Glamour galore: your passport to the world’s most iconic luxury brands
In the realm of luxury, certain brands stand as perfect examples of prestige, quality and exquisite craftsmanship.
From high fashion to opulent accessories, these luxury brands have captured the hearts and wallets of consumers around the globe.
We explore some of the most popular luxury brands that are revered across continents, each with its own unique charm and history.
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton is a name synonymous with luxury luggage, leather goods, ready-to-wear shoes, perfumes, watches, jewellery, accessories, sunglasses and books.
LV’s boasts a legacy that dates back to 1854 and from 2006 to 2012 LV was named the world's most valuable luxury brand.
The house’s signature brown monogram has also been a staple among celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, Paris Hilton, David and Victoria Beckham and Madonna, who was the face of Louis Vuitton in 2009 and has a bag named after her, Ltd. Kalahari Madonna GM Bag.
As of January, LV’s net worth is a staggering $372.91bn.
Did you know: Louis Vuitton is one of the most counterfeited brands in the fashion world due to its image as a status symbol.
Closely following is Chanel, famous for its timeless handbags and the extraordinary influence of its founder, Coco Chanel, on women’s fashion.
Another heavyweight is Hermès, known for its meticulous craftsmanship, particularly in leather products like the coveted Birkin bag.
Dior also commands attention, celebrated for its revolutionary designs and haute couture collections that continue to capture the imagination of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Versace
Italy does not fall short in the luxury arena, with brands like Versace leading the charge.
Versace epitomises glamour and extravagance, creating luxurious clothing that often graces red carpets globally.
The elite fashion company was founded by Gianni Versace in 1978 and was acquired by Capri Holdings for $2.12 billion in September 2018.
The company manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products including high-end clothing, accessories, jewellery, eye wear, fragrances and home furnishings.
Did you know: In 2000, Donatella Versace sent Jennifer Lopez a dress for her appearance at the Grammy Awards, the dress received such significant global media coverage that Google registered the user behaviour as a sign to introduce the ‘Google image’ as an option when people search for something visually and thus find the desired pictures.
Cartier
Cartier International SNC, or simply Cartier was founded by Founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847.
The French luxury goods conglomerate designs, manufactures, distributes and sells jewellery, watches, leather goods, sunglasses and eyeglasses.
Cartier operates more than 200 stores in 125 countries, with three Temples (Historical Maisons) in Paris, London and New York City. It is estimated to be worth $12.5 billion.
The jewellers have a long history of sales to royalty. For his coronation in 1902, King Edward VII ordered 27 tiaras and issued a royal warrant to Cartier in 1904. Warrants soon followed from Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Russia and the House of Orléans.
The Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh also commissioned Cartier to make the Patiala Necklace in 1928. The necklace was said to have disappeared from the Royal Treasury of Patiala around 1948.
It had five rows of platinum chains embellished with 2930 diamonds and some Burmese rubies. It remains the most expensive piece of jewellery ever made, estimated to be worth around $30 million today.
Did you know: The diamonds used on the Patiala Necklace were mined in South Africa in 1888, weighing over 400 carats in the raw, and was the seventh largest diamond in the world.
Hermès
Hermès is a French luxury fashion house that was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès. They specialise in leather goods, silk goods, lifestyle accessories, home furnishings, perfumes, jewellery, watches and ready-to-wear.
Hermès first sold harnesses and bridles for the carriage trade, before introducing saddlery and later, leather handbags.
They were also the first company to be granted the exclusive rights to use the zipper for leather goods and clothing, becoming the first to introduce the device in France.
Today, the company is said to be worth $14.2 billion.
Did you know: A flight attendant turned socialite and YouTuber, Jamie Chua owns the most Hermès bags.
Burberry
Burberry, a staple of British luxury, is celebrated for its innovative trench coats and the iconic tartan pattern that resonates globally.
The luxury fashion house established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry and head-quartered in London, England.
It designs and distributes ready to wear, including trench coats, leather accessories and footwear and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
The Burberry check has been in use since at least the 1920s, primarily as a lining in its trench coats.
The brand has also been a staple among celebrities such as Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, Gigi Hadid and Emma Watson among other stars.
As of January 30, 2025 the company has a net worth of $4.21 billion.
Did you know: In 1937, A. E. Clouston and Betty Kirby-Green broke the world record for the fastest return flight from London to Cape Town in The Burberry airplane that was sponsored by the brand.