There is just a special kind of je ne sais quoi when it comes to French luxury brands: their mystical magic, their unique style, their inimitable world, their secret allure that just keeps on giving. From Christian Dior and Chanel to Louis Vuitton and Givenchy, discover the world’s favorite high-end French brands.
Christian Dior
With its fashionable doors open since 1947, when Christian Dior launched his first 90-look collection and reaped worldwide success, it was precisely in that first collection that the classic Dior look was born – the calf-length skirted dress, with a dramatically cinched waist and a fuller bust. There was no turning back, only moving forward and this renowned French luxury brand did exactly that. Seventy-five years of chic and everlasting couture, from head to toe, that continues to delight fashionistas all over the planet.
Chanel
One of the most coveted brands in the world, Chanel is synonymous with ultimate sophistication, elegance and timelessness. A woman ahead of her times, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel opened her first shop in Paris in 1910, where she began selling hats. After creating a dress for herself out of jersey and being constantly complimented on it, Coco Chanel started making and selling womenswear. Always inspired by comfortable and functional clothing, Coco Chanel not only elevated simplicity, but made the color black popular and we even owe her the iconic little black dress. A century-old French luxury brand that continues as modern as ever.
Louis Vuitton
Created in 1854 with the noble mission of crafting superior quality custom boxes and travel trunks, Louis Vuitton quickly became the talk of Paris, evolving and spreading its wings to other areas. In 1896, with the design of its unmistakable LV monogram, the fashion house established itself as a French luxury brand and everyone wanted a Louis Vuitton. From high-end bags and accessories to clothing and homeware, this is a stunning visual story that is over 160 years old, but doesn’t get old, just more desirable.
Yves Saint Laurent
It’s impossible to talk about French luxury brands and not talk about Yves Saint Laurent. A lover of theatre and wardrobe, as a child Yves Saint Laurent demonstrated a flair for dress-up and the first dresses he created were for his mother and sisters. After winning many prizes in Paris and a 2-year apprenticeship, he took charge of the house of Dior in 1957, becoming the youngest couturier in the world at age 21. Four years later, in 1961, he launched his namesake label and let his creativity and fashion genius lead the way, creating unexpected signature looks that would change the way women dressed forever: the tuxedo, the crisp white shirt, the raincoat, the pants suit, the safari-inspired jacket… a breath of luxurious air.
Givenchy
Hubert de Givenchy launched the Givenchy French luxury brand in 1952 at the age of 25. The label’s first collection was risky and completely unexpected, presenting women’s separates for the first time and when no one else was doing it. The result? Givenchy immediately became a resounding success. With muses such as Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy, Givenchy is unmatched craftsmanship and exquisite attention to detail, while maintaining a contemporary evolution in the high-end fashion world where it has earned a place in history.
Balenciaga
Everyone knows that Balenciaga is one of the top French luxury brands. However, not everyone knows that Balenciaga was founded in Spain, in 1917, where it stayed until making a bold move to Paris in 1937. A fashion risk that definitely paid off, with the brand catapulting to fame and making the wishlists of everyone who was anyone. Today, the French powerhouse continues to stand out with its edgy and fashion-forward creations without missing a beat, but keeping the rhythm loud and clear.
Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin began dreaming of shoes at an early age and even as he worked at Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Roger Vivier, he already had sketchbook after sketchbook filled with incredible designs. It was in 1992 that Christian Louboutin opened his first store in Paris and the legacy of the red-soled shoes began – genuine craftsmanship, superb quality, impeccable design. Today, Christian Louboutin reportedly sells over one million pairs of shoes every year.
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