite who value timeless luxury. Celebrities and influencers help drive prestige.

Popular Items: Speedy, Neverfull, Alma and Noé handbags; Keepall and hobo bags for men.

Price Range: $500 - $4000 for handbags; up to $3000+ for SLGs; $1000+ for footwear.

Interesting Facts: LV made custom luggage for Cruise ships like the Titanic. The iconic LV monogram was introduced in 1896. LV still makes bespoke trunks and luggage by hand.

Chanel

The legendary fashion house defined modern luxury and femininity in the 20th century under the visionary designer Coco Chanel. Founded 1909 in Paris, Chanel is renowned for the 'little black dress', No. 5 perfume, and the iconic tweed jacket.

Notable Collections: Haute couture; ready to wear; handbags. Signatures include tweed, pearls, the camellia motif, quilting.

Brand Identity: Parisian elegance, refined and feminine design aesthetic.

Target Consumer: Affluent professional women with cultivated classic style; brand loyalists.

Popular Items: Chanel 2.55 flap bag, Chanel suits, Chanel ballet flats, Chanel No 5 perfume, Coco Crush jewelry.

Price Range: $3000 - $8000 for classic flap bags. Haute couture in the tens of thousands.

Interesting Facts: Coco Chanel revolutionized women's fashion by introducing pants for women, costume jewelry, and the Little Black Dress in the 1920s.

Gucci

Founded in 1921 in Florence, Italy, Gucci began as a leather goods shop specializing in horseback riding gear for the nobility. Under the creative leadership of Tom Ford and Alessandro Michele, Gucci became one of the world's most valuable luxury fashion brands.

Notable Collections: Flora, Bamboo Top Handle, Gucci Horsebit 1955 handbags.

Brand Identity: Italian glamour and opulence. Known for 'GG' monogram. Sexy, flamboyant edge under Tom Ford. Whimsical, romantic maximalism under Alessandro Michele.

Target Consumer: Jetsetters and bold trailblazers not afraid of attention-grabbing style.

Popular Items: GG monogram bags, Gucci loafers with horsebit, Gucci belt with Double G buckle.

Price Range: $700 - $4500 for handbags. Ready to wear $1000 - $10,000.

Interesting Facts: Gucci was the first Italian brand to open in the Soviet Union in 1989. Tom Ford triggered the brand's success in the 90s.

Prada

Founded in 1913 in Milan, Prada represents the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship combined with innovative, sophisticated design. Prada has expanded into a global fashion powerhouse spanning ready to wear, handbags, shoes, fragrances and more.

Notable Collections: Saffiano leather; Prada Galleria, Prada Double bags.

Brand Identity: Understated, intellectual luxury. Known for impeccable quality and cutting-edge style.

Target Consumer: Discerning creatives, intellectuals, powerbrokers who shun obvious status symbols.

Popular Items: Galleria handbag, Prada Cleo bag, Prada nylon backpack, Saffiano lux totes.

Price Range: $1000 - $3000 for handbags; $600+ for shoes. Ready to wear from $1500.

Interesting Facts: Prada started as a luxury leather goods shop selling imported English steamer trunks and handbags in 1913. Miuccia Prada, granddaughter of the founder, transformed Prada into a leading luxury brand synonymous with modern sophistication and style.

Christian Dior

Founded in 1946 with backing from wealthy businessman Marcel Boussac, Christian Dior took post-war Paris by storm with its dramatic New Look silhouette. Dior came to define mid-century glamour and femininity.

Notable Collections: Lady Dior, Saddle, Dior Book Tote, 30 Montaigne bags; Bar jacket.

Brand Identity: Quintessential Parisian elegance, feminine silhouettes, extravagant craftsmanship.

Target Consumer: Glamorous, classic sophisticates who appreciate heritage and craftsmanship.

Popular Items: Lady Dior bag, Saddle bag, Dior Book Tote; Bar jacket; Diorama bag.

Price Range: $3500 - $6000 for classic Lady Dior; Handbags from $2000.

Interesting Facts: The New Look collection in 1947 used yards of fabric for full, hourglass silhouettes like the Bar jacket. John Galliano and Raf Simons are among the top designers who helmed Dior.

Hermès

Established as a luxury harness workshop in Paris in 1837, Hermès reached global fame in the 1950s for its fine leathergoods, especially the iconic Kelly and Birkin bags, which remain the ultimate status symbols.

Notable Collections: Kelly, Birkin, Constance bags. Silk scarves.

