Top 10 Greatest Luxury Brands In The World

#10: Prada

This brand prioritizes concept and reinvention before anything else. Prada’s journey from its founding in 1913 to contemporary times has reflected societal transitions, challenging the norms of fashion. One of the factors that gave the brand its luxury status in the first place was its innovation. Although Prada suffered a setback in popularity in the aughts, its star is rising again, thanks to the desirability of sister brands like Miu Miu, especially among young people. By tapping into the potential of creative collaborations, such as projects with Anderson .Paak and National Geographic, Prada is making it clear that the brand is here to stay.

#9: Tiffany & Co.

A ring from Tiffany’s has become an emblem of love, but did you know the brand started off as a stationery and bric-à-brac shop? It took off when it started focusing on what it’s known for today – diamonds and silver. After the Tiffany Diamond, a rare yellow sparkler larger than most in the world, was donned by Audrey Hepburn to promote “Breakfast at Tiffany's”, the prestige surrounding the brand went up manifold. Diamonds from Tiffany’s were no longer just rocks. They symbolized elegance, grace, and, most of all, a dream come true. Obviously, such a fantasy never gets old.

#8: Gucci

How many fashion labels have movies made about them? Gucci, the brand that caused a family feud so ugly that it became the subject of the Lady Gaga-led blockbuster “House of Gucci”, is legendary, to say the least. Representing the best of Italian craftsmanship, the brand has been at the forefront of bold new trends in the apparel industry for years. Under the provocative vision of Tom Ford, it developed an edgy and modern identity, whereas Alessandro Michele brought opulent romance into the mix. Over the years, Gucci became a staple for royals and celebrities alike, with ambassadors ranging from Harry Styles to BTS’s Jin.

#7: Cartier

When it comes to jewelry and luxury watches, this maison is fit for a king, literally. Cartier, which has become an influencer fave for its love bracelets, was once the jeweler of choice of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom and the Maharaja of Patiala, India. You can also thank this brand for popularizing the use of platinum in jewelry – a creative decision that has stood the test of time. However, the popularity of Cartier among younger generations is owed in part to Ye, a.k.a Kanye West. When he posted an Instagram pic with a Dalí-esque Cartier Crash watch on his wrist in 2018, it catapulted the label to new heights of success, making it cool to own a Cartier timepiece.

#6: Dior

Not many brands can boast that their first-ever collection started a fashion revolution. When the House of Dior launched its inaugural haute couture line characterized by sloping shoulders, cinched waists, and puffy skirts, the silhouette came to be known as the ‘New Look’. It upheld the ideal of a specific type of woman Christian Dior described as, quote, ‘flower-like’. While that’s considerably problematic, Dior is much more liberating now. From athleisure-inspired collections to witchy aesthetics, the brand has a lot to offer for the multifaceted woman of today. Its willingness to evolve is what keeps it relevant.

#5: Rolex

The biggest flex in every rapper’s arsenal is almost always a Rolie. The Swiss watchmaker has built a reputation for its ultra-expensive timepieces, many of which have graced the wrists of world leaders. The iconic presidents’ watch, a model known as the Day-Date, signifies the epitome of prestige. However, its history extends to the First World War, when it joined brands like Girard-Perregaux, Omega, and Longines to create trench watches. During the Second World War, co-founder Hans Wilsdorf contributed Rolexes to multiple British prisoners of war who had theirs confiscated, demanding no payment until the war ended. Wilsdorf’s spirit of philanthropy lives on through the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation.

#4: Hermès

Home of the Birkin, this brand is synonymous with quality. Known for an expansive array of luxury goods, which includes tableware as famous as perfumes, Hermès has dominated the high-end market for decades. While it was originally considered a so-called old money brand, products from House H are increasingly becoming lucrative as investments, thus appealing to the self-made elite. The limited availability of items like the Birkin and the Kelly bags only adds to their allure. The harsh reality of animal cruelty behind the glossy merchandise has tainted the brand’s image for some, but its demand is showing no signs of slowing down.

#3: Louis Vuitton

With how controversial this Parisian label is, it’s a surprise that its stronghold on the world of fashion has only strengthened over the years. Despite reportedly being involved with the Vichy regime and more recent scandals like the issue of alleged involuntary labor, LV has come out unscathed. Some of the biggest names in the fashion world, such as Marc Jacobs, Virgil Abloh, and Pharrell Williams, have shaped the design philosophy of the brand. The LV monogram is instantly recognizable no matter where you go, and the brand’s value has soared to the billions. Problematic or not, the numbers don’t lie.

#2: Porsche

There’s more to one of the most successful luxury automotive brands in the world than meets the eye. A Porsche is not just a pretty little thing or a status symbol on wheels. It represents the peak of German engineering, offering a gold-standard experience. The premium build, customization options, and advanced technology all add up to the exorbitant price tag it boasts. Not everyone can get their hands on one, though. Due to the exclusivity of these bad boys, there are only a few up for grabs. So, when you see a Porsche on the street, just know that its owner is probably living their dream life.

#1: Chanel

This brand is a girl’s girl. Coco Chanel’s brainchild has held disruption and empowerment close to its heart since its inception in 1910. It dared to go against Dior’s restrictive New Look by creating clothing that made women feel good while looking good. Soon, Chanel’s comfortable and chic tweed jackets replaced stifling corsets. The little black dress, also birthed by this house, proved to be universally flattering and versatile. One of the world’s most beautiful women, Marilyn Monroe, was a devoted patron of the fragrance Chanel No. 5, and vintage Chanel fits turn up on red carpets to this day. The impact this label has on pop culture is truly incomparable, but even more impressive is how it has maintained its timeless beauty and appeal.

What is the most underrated luxury brand, in your opinion? Tell us in the comments down below!