Italian luxury brands

Italy’s significance in the history of fashion cannot be overstated.

You’d have to have been living under a rock your whole life not to be aware of the long lineage of Italian brands, designers, fashion houses, and high-end labels that have all contributed to the shape of fashion today.

Furthermore, the tale extends beyond the Italian luxury brands themselves.

Even in the twenty-first century, Italian manufacturing is regarded as some of the best in the world, with countless family-owned companies making apparel for high-end clothing brands such as Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Paul Smith, and a long list of others.

Simply put, la moda è nel sangue degli italiani.

However, the sheer scope of Italian luxury brands, combined with the folklore surrounding many of its most prominent players, has created a culture that is sometimes difficult to comprehend from the outside.

You may recognize the names but you may not be familiar with their background stories. Maybe you’re familiar with iconic designs but aren’t sure how they fit into the bigger picture.

Whatever your level of expertise, there are probably hundreds of elements in your personal style that point back to Italian fashion houses in some way.

With that in mind, here is a guide to the essentials of Italian designer brands.

Gucci

It’s a Gucci world, and we’re just living in it. This Florence-born luxury brand has serious street appeal after a huge revival following the appointment of Alessandro Michele. Gucci has achieved record profits and has become one of the most profitable fashion companies in the world, ranking as one of Lyst’s most successful brands for several seasons in a row.

Prada

Prada, which was founded in 1913, has grown to become one of the world’s most influential fashion tastemakers. Prada, now led by Miuccia Prada, is consistently ranked among the top brands on Lyst, alongside heavyweights such as Nike and Versace. Prada is practical,

In Milan — and beyond — thanks to its quirky print, innovative design, and unique perspective.

Fendi

Fendi remains one of Italy’s biggest brands, even after the death of long-time designer Karl Lagerfeld. Fendi’s famoso (famous) double F logo, worn by celebrities such as Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, and Rihanna, has been reinvented, ushering the brand into a new age of street style chic and instantly recognizable popularity.

Versace

Once mentored by Gianni Versace and now overtaken by his sister, Donatella, Versace was one of the 90s greatest brands. Donatella Versace has taken the Italian heritage brand to a new generation, capitalizing on supermodel influence to reposition Versace as one of the hottest brands to wear today. Versace on the red carpet is now a mainstay for a good reason, bordering on kitsch and always filled with fascino (glamour).

Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta is well-known and valued for its beautiful leather goods, and they have developed a reputation for high-quality bags that will last per tutta la vita (a lifetime). The label’s name is derived from the Italian word “Venetian Shop,” and it has since expanded from an Italian-only consumer base to one of global recognition.

Valentino

Valentino, founded in 1959 by Valentino Garavani, has become one of the most well-known Italian labels in the world. Today, Pierpaolo Piccioli is the creative director, steering the company in a modern, red-carpet-ready direction known for its voluminous dresses and beautiful colourful gowns. Strong commercial success has seen the brand grow in recent years, securing its position as one of the most important luxury players in the modern world.