The History of Luxury Fashion Houses
Louis Vuitton
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
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
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
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
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.