Most of your favourite fashion brands these days have been around for decades. However, they did not emerge at the same time. They’ve been able to stand the test of time despite many obstacles that have come their way. Over the years, these designers have been able to diversify into numerous luxurious fashion items whilst maintaining their style. Find out the top oldest fashion brands in the world below:
1. Hermes
Hermes was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermes who was born in Krefeld, Germany to a French father and German mother. His fashion business started at a workshop in Grands Boulevards in Paris. Hermes focused on serving European noblemen and creating bridles for trade carriage.
The first leather golf jacket was introduced in 1918 — it was created for Edward, the prince of Wales. This piece instantly became known as the “Hermes fastener.”
The brand expanded beyond Paris when it opened two shops in America in 1924. Five years later, the first women’s collection was exhibited in Paris. The famous “Kelly bag” formerly “Sac a depeches” was introduced in 1935; the Hermes square scarves in 1937.
Hermes is widely known for its luxurious items such as men’s and women’s wear, watches, ties, scarves, leather goods, perfumes, jewellery and so on. The brand is still very attached to its traditional business style. Most items from the beginning to the end are assigned to one person primarily to maintain uniqueness and quality.
2. Cartier
Cartier was established by Louis-Francois Cartier in 1847 in Paris after taking over the workshop of Adolphe Picard – his master. The most celebrated designs of the company were by Louis. In 1909, a branch of Cartier was established in New York by Louis’ grandson, Pierre who, alongside his siblings, Jacques and Louis, made the company known worldwide.
Cartier, who is regarded as one of the most reputable jewellery manufacturers, collaborated with Edward Jaeger in the 1920s to form a joint-stock company. One of the renowned purchases of this brand is sales to royalty. King Edward VII described Cartier as “the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers.” Currently, Carrier is managed by Swiss Richemont Group and its headquarter is in Paris.
3. Omega
Omega is a Swiss luxury watchmaker brand established in 1848 by Louis Brandt. The company was formerly called “La Generale Watch Co” until 1903 when it officially became “Omega.” The first set of pocket watches assembled in the early days of omega were obtained from parts supplied by local craftsmen.
Brandt’s sons, Loius-Paul and Cesar had a separate manufacturing house that produced together with the brand to become a success but they both died in 1903. In 1930, Omega and Tissot merged into a group due to the effect of World War I on the business.
In 2019, men’s and women’s sunglasses were introduced under the name, “Marcolin.” Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch was released in 2022. The company is now a subsidiary of “The Swatch Group.”
4. Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton Malletier is the founder of the luxury fashion brand, “Louis Vuitton” and he started it in 1854. It has grown into one of the world’s most leading fashion designers. Different premium items are created such as ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, Jewellery, sunglasses, watches, books and perfumes.
The first trunk that later became imitated by others for its style was introduced in 1858. After the death of Vuitton in 1892, his son, George took over and turned the establishment into a worldwide enterprise. In 1913, a travel goods store was opened in Champs-Elysees. Then in Washington, New York, London and Bombay.
Keepall and Noe bags were introduced to the market in 1930 and 1932 respectively. Noe was a bag made for wine sellers to transport their bottles. When George Vuitton died in 1936, his son, Gaston-Louis Vuitton carried on with the business which now has over 400 stores worldwide. The company is now owned by Bernard Arnault, a French businessman.
5. Bvlgari
Bvlgari was founded in 1884 by Sotirios Voulgaris; a Greek from a village called “Kalarrytes” — known for silversmithing. In a short time, the brand became the centre of attraction in Italy because of its jewellery creation and artisanship. Sotirios died in 1932 but his sons; Costantino and Giorgio continued with the business.
After Giorgio’s death in 1966, his son Gianni took over and led the company as co-chief executive alongside his cousin, Marina. They both transformed the brand into a multinational having different branches in Geneva, Monte Carlo, Paris, New York and so on. In the year 2000, Bvlgari acquired Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth —- luxury watchmaking brands.
