The top fashion houses often have their own distinctive look. It’s what sets them apart and makes them iconic. However, unless you speak fluent fashion, sometimes decoding the top fashion houses might be a bit confusing. Not sure how to tell the difference between Balenciaga and Burberry? Then take a look at the following list of top fashion houses and how to tell them apart.
1. Balenciaga
Top fashion houses like Balenciaga have always been at the height of haute couture. These days, Balenciaga is still very much high fashion, but with more of a contemporary feel to it. While modern day designs might be much more fashion forward and cutting edge, some design details have stood the test of time. These include Balenciaga’s flamenco ruffles, stark simplicity, and barrel-line shapes.
2. Burberry Prorsum
Burberry is an iconic British fashion brand. We could all probably recognise a classic Burberry trench coat and its signature check pattern. The Burberry brand is a symbol of timeless chic and is well known for the being the best in weatherproof outerwear. You can usually tell Burberry apart because of its classic tailored lines and military-inspired feel.
3. Chanel
Ahh Chanel. It’s probably one of the most iconic fashion brands in the world. The signature look for this top fashion house can probably be summed up with pearls, tweed, and quilted leather. There’s the iconic 2.55 handbag that’s up there as one of the longest lasting it-bags of all time. And then there’s the use of tweed fabric – from classic tweed jackets to more modern shift dresses and skirts.
4. Christian Dior
The house of Dior has always been well known for having a sense of Parisian romance about it. Christian Dior designs are all about embracing femininity and ladylike elegance. Ball gowns, bar jackets, and full circle skirts are all part and parcel with the Dior label.
5. Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton is probably one of the most counterfeited brands on the planet. The brand’s signature Damier checks and LV monograms are symbols of luxury fashion. While the most recognisable offerings from this fashion house come in the form of luggage and handbags, some of the most recent collections have taken the classic check pattern and incorporated it into a range of fun and quirky clothing.
6. Saint Laurent
Originally known as Yves Saint Laurent, this fashion house changed its branding after Hedi Slimane took over the reigns. However, the Saint Laurent look has still stayed true to its roots. Iconic looks such as Le Smoking, La Saharienne, and the secretary-chic pussy bow blouses are still very present in the current collections of Saint Laurent.
7. Valentino
Valentino has long been dressing women in glamorous and elegant fashions. Valentino designs are so famous and iconic that many dresses these days are displayed in museums. One of the most iconic looks for this fashion house is ‘Valentino red’ because of the way that the designer made the red dress his own. The iconic Jackie O was also one of Valentino’s most famous clients and you can even see hints of Jacki O inspired style in collections today.
Apart from the obvious factors such as different names, different designers, and different places of origin, these are just some of the key differences between the top fashion houses today. What’s your favourite fashion house? Are there any other examples you’d like to add to the list?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes each fashion house unique?
- Every fashion house has its own signature style and history. For example, Chanel is known for its timeless elegance and tweed suits, while Gucci is famous for its bold, eclectic designs. These unique styles make it easy to distinguish one from another once you know what to look for!
- How can I tell a fashion house from a brand?
- A fashion house often refers to luxury, high-end design companies with a long history, like Dior or Louis Vuitton. Brands can be any company that produces fashion, even if it's more mass-market or trendy. Think of a fashion house as more of an institution.
- Why are some fashion houses considered 'top' or 'major'?
- Top fashion houses have a combination of influential history, high-quality designs, and a consistent impact on the fashion industry. They often set trends rather than follow them. Houses like Prada and Balenciaga have a legacy and are highly regarded by fashion critics.
- Which fashion house suits my style best?
- That really depends on your personal taste! If you love polished classics, you might enjoy Dior or Chanel. If you're into edgy, artistic vibes, you could look at Alexander McQueen or Balenciaga. It’s all about what makes you feel fabulous!
- Are there still independent fashion houses?
- Yes, there are! While many are part of larger luxury groups, some fashion houses remain independent. For instance, designers like Valentino and Armani run their fashion houses. These independent houses often have a very distinct and personal touch to their designs.