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Dressing well comes at a price. Buying expensive clothing brands from the most renowned stores around the world is a luxury that not everyone can afford, but most people dream of achieving one day.
There is a great fascination behind the perfect cut of a garment, the fine fabric, and the original and impeccable craftsmanship of a renowned fashion house. Expensive clothing brands are a must-have in every wardrobe, even the most modest ones, as they add a touch of luxury and prestige to your style.
Wearing a designer garment not only projects social status and confidence, but also makes you feel like a user of a distinctive piece, with features that can elevate prestigious clothing brands to the level of wearable art.
Cities like Paris, London, Milan, and New York showcase the most expensive clothing brands in their storefronts, captivating fashion enthusiasts every year. Here’s a glimpse of the world’s most expensive clothing brands.
List of the Most Expensive Clothing Brands
Browsing through the displays of the world’s most expensive clothing is the pinnacle of prestige and opulence. For those who can afford to spend large sums of money on high-end clothing that suits their style, there is a wide variety available, from sportswear brands to haute couture dresses.
The bags and accessories from the most famous brands also reflect a world that can only be accessed by those with a bank account full of zeros.
Below is the top 20 list of the world’s clothing brands:
1. Gucci
Italian brand Gucci is at the top of the pyramid of the most expensive clothing brands. Their collection of handbags, shoes, watches, jewelry, and perfumes stands out on the world’s best runways.
Founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, the brand is synonymous with quality worldwide. The famous double G logo first appeared in 1947.
2. Chanel
Dressing in French fashion brands like Chanel is like reaching for the sky. Fashion designer Coco Chanel founded this house in 1910 in Paris. Today, it is one of the most elegant clothing brands.
Chanel is present in the fashion shows of the world’s most important cities. Their collection includes haute couture dresses, shoes, bags, jewelry, and cosmetics.
Their first fragrance, Chanel No 5, is still one of the most exquisite perfumes in the world, recognized by critics. Chanel is the brand that sells the most perfumes globally, with a market penetration of 7.6%.
3. Louis Vuitton
The LV monogram on the labels of handbags, suitcases, and other high-quality accessories is the hallmark of one of the most expensive and famous brands in the world, Louis Vuitton. The company has over 100,000 employees and its stores are spread across high-end departments, boutiques, and an online store.
Louis Vuitton is valued at over $29 billion, making it the most valuable brand in the world. Their travel items are the most sought-after and sold in the fashion world.
4. Armani
Armani is one of the clothing brands that includes accessories, clothing, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, watches, and glasses all in one. Their creations can be found in high-end stores that carry the best clothing brands in the world.
Armani has various lines, including Armani Casa, Armani Collezioni, Armani Cosmetics, Armani Dolci, and Armani Exchange. In addition, they have Armani Hotels, Armani Jean, Armani Privé, Emporio Armani, and Giorgio Armani.
5. Prada
One of the most expensive clothing brands, Prada, was founded in Italy in 1913 by Mario Prada. It is an icon of fashion. When Miuccia Prada, his granddaughter, joined the company in 1978, she revolutionized the world of fashion. This propelled Prada to become one of the most important international clothing brands.
Prada clothing is iconic and the brand is currently valued at over $6.3 billion.
6. Dior
Christian Dior, one of the most famous clothing brands, founded this French brand. They design and produce high-fashion clothing and accessories for both men and women. They have about 160 boutiques worldwide.
Only a few French clothing brands have had the privilege of being featured on the big screen, and Dior is one of them. Dior’s clothing has been showcased in films like “Pánico de la escena” and “Marisol rumbo a Río”.
Important personalities have worn their designs, including model Dovima and Argentine Eva Perón. Dior is so significant that their outfits can be seen in museums, such as the one in Indianapolis.
7. Valentino
Italian clothing brands are known for their haute couture, but none more than Valentino. Founded in 1959 by Valentino Garabani, it stands out for its excellent contribution to fashion and exquisite perfumes.
Valentino garments have such a distinct signature that one can recognize the brand just by looking at the fabrics, colors, and cuts.
8. Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs is one of the designers behind recognized clothing brands like Louis Vuitton, where he worked for several years. In 1994, he launched his own label and gained so much fame that in 2010, he was featured in an edition of Time magazine.
With 200 stores located in the most important cities in 80 countries, Marc Jacobs offers exclusive shoes, bags, glasses, and perfumes under the Marc Jacobs, Marc By Marc Jacobs, Little Marc, and Stinky Rat labels. Wearing one of their garments is truly an experience.
9. Versace
When it comes to the most expensive clothing brand in the world, Versace is likely the answer. This Italian fashion house, founded by Gianni Versace in 1978, gained popularity almost immediately.
Versace offers clothing, accessories, fragrances, makeup, and luxury furniture. One of their most famous stores is located on Fifth Avenue in New York City, making it a must-visit for those who can afford high fashion.
Having a Versace piece means having the best of Italian fashion. The tragedy that struck the brand after the murder of its main figure in 1997 did not diminish the quality of their creations. With Donatella and Santo Versace, Gianni’s siblings, at the helm, the brand has maintained its popularity.