In another quest for expansion, they took over Crova and other enterprises that specialised in jewellery, watches and leathers. In 2004, Bvlgari ventured into hospitality by building its first hotel in Milan. The brand is currently owned by LVMH, a French company.
6. Lanvin
Lanvin is a French fashion house created by Jeanne Lanvin in 1889 which she started in a small store in Paris. It is one of the oldest luxury brands still active. The logo of this brand is quite significant as it depicts Lanvin and her daughter wearing costume ball outfits.
She died in 1946; then Marguerite, Lanvin’s daughter, became the new director but she passed away in 1958. Her cousin , Yves Lanvin took over, and collaborated with various companies such as Ritz in 1964 to maintain its production, most especially in perfumes. The first boutique in America was opened in Florida, 2009. Fosun International, a company based in Shanghai, controls Lanvin.
7. Chanel
The House of Chanel famously known as “Chanel” was founded by Gabrielle Coco Chanel in 1910. This luxury brand specializes in ready made, accessories, perfumes, sunglasses and so on. Chanel is credited for revolutionizing women garments. Navy blue and grey used for male wears, were used by Chanel to demonstrate feminine boldness using leather trimmings and fabric to enable the dress form while worn.
Coco collaborated with Robert Goossens in 1953 to design Jewellery. Chanel designed dresses till her death in 1971. Yvonne Dudel, Philippe Guibourge and Jean Cazaubon took over then Lagerfeld — after he passed, Virginie Board became the Creative Director. Till today, Chanel is very famous for its fashion items especially the vintage bags.
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8. Prada
Prada was established by Mario Prada in 1913. In the early days, he focused on handbags, trunks and animal goods. Now the brand has grown into selling readymade clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories. Prada is regarded as one of the luxury fashion designers out there. The company transitioned to waterproof nylon dress in the 1970s while its women’s readymade collection launched in 1988 and men’s in 1998.
The ability to combine colours, sew neatly and use magnificent fabrics made Prada more popular. All these happened under the leadership of Mario’s granddaughter, Miuccia after taking over from her mother, Luisa (Mario’s daughter) in 1978. In 2016, Prada started selling online due to the need to reach wider customers and also adapting to the new era, digitisation.
9. Balenciaga
Balenciaga is a French-Spanish luxury brand founded by Cristobal Balenciaga in 1919. Balenciaga was the delight of many; the Spanish royal family wore it but the Spanish civil war couldn’t make him stay for long, so he moved to Paris. Afterwards, he opened a couture house there (Paris) in 1937 which became a success within two years. His designs represented the Spanish Renaissance. The press at the time lauded him for his designs; described him as a revolutionary.
By 1951, Balenciaga had transformed the female wear, especially at the waist area. In the 1960s, he ventured into embroidery and heavy fabrics by designing funnel shaped gowns and collarbone dresses. In 1968, Cristobal closed his fashion store; he died in 1972. It was later reopened in 1986 and has been very active ever since. It is into accessories, fragrances, handbags, shoes and ready-to-wear. A French multinational company called “Kering” controls it.
10. Gucci
Guccio Gucci founded “Gucci” in 1921. It is an Italian luxury brand based in Florence that eventually became known worldwide under the leadership of Guccio’s son, Aldo Gucci. Guccio started his business by selling imported leather luggage. He later opened a workshop to make his own leathers, spearheaded by local craftsmen.
Due to the scarcity of leathers in Italy in 1935, Gucci started using wood, linen and raffia. Two years later, Gucci launched its first set of handbags. More accessories such as belts, wallets, gloves and keychains were introduced in 1938 after Aldo convinced his father (Gucci) to open a store in Rome.
The double G logo was initiated in 1964. It appeared on belts and other accessories. Gucci went through some crisis after family rift ensued but was revived. By 1999, the brand became a subsidiary of Kering and now operates over 500 stores worldwide.
