When Gucci celebrated its 100th anniversary in April, it marked an impressive milestone - 100 years of making waves in the world of fashion. But Gucci isn’t the only brand with a century-spanning legacy. Let’s take a stroll through time and uncover the origins of some of the world’s most iconic names in luxury. From the early 1800s to today, these brands have not only endured but shaped design and culture along the way.
The Originals: 1818–1925
The title of the oldest luxury fashion brand belongs to none other than Brooks Brothers, which opened its doors in 1818. By the time World War I ended, Brooks Brothers had already celebrated 100 years of existence, dressing generations of men.
Hot on its heels were other titans of style: Hermès (founded in 1837) and Loewe (1846), both now synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship. Around the same time, Cartier debuted in Paris, revolutionizing the jewelry world.
A vintage ad for Brooks Brothers.
As we progressed into the mid-19th century, more icons emerged, including Goyard, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Bulgari.
One surprising name from this era is Balenciaga, established in 1917. Known today for its cutting-edge streetwear and oversized silhouettes, Balenciaga originally focused on meticulously crafted haute couture for women.
Bridging the Gap: 1928–1969
This era marked a turning point in luxury fashion, largely due to the societal shifts following World War II. In 1928, Salvatore Ferragamo established his namesake brand, blending Italian artistry with Hollywood glamour.
By 1933, tennis champion Renè Lacoste had transformed sportswear by designing a functional, stylish shirt with a crocodile logo - a move that gave birth to Lacoste.
Fast forward to the post-war boom: the likes of Celine, Balmain, Dior, and Givenchy entered the scene, bringing elegance and sophistication to a weary world.
Renè Lacoste sporting his revolutionary tennis outfit.
In 1966, Bottega Veneta introduced its signature leather weaving technique, redefining craftsmanship. Meanwhile, stateside, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren began to gain traction among New York’s elite.
As this period came to a close, two game-changers emerged: Jil Sander in 1968, championing minimalism in Hamburg, and Rei Kawakubo in 1969, paving the way for Japanese avant-garde with her brand Comme des Garçons.
Breaking the Mold: 1970–1985
Japanese designers made their mark internationally in this period. Following Rei Kawakubo’s success, Kenzo Takada and Issey Miyake launched their brands in 1970, bringing boldness and innovation to Paris. Across the Channel in London, Vivienne Westwood was pioneering her iconic punk aesthetic.
Kenzo Takada in his prime.
In Milan, Giorgio Armani opened his first workshop in 1975, creating impeccably tailored suits that became a staple for Wall Street power players. Meanwhile, the 1980s brought contrasting styles: the preppy vibrancy of Tommy Hilfiger and the glamorous edge of Dolce & Gabbana, both founded in 1985.
The New Vanguard: 1986–2018
This period saw the rise of contemporary fashion heavyweights. In 1994, Rick Owens and Supreme debuted, signaling a streetwear revolution. Shortly after, Chrome Hearts (1996) brought a gritty, rock-and-roll vibe to luxury.
By the early 2000s, The Row, launched by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in 2006, epitomized a minimalist approach to luxury.
A clean and minimalist design by The Row.
The 2010s saw the emergence of brands like Off-White, 1017 ALYX 9SM, and Casablanca, shaking up the fashion world with their modern interpretations of style. And with every new launch, the story of luxury continues to evolve…
From timeless classics like Brooks Brothers and Hermès to today’s trendsetters like Off-White, luxury fashion has continually reinvented itself to stay relevant. Each brand tells a story of innovation, artistry, and cultural resonance, proving that great design is, indeed, timeless.
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