Luxury brands and their origins
Ever wondered where your favourite luxury brands originated and the stories behind them? Explore the origins of these luxury brands to to learn more about cities, landscapes, and cultures that have inspired the world’s luxurious names.
Explore luxury brands by their country of origin
Luxury brands in France
1. Christian Louboutin: Paris, France
In 1992, Christian Louboutin opened his first store in Paris. His now-iconic red-soled shoes quickly became favorites among Hollywood stars and fashionistas. The idea for the signature red sole happened by chance when Louboutin saw his assistant painting her nails red and decided to add the color to his shoe prototype. Today, these red-soled shoes are a symbol of high fashion and celebrity style.
2. Louis Vuitton: Paris, France
In 1837, 16-year-old Louis Vuitton arrived in Paris with big dreams and an eye for craftsmanship. He built his luggage empire there, and his son George later elevated the brand by inventing an almost unpickable lock in 1880. That clever design is still a signature of Louis Vuitton trunks today.
3. Cartier: Paris, France
Founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis Francois Cartier, the Cartier brand quickly became the gold standard of luxury. In 1899, his son Alfred took the business to the chic rue de la Paix, while his brothers spread the glam to London and New York. Cartier didn’t stop there—they also made a mark in watchmaking, creating one of the first wristwatches, the Tortue, in 1912.
4. Chanel: Paris, France
In the world of luxury fashion, Chanel is the ultimate symbol of elegance and sophistication. Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel started her brand in the 1910s with a flair for hat-making. By the 1920s, she had revolutionised fashion with the iconic Chanel suit, the little black dress, and timeless tweed designs. Today, Chanel remains one of the most admired fashion houses, embodying chic, timeless beauty and haute couture.
5. Hermes: Paris, France
Owning a Birkin or a Kelly bag is a dream for many women. Hermès, founded by Thierry Hermès in 1837 as a harness workshop in Paris, originally catered to European noblemen with saddles, bridles, and other leather riding gear. This heritage is reflected in the brand's iconic duc-carriage-with-horse logo and signature orange boxes. Today, Hermès stands as one of the world's most valuable and ultra-premium brands, renowned for its excellence craftsmanship and luxury.
6. Dior: Paris, France
Founded by Christian Dior in 1946, Dior revolutionized fashion with its debut New Look collection in 1947, characterized by voluminous skirts and cinched waists. This Parisian brand quickly became a symbol of elegance and sophistication, dressing royalty and celebrities alike. Today, Dior continues to set the standard in haute couture, luxury accessories, and beauty industry.
The list doesn’t stop there—many more luxury brands, also originating from France, are included below.
Luxury brands in Italy
Italy is renowned for its luxury brands that epitomize style, craftsmanship, and elegance. Follow our ultimate guide to the top Italian luxury names in fashion, automobiles, jewelry, and more.
1. Gucci: Florence, Italy
This iconic fashion house was founded in Florence, Italy, in 1921 when Guccio Gucci opened his first shop on Via della Vigna Nuova. The Gucci logo, designed by his son Aldo, has become one of the most recognizable symbols in fashion industry. Today, Gucci remains deeply connected to its Florentine origins, continuing to craft its high-end creations in the city where it all began.
2. Prada: Milan, Italy
In 1913, Mario Prada opened a small luxury leather goods shop in Milan, not knowing he was laying the foundation for a global fashion empire. Under the creative direction of Miuccia Prada, the brand evolved into a powerhouse of sophisticated and cutting-edge design. Today, Prada is more than just a name; it's a symbol of Italian elegance, continually pushing the boundaries of fashion innovation.
3. Versace: Milan, Italy
In 1978, Gianni Versace brought his bold vision to life on Milan's Via della Spiga, establishing what would become one of the most iconic fashion houses in the world. The famous Versace logo, depicting Medusa, was inspired by the Greek art Gianni admired during his childhood in Rome. He chose Medusa for her power to captivate and mesmerize, hoping his designs would evoke the same love and admiration from those who wore them. Today, Versace continues to embody daring style and timeless allure.