10. Fendi
Born in Rome in 1918, Fendi is now one of the most expensive and important clothing brands in the fashion industry.
They specialize in perfumes, glasses, and watches, but their exclusive fur and leather products are their strongest and most distinctive items. However, these items are currently frowned upon by the public due to the cruelty involved in their production.
11. Carolina Herrera
Carolina Herrera is a fashion house known for glamorous and elegant women’s clothing. Its founder, Venezuelan designer Carolina Herrera, was the consorte Marquise of Torre Casa, and her exquisite taste in fashion has enamored countless celebrities.
Princesses and duchesses have worn her creations. She dressed Jacqueline Kennedy for 12 years, and even Michelle Obama has been seen wearing her designs on occasions.
Carolina Herrera’s brand also leaves its mark in the world of perfumery through a collaboration with the Spanish company Puig. They have more than 20 exquisite and expensive fragrances.
12. Givenchy
Givenchy is a French clothing brand founded by designer Hubert de Givenchy in 1952. The brand manufactures clothing, accessories, perfumes, and also has a luxury cosmetics line.
Although its founder retired in 1995, Givenchy continues to be recognized as one of the most expensive clothing brands.
13. Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo is an Italian fashion house specializing in luxury shoes and leather goods for men and women. Its main headquarters is in Florence. They have a network of 550 stores worldwide and have also made a mark in accessories such as avant-garde glasses and watches.
14. Ermenegildo Zegna
Ermenegildo Zegna is one of the high-fashion houses that always makes an appearance on the best runways. This luxury fashion company has Italian roots, established in 1910, and is now in the hands of the fourth generation of Zegnas.
They specialize in manufacturing men’s clothing using the finest fabrics. Their reputation is such that top brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Tom Ford entrust them with making their formal attire.
15. Hermès
Hermès International is a French company specializing in luxury accessories made of leather and highly coveted watches.
The brand was founded in 1873 in Paris as a saddle shop and later expanded into the fashion world, gaining a reputation for excellence.
16. Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana offers designs for both women and men. It is one of the most expensive clothing brands, but this hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the best-selling brands worldwide.
D&G catalogs include t-shirts, denim pants, casual and luxury shoes, perfumes, and handbags. They focus on urban looks, everyday clothing, and they have also established a good reputation for formal wear for both men and women.
17. Emanuel Ungaro
Ungaro is a French designer who began practicing couture at a young age. He created his own collection in 1968 and opened his first store on Avenue Montaigne in Paris.
Today, he is a reference in the world of fashion. His clothing, perfumes, and accessories for both men and women make him an icon of avant-garde design. His 2018 collection is highly sought after by fashion enthusiasts.
18. Guess
Guess is an American clothing brand and one of the most expensive in the world. They specialize in creating fabric garments, jeans, and t-shirts that are highly sought after by young people.
Despite their high prices, Guess is in demand by those who want to look casual yet elegant.
19. Jean-Paul Gaultier
Jean-Paul Gaultier is a French designer with a unique style that is hard to miss. Gaultier conceptualizes fashion in a very provocative way. His perfumes are among the best-selling and most expensive.
20. Moschino
Moschino is among the clothing brands that push the boundaries of fashion, using exaggerated colors and originality. Their outfits mix uncommon textures, like feather tutus, latex bodysuits, fishnet stockings, leather jackets, and high boots.
Moschino is among the most expensive clothing brands in the world due to the extreme originality they showcase on the runway. Their designs are often the dream of any teenager.
Textile Companies with the Highest Revenue
When we talk about the best clothing brands, we refer not only to high prices, but also to the impact they have on sales. Within the top 10 brands that leave a mark in terms of revenue worldwide, there are other companies that, while not being fashion houses or references on prestigious runways, have made it onto the list of clothing brands that generate the most revenue.
Louis Vuitton
Leading the list of the most valuable clothing and accessories brands is Louis Vuitton, with an annual revenue of €24.5 billion. One of the remarkable things about this luxury brand, known for its leather goods, bags, and luggage, is that they never have sales.
Nike
In second place is Nike. They generate an annual revenue of €22.9 billion from the sale of shoes, clothing, sports equipment, and accessories. The American company is currently focusing its growth strategy on catering to the increasing number of women in the fitness and sports world.
H&M
H&M is a Swedish chain with a presence on every continent. With 2,300 stores in 44 countries, they earn more than €13.3 billion, making them the second-largest textile group in Europe and third on this list.
Gucci
With an annual revenue of €10.8 billion, Gucci ranks first among the most expensive clothing brands in the world and fourth among textile companies with the highest revenue. Their clothing, ties, footwear, and luxury sportswear have made them a favorite in the high-end fashion market.
The rest of the list includes the French brand Hermès with €9.2 billion, Spanish store Zara with €8.2 billion, New York-based accessories brand Coach with €7.5 billion, Prada with €6.3 billion, Adidas with €5.9 billion, and Chanel with €5.9 billion.
While the global market is flooded with imitations of the most famous and expensive clothing brands, some even deceiving experts at first glance, the truth is that the designers behind these expensive pieces set global trends, and their brands are synonymous with distinction and quality.
