Luxury fashion brands have been around for centuries, but just how old are they? Here’s a look at the oldest luxury fashion brands that are still in operation, each with a legacy spanning over 100 years.
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1. Brooks Brothers (Founded in 1818)
Brooks Brothers is the oldest luxury clothing brand I could find that is still in operation. Henry Sands Brooks founded Brook Brothers in New York and the brand is known for its classic men’s clothing, including suits, shirts, and ties.
Brooks Brothers introduced many innovations to men’s fashion(according to them), such as the ready-to-wear suit and the button-down collar shirt.
Over the years, Brooks Brothers has dressed numerous U.S. presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy, cementing its place in American history. Today, the brand is a good place for men looking for timeless, well-tailored clothing, and it has also expanded to include women’s and children’s lines.
2. Hermès (Founded in 1837)
Hermès began in Paris, as a small workshop making harnesses and bridles for horses. Over time, the company expanded into leather goods, creating some of the most iconic handbags ever made, like the Birkin and the Kelly bag, named after actress Grace Kelly.
Hermès is known for being very exclusive and for having some of the best craftsmanship. Their products take hours, sometimes days, to create. Even though Hermès has expanded into clothing, perfumes, and home goods, its dedication to traditional craftsmanship remains almost unchanged. The company still focuses on making quality handmade items that can last a lifetime.
3. Loewe (Founded in 1846)
Loewe, a Spanish brand, started as a leather goods workshop in Madrid. The brand quickly earned a reputation for its fine craftsmanship, particularly in leather goods like handbags and accessories.
Loewe expanded into clothing, and with their experience working with leather, they quickly became a luxury brand known for their high-quality ready-to-wear collections.
One of Loewe’s most iconic products is the Loewe Puzzle Bag which is known for its high-quality leather and unique, geometric design. It has a modern, stylish look and costs around $1,500 to $3,000.
4. Cartier (Founded in 1847)
Cartier was founded in Paris by Louis-François Cartier, and from its earliest days, it was a brand associated with luxury and royalty. The brand gained a reputation for creating exquisite jewelry and watches, including the Cartier Santos watch, the first wristwatch ever made for men.
Throughout the 20th century, Cartier continued to innovate, creating designs that were both classic and modern. Cartier’s “Love” bracelet and “Panthère” jewelry collection have become symbols of elegance and luxury.
5. Bally (Founded in 1851)
Bally was founded in Schönenwerd, Switzerland, by Carl Franz Bally and his brother Fritz. Initially, Bally specialized in high-quality leather footwear, quickly gaining a reputation for durability and style.
The brand expanded its product range to include bags, accessories, and ready-to-wear clothing. Bally makes timeless designs with traditional and modern aesthetics.
Bally has maintained their commitment to quality, ensuring that each product meets the highest standards. “Bally continues to honor its timeless traditions, subscribing to the belief that quality speaks for itself.” — Bally
6. Louis Vuitton (Founded in 1854)
Louis Vuitton started with a focus on travel. Louis Vuitton was a trunk-maker who revolutionized luggage design by creating flat-topped trunks, which were easier to stack for travel, as opposed to the rounded tops commonly used at the time.
This practical innovation combined with Louis Vuitton’s style, set the foundation for the Louis Vuitton we know today. The famous LV monogram logo, created in 1896, quickly became a symbol of luxury.
While Louis Vuitton still sells luggage and travel bags, the brand has expanded into high fashion, with shoes, ready-to-wear clothing, perfumes, and accessories. Today, its monogrammed handbags and leather goods are still among the most recognizable symbols of luxury.
7. Burberry (Founded in 1856)
Burberry was founded by Thomas Burberry in the small town of Basingstoke, England. Initially, the brand specialized in outdoor attire, but it was Burberry’s invention of gabardine a waterproof and breathable fabric that put the brand on the map.
Burberry’s trench coat which was developed for soldiers in World War I, became popular in both military and civilian wardrobes.
The Burberry plaid, a pattern that’s instantly recognizable today, was first used as a lining in its trench coats. Over the years, Burberry has become a global luxury brand, offering everything from ready-to-wear clothing to fragrances and accessories.
8. Lanvin (Founded in 1889)
Jeanne Lanvin started her career in fashion by making dresses for her daughter. The attention to detail and artistry in these clothes soon caught the eye of other mothers, and before long, Lanvin was creating clothes for a wider audience.
As the brand grew, Lanvin became known for her use of luxurious fabrics and intricate embroidery. Her designs focused on elegance and femininity, making her a favorite among Parisian women.
Lanvin’s didn’t only make women’s clothing but she also created menswear, perfumes, and home décor. Today, Lanvin is still a symbol of Parisian chic, continuing Jeanne Lanvin’s legacy of refined, elegant fashion.
9. Zegna (Founded in 1910)
Ermenegildo Zegna founded his brand in Trivero, Italy, initially focusing on high-quality wool fabrics. Zegna’s commitment to quality in fabric production quickly made the brand known for its luxurious textiles.
In the 1950s, the company expanded into ready-to-wear clothing, creating well-tailored suits that became favorites among discerning men worldwide.
Today, Zegna offers a wide range of products from formal wear to casual attire, accessories, and fragrances. The brand continues to innovate while maintaining its dedication to quality.
10. Chanel (Founded in 1910)
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel opened her first boutique in 1910, selling hats in Paris. Chanel began selling a line of sportswear made of jersey, a material previously used to make men’s underwear. This was an instant success and revolutionized fashion and women’s relationships with their bodies.
Chanel’s little black dress became a timeless fashion staple, and her perfume, Chanel No. 5, is still one of the most famous fragrances in the world. Her use of jersey fabric in clothing, her chic tweed suits, and the quilted Chanel handbags are just a few examples of how she reshaped women’s fashion forever.
11. Prada (Founded in 1913)
Prada began in Milan, Italy, where Mario Prada sold precious bags, trunks, and travel accessories. Specializing in high-quality handbags and accessories, the brand quickly gained a good reputation. However, it wasn’t until Mario’s granddaughter, Miuccia Prada, took over in the late 1970s that Prada turned into the fashion powerhouse it is today.
Miuccia Prada is credited with introducing the brand’s minimalist aesthetic, which has become its signature style. Prada’s designs, whether it’s clothing, footwear, or handbags, are known for their clean lines and simple elegance.
12. Balenciaga (Founded in 1917)
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Cristóbal Balenciaga founded his fashion house in Spain, and he quickly became known for his innovative designs that defied the traditional designs at the time just like Balenciaga does today.
Cristóbal’s designs, like the balloon dress and the cocoon coat, changed fashion in the mid-20th century. Though Cristóbal Balenciaga retired in 1968, the brand was revived in the 1980s and has since become known for its bold, and unique designs. Under the creative direction of various designers, Balenciaga continues to push the boundaries of fashion, making it one of the most influential brands today.
How has Hermès maintained its reputation for luxury and craftsmanship for nearly two centuries, and what sets its iconic Birkin bag apart from other designer handbags?