4. Bvlgari: Rome, Italy
Founded in 1884 by Greek silversmith Sotirios Voulgaris, Bvlgari's roots trace back to his journey to Rome in 1877, where the idea for the brand was established. Although his beginnings were in Greece, it was in Rome that he opened his first jewelry shop, blending Greek heritage with the grandeur of Roman culture. Bvlgari's enduring success lies in its deep reverence for Rome’s rich history and traditions, which continue to inspire its iconic designs.
5. Bottega Veneta: Vicenza, Italy
Launched in 1966 in Vicenza, Bottega Veneta started its journey as a luxury leather goods brand, quickly earning a reputation for its exceptional craftsmanship. The brand’s distinctive Intrecciato weave became a hallmark of its commitment to understated elegance and quality. Today, Bottega Veneta continues to innovate, setting the standard for luxury with its designs.
6. Ferrari: Maranello, Italy
In 1939, Enzo Ferrari founded his iconic brand in Maranello, Italy. What started with the creation of the first Ferrari quickly turned into a global phenomenon by the 1950s, as the name Ferrari became synonymous with speed and luxury. Over the decades, Ferrari has solidified its position as one of the world's most prestigious sports car manufacturers, embodying the pinnacle of performance and elegance.
Continuing our journey through Italy's finest, here are more luxury brands that have defined excellence in fashion, automotive design, and craftsmanship.
Luxury brands in the United States
Next, let's focus on the United States, where a unique amount of luxury brands has emerged, each making a significant impact on the global luxury market.
1. Tiffany & Co: New York, USA
Tiffany was founded in 1837 by 25-year-old Charles Lewis Tiffany, when he and his friend opened a stationery store in New York. The company soon received international recognition when it won the silver craftsmanship in Paris at the 1867 World's Fair. It was in the 1940s when Charles designed the signature blue colour of the company, which is now recognised worldwide.
2. Ralph Lauren: New York, USA
Founded in 1967 by Ralph Lauren in New York, the brand began with a line of men's ties and quickly expanded into a full-fledged fashion empire known for its classic American style. Today, Ralph Lauren encompasses a wide range of products, including apparel, home furnishings, and fragrances, all embodying timeless elegance and luxury. Additionally, Ralph Lauren is the official outfitter for the USA Olympic Team, designing the team's uniforms for the opening and closing ceremonies, showcasing American craftsmanship on the world stage.
3. Michael Kors: New York, USA
Michael Kors is the epitome of effortless glamour and timeless style. Founded in 1981, the brand quickly became synonymous with luxury fashion that’s both accessible and aspirational. Michael Kors' collections, from chic handbags to sophisticated ready-to-wear, exude a jet-set attitude, blending classic elegance with a modern edge. The brand represents the essence of confident, contemporary living, making every piece not just a purchase, but an investment in style.
4. Tom Ford: Texas, USA
Tom Ford is all about bold style and luxury. Since starting his brand in 2005, he’s become known for sharp, well-tailored clothes and designs that are both sexy and refined. Every piece, whether it’s a suit or an evening dress, shows his love for quality and attention to detail. Ford’s impact goes beyond fashion, influencing beauty and fragrance with his unique touch. He doesn’t just design clothes; he creates a lifestyle that’s all about confidence, elegance, and making a statement.
5. Tesla: California, USA
Tesla was founded in 2003 by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in San Carlos, California. They named the company Tesla Motors, after the inventor Nikola Tesla who discovered the properties of rotating electromagnetic fields. In 2017, they removed Motors and changed the company name to Tesla. Although Elon Musk is often synonymous with Tesla, he only joined the company in 2004 and is Tesla's 4th CEO.
Luxury brands in the United Kingdom
Next, let's explore the United Kingdom, a country famous for its luxury brands that have become global icons.
1. Burberry: Basingstoke, UK
Thomas Burberry founded the Burberry House in Basingstoke in 1856, when he was only 21 years old. The brand quickly became known for its innovative outerwear, particularly the iconic trench coat, which remains a symbol of timeless style. The signature Burberry check, introduced in the 1920s, was heavily influenced by the British weather as he believed that his designs should protect people from the rain in the UK. With a commitment to quality and a forward-thinking approach to fashion, Burberry continues to set trends while honoring its rich history, making it a global leader in luxury fashion.
