The Top 10 Most Expensive Clothing Brands
of 2013
Clothes are a prime concern for many people. In today’s world of important first impressions,
appearance can either make a person, or break a person. For those who want only the best,
however, here is a list of the top 10 most expensive clothing brands of 2013.
10. Fendi
Fendi is an Italian designer known for its luxury merchandise, especially their handbags.
Launched in 1925 by Edoardo and Adele Fendi as a fur and leather shop in Rome, today the
company is a multinational brand owned by LVMH with Karl Lagerfeld as the creative director.
Some of the luxury goods besides handbags include fragrances, eyewear, timepieces and writing
instruments. Located in the finest destinations such as New York, Paris, Milan and Dubai, Fendi
provides ready-to-wear products for both women and men. Revenue for Fendi is upwards of
$800 million.
9. Guess
As the only American brand on the list of the top 10 most expensive clothing brands of 2013,
Guess is famous for its denim jeans. Founded in 1981 in Los Angeles, California, Guess stores
typically target adults and women. In addition to clothing, Guess stores sell watches, jewelry and
perfumes. Although suffering a slight downturn in the 1980′s due to the rising prominence of
other companies like Calvin Klein, Diesel and Gap, Guess has revamped their brand with a new
approach in the 2000′s, reasserting its place in the top clothing stores. Revenue for Guess is
around $1.2 billion and continues to increase.
8. Valentino
Headquartered in Milan, Valentino was founded in 1959 by Valentino Garavani. The
international debut of this fashion brand took place in Florence in 1962. By the mid-1960′s, the
company had established a client base, skyrocketing the popularity of the brand. In 1967
Garavani received the Neiman Marcus Award and the celebrity clients came pouring in. The
brand attracts wealthy women who are fixated on luxurious fashion trends. In the past, these
women have included Aga Khan, Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. In North
America, the brand is sold throughout the United States and can also be bought from stores like
Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.
7. Dior
Dior is a French luxury goods company controlled and chaired by LVMH, the same company in
control of Fendi. Founded in 1946 by Christian Dior, today the company focuses on designing
and selling ready-to-wear leather goods, fashion accessories, footwear, jewelry, timepieces,