Brand Identity: Handcrafted, functional luxury. Highest standard of craftsmanship.

Target Consumer: Old money and connoisseurs who shun flash. Subtle displays of wealth.

Popular Items: Birkin, Kelly bags, silk scarves, belts, ties, gloves, shoes, fine jewelry.

Price Range: $10,000 - $200,000+ for exotic Birkin and Kelly bags. Scarves $350+.

Interesting Facts: The waiting list for a Birkin or Kelly can be years. Hermès offers bespoke services like custom colors. The Hermès family still maintains ownership. Hermès was granted a royal warrant in 1852 as the official supplier for harness and riding equipment in the imperial court.

Versace

Versace embodies bold, sensual Italian glamour. Founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, the house is known for figure-hugging silhouettes, vibrant prints, and unabashed sex appeal. Since Gianni's death, his sister Donatella Versace has led the brand's creative vision.

Notable Collections: Signature vivid prints featuring Greek keys and Medusa head motifs.

Brand Identity: Decadent, seductive, over-the-top Italian glamour. Celebrates sexuality and the body.

Target Consumer: Bold risk-takers like celebrities and artists who want show-stopping style.

Popular Items: Plunging necklines, safety pin dress, baroque print dresses, Medusa head motif, platform shoes.

Price Range: $700 - $7000 for dresses. Shoes $500 - $1500. Handbags $1000 - $5000.

Interesting Facts: Gianni Versace blurred the lines between art, fashion and music, pioneering high-impact celebrity collaborations and pop culture moments. He designed for Princess Diana, Elton John, and many musicians. Donatella Versace took over after Gianni's tragic murder in 1997.

Armani

Giorgio Armani has shaped the aesthetic of modern power dressing for over 40 years. Founded in 1975, Armani offers impeccably tailored suits and separates that exude effortless sophistication.

Notable Collections: Iconic tailored blazers, pantsuits, tuxedos. Emporio Armani line.

Brand Identity: Minimalist, refined, understated elegance.

Target Consumer: Confident, successful professionals seeking quality and timeless style.

Popular Items: Crisp blazers, trousers, pencil skirts, tuxedos, dresses, sunglasses.

Price Range: $700 - $5000 for suits and blazers. Handbags from $1500.

Interesting Facts: Armani was the first designer to ban models with a BMI under 18 from walking in shows, pioneering the fight against underweight models in fashion. Armani has outfitted numerous films and red carpet looks.

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana exudes sultry Italian glamour. Founded in 1985 by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, the brand is known for figure-flattering silhouettes, ornate embroidery, and Sicilian inspirations.

Notable Collections: Corseted dresses; leopard print skirtsuits; embellished jeans.

Brand Identity: Sensual, emotive, ornate Italian craftsmanship and flair.

Target Consumer: Confident, glamorous women who embrace their femininity and sexuality.

Popular Items: Corset dresses, leopard print, embellished denim, lace-up heels.

Price Range: Cocktail dresses $2000 - $10,000. Jeans $500-1500. Shoes $500+.

Interesting Facts: Madonna's iconic cone bra was made by Dolce & Gabbana. Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson and more celebrities have worn the brand's ultra-feminine red carpet looks.

Burberry

Burberry is a globally recognized British luxury fashion house known for its trench coats and signature check. Founded in 1856, it has a rich heritage rooted in exploration and craftsmanship.

Notable Collections: Nova check, heritage trench coats, Prorsum line.

Brand Identity: Refined, functional British sensibility blending heritage and modernity.

Target Consumer: Stylish professionals and creative risk-takers who celebrate British culture.

Popular Items: Iconic trench coats, cashmere scarves, Burberry check bags and accessories.

Price Range: $700 - $2000 for trenches. Bags from $1000. Cashmere scarves around $500.

Interesting Facts: Burberry outfitted polar explorers and aviators in trench coats designed to withstand extreme weather. The lining's check pattern was introduced in 1924 and became globally iconic for the brand.

Conclusion


High end luxury labels continue to represent the pinnacle of fashion and quality, as well as the ultimate status symbol. While expensive and exclusive, their impeccable craftsmanship, avant-garde design, and aspirational brands will always have universal appeal. Brand heritage, iconic designers, and bespoke details and materials separate true high fashion houses from mainstream brands. As the profiles of these 10 iconic luxury brands show, high end fashion involves meticulous attention to detail, innovative design, and a cultivated brand image that evokes prestige worldwide.