2. Jimmy Choo: London, UK
Jimmy Choo opened his first shop in Hackney in 1986, quickly rising to fame in the fashion world. As the son of a shoe cobbler, Choo had been immersed in shoemaking from an early age, crafting his first pair of shoes by the age of 11. His dedication and skill soon made Jimmy Choo the brand for women seeking their dream shoes, adding a touch of glamour to life’s most important moments. Within two years of opening his shop, Choo's designs were featured in Vogue, and by the 1990s, he had expanded to stores in Los Angeles and New York, solidifying his status as a global fashion icon.
3. Vivienne Westwood: London, UK
Vivienne Westwood, a pioneer of British fashion, is renowned for her role in bringing punk and new wave fashion into the mainstream. She opened her first boutique in London in the 1970s, and quickly became a symbol of rebellion and innovation. Her designs, known for their boldness and political statements, have redefined the fashion world, making her an enduring icon of creativity and non-conformity.
4. Alexander McQueen: London, UK
Alexander McQueen, the "L’enfant terrible" of fashion industry, was known for his provocative and exquisite designs. After launching his brand in the early 1990s, McQueen quickly gained fame for his daring runway shows and impeccable tailoring. His work combined dark romanticism with technical precision, establishing him as one of the most influential designers of his generation. Today, the Alexander McQueen brand continues to be a leader in avant-garde fashion.
5. Rolls-Royce: Manchester, UK
Established in 1906 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, Rolls-Royce has long been synonymous with luxury and excellence. Known for their meticulous craftsmanship and elegance, Rolls-Royce vehicles set the standard for opulent automotive design and performance. The company’s headquarters are in Goodwood, England, where they continue to manufacture their prestigious cars.
6. Bentley: North London, UK
Founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley in Cricklewood, North London, Bentley quickly became renowned for its luxurious and high-performance cars, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times between 1924 and 1930. Now headquartered in Crewe, England, Bentley continues to produce some of the world's most iconic luxury vehicles.
Other luxury brands in the world
Still searching for your favorite brand? Take a look at other remarkable luxury brands from around the world.
1. Balenciaga: San Sebastián, Spain
Cristóbal Balenciaga founded his company in San Sebastián in 1917, where his clothes were mainly worn by the Spanish royal family and the aristocracy. However, during the Spanish Civil War, he was forced to close his shops and relocate to Paris. In Paris, Balenciaga became world-famous for revolutionising women's clothing in the mid-20th century.
2. Loewe: Madrid, Spain
Loewe, founded in 1846 in Madrid, is one of the world’s oldest luxury fashion houses. Originally established as a cooperative of leather artisans, Loewe quickly became famous with exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality leather goods. The brand was solidified under the leadership of Enrique Loewe Roessberg in the early 20th century, who transformed it into a symbol of Spanish luxury. Today, Loewe is celebrated for its innovative designs and modern aesthetic, particularly under the creative direction of Jonathan Anderson, who has infused the brand with a contemporary edge while honoring its rich heritage.
3. Hugo Boss: Metzingen, Germany
Owning a Hugo Boss suit is a hallmark of refined style for men. Founded by Hugo Ferdinand Boss in 1924 in Metzingen, Germany, the brand began as a small workshop producing uniforms. Over the years, Hugo Boss evolved into a brand synonymous with impeccable tailoring and contemporary fashion. Known for its sleek designs and high-quality materials, Hugo Boss today is a global fashion powerhouse, representing modern elegance in every piece.
4. Rolex: Geneva, Switzerland
Rolex was founded by then-24-year-old Hans Wilsdor in 1905. At the time, wristwatches weren't precise, but Wilsdorf was determined to make them not only elegant, but accurate as well. Then, he moved to Geneva, a city that was renowned for its watchmaking, and registered Rolex S.A. In 1910, Rolex reached a milestone as the wristwatches became the first to be certified of chronometric performance.
5. Porsche: Stuttgart, Germany
The history of Porsche begins in 1948, when founder Ferdinand Porsche established the Porsche brand with 200 employees in a small garage in Stuttgart. The first model, named the 'Porsche 356' was introduced the same year. A few years later, the company released the '550 Spyder', which skyrocketed its success in the car industry.
As we wrap up our exploration of luxury brands from France, Italy, the United States, and beyond, do any of these names sounds familiar with you? Once the time is right and you're ready to shop till you drop, visit these amazing worldwide destinations with BudgetAir.co.uk.