The History of Luxury Fashion Houses

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton, one of the world’s most renowned luxury fashion brands, has a long and proud history. Starting out as a simple suitcase maker in 1854 in the city of Paris, Louis Vuitton opened a store that sold luxury bags and trunks to the European elite. The brand quickly evolved, with Louis Vuitton himself frequently presenting innovative ideas and concepts to the market. During the late 19th and early 20th century, the brand’s reputation rose. After Louis Vuitton’s death in 1892, his son, George Vuitton, took over the company. He continued to add to his father’s legacy and ensured the brand stood for innovation, quality and craftsmanship. With the release of its first leather bags and accessories in 1896, it soon became a status symbol for celebrities and royalty alike. It first international store opened in London in the same year.

During the early 20th century, Louis Vuitton presented some of its most iconic products such as the Monogram Canvas Luggage, the Keepall Bag and the Speedy Bag. By the 1920s, the brand now famously supplied luggage for nobility on their grand tours of Europe. Louis Vuitton also supplied the trunks and crates for the 1929 transatlantic voyage of the Graf Zeppelin airship. By the 1980s, the brand expanded its presence around the world and it continues to do so today. The brand even released personal care products for the first time in 2014, and continues to embrace innovation while maintaining its classic design. Despite the change of generations, an air of exclusivity surrounded the brand from the day of its inception and still continues to do so today.

Dior

The history of Dior is one of the most influential and iconic fashion houses of all time. Founded in 1946 by French designer Christian Dior, the company’s influence is still seen today, with its modern influences referred to as “New Look Dior”. When Dior first unveiled his creations in 1947, it was deemed revolutionary – a sharp contrast to the austere, utilitarian clothing of the post-war years. His heavily feminine style reinvigorated the fashion industry and epitomised the glamour of the 1950s. His jackets, highlight waists and full skirts created an iconic look of femininity, sophistication and elegance, and pointed the way to a future of daring design.

For the nearly two decades of his leadership, Dior established an intricate art of haute couture. He viewed each woman as a unique individual and crafted his silhouettes to enhance true beauty. His understanding of the female form and attention to detail allowed him to incorporate a host of stylish details and flattering cuts. The Dior house exuded elegance and luxury, which allowed it to become a pioneer within the industry.

Celebrity patronage were also important to the house’s success, with some of Dior’s biggest fans including Lady Diana, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Marlene Dietrich. Diana and Marlene both served as muses and ambassadors for the fashion house, helping to further Dior’s fame. Dior’s phenomenal success allowed the fashion house to survive even when he was no longer at the helm.

The House of Dior has become a major force in the fashion world, continuing to highlight its founder’s revolutionary aesthetic. Today, the brand remains iconic, making it a powerhouse of the fashion world, with its designs, from its classic New Look lines to its gorgeous gowns, in high demand. As such, Dior continues to be one of the most influential designers today.

Hermés

Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermés in Paris, the longstanding French label Hermés has become a byword for luxury. Its signature product, the Hermés saddle, was created almost a century later, in 1922, and the first Hermés boutique– the Faubourg Saint-Honoré flagship – opened its doors in 1925. Fashion aficionados associate the fashion house with immaculate tailoring, an eye for subtly luxurious details and an exclusive production process.

Hermés is a leader in the luxury goods industry: from exquisitely Made-To-Measure apparel to meticulously designed leather products, travel items, jewellery, stationary and fragrance collections. The design ethos of the brand is all about honoring the traditional craftsmanship and the true meaning of luxury, coupled with a modern appeal. Such is the quality of Hermés’s designs that in 1926 the brand was graced by King Alfonso XIII of Spain, who acclaimed the company as “King of Leather Crafters”.

As a fashion house with a storied heritage, Hermés’ craftsmen specialize in luxurious materials, especially supple, high-end leathers, and work diligently to ensure that their life-long traditions are well-preserved and acknowledged. The brand is particularly well known for its coveted handbags, such as the iconic Kelly and Birkin models. The Hermés brand continues to be celebrated for its complete dedication to fine craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Focusing on exclusive pieces that demand an astute eye for style, Hermés’ products are in a class of their own and embody the epitome of classic sophistication.

Chanel

The Chanel fashion house was established by Coco Chanel in 1913 in Paris, France. It is one of the most recognizable and iconic names in the fashion world. Coco Chanel was a visionary designer and businesswoman who revolutionized the industry with her innovative, timeless designs and keen eye for detail and craftsmanship. Her iconic designs such as the legendary Chanel No. 5 perfume, the classic tweed suits, and the iconic 2.55 handbag set the industry standard for luxury fashion and have become timeless classics.

The Chanel fashion house has been a powerhouse of innovation and luxury fashion since its inception. Throughout the years, Chanel has collaborated with some of the most renowned designers, athletes, and entertainers while continuing to push the boundaries of fashion and provide the world with statement pieces. Today, the Chanel fashion house leads the way in luxury fashion with its breathtaking designs, impeccable quality, and flawless craftsmanship. With the ever-evolving trends, Chanel continues to stay ahead of the curve and remain an industry leader when it comes to fashion and style.

 

The fashion legend Coco Chanel has had a profound impact on the fashion industry for over a century. Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, believed that style was not only how you dressed, but a way of life. Born in France, she began her career as a milliner in 1910. Her hats quickly became popular not only in France but around the world due to their combination of style and practicality. Coco Chanel then opened a small shop in Paris which quickly gained her fame and popularity as a designer, creating a unique and liberated style. As time passed, Coco Chanel expanded her empire, becoming the first designer to use jersey fabric in her designs and introducing simple and classic silhouettes with luxurious elegance. She is credited with introducing the concept of the 'little black dress,' which quickly became an icon of fashion. By the 1930s Coco Chanel was a leading designer to the European Royalty. Coco Chanel's uncompromising elegance and style was not only seen on the runway but carried in the day-to-day lives of fashionable people all around the world. To this day, her influence is felt globally in the fashion industry. Her timeless pieces are often seen on today's modern wardrobe, inspiring a generation of fashionistas and Coco Chanel continues to be revered as one of the most iconic designers of all time.

Gucci

One of the most iconic fashion houses in the world, Gucci was founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci in Florence, Italy. Guccio had an immense passion for fashion and he got his first taste of luxury items when he worked as a porter at the Savoy Hotel in London. By the time he returned home to Florence in 1921, he had gained an understanding of the luxury market and he created his own fashion label - Gucci. His first shop opened up in Florence, selling high-end leather goods, including luggage and saddlery, which were all crafted by local craftsmen. The quality of his products soon became renowned and they began to make their way around the world.

In the 1930s, Gucci began to develop iconic designs and motifs, most notably the green-red-green signature stripe and the iconic double G. The 1950s was a time of great expansion for the label where it diversified into a range of different product categories, such as ready-to-wear apparel, shoes, handbags and accessories. After the death of Guccio in 1953, the ownership of the label passed on to his sons, Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo. They injected new life into the brand and during the 1960s, Gucci was firmly established as one of the largest and most luxurious fashion houses in the world.

The 1970s and 80s were a turbulent time for the company. Following the death of founding family member Aldo in 1975, the ownership of the label shifted and the company was passed on to Maurizio Gucci, who became the sole guardian of the family business. However, the company was forced to undergo a series of costly financial restructuring and in December of 1993, Gucci was acquired by a multinational conglomerate.

Under the new ownership, Gucci underwent an incredible transformation, becoming one of the most successful brands of the 1990s and 2000s and regained its title as the most important luxury fashion house in the world. Today, the company continues to be at the forefront of global fashion trends, using innovative designs and powerful marketing campaigns to appeal to modern-day luxury consumers.

Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent was one of the most influential fashion designers of the twentieth century. He was born in Oran, Algeria, to French-speaking parents who moved to France shortly after his birth. Saint Laurent was a lifelong student of the arts, mastering music and drawing at an early age. Although he was eventually obliged to study law, Saint Laurent had his heart set on becoming a fashion designer. His parents recognized his passion and enrolled him in the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, where he trained in the exclusive world of Parisian haute couture. From there, YSL quickly soared to the top of the fashion world with his designs.

YSL debuted his first collection in 1958, and soon became known for his modern, daring designs. He popularized elements like tuxedo suits for women, and abandoned traditional notions of femininity and fashion. He also made use of bright colors, bold prints, and innovative fabric combinations, paving the way for the fashion of the 1960s and '70s. His approach was often bluntly direct, and his designs were daringly imaginative. Under his careful leadership, YSL quickly became one of the most important and recognizable fashion houses in the world.

YSL established numerous accessory lines, ready-to-wear lines, and fragrances. His popularity among celebrities increased and he soon became associated with the jet set, especially those who admired his unique taste in fashion. Despite potential public disapproval, YSL set numerous trends. His colourful and eclectic designs were iconic, and he kept up with the times, creating ready-to-wear lines in the 1980s.

YSL passed away in 2008, but his legacy remains a powerful part of the fashion world. His revolutionary designs redefined modern elegance and launched a whole new vision for fashion. YSL's influence continues to be felt in fashion today, and his memory will always live on.

See available products!

Our products are examined for authenticity 👜

Shop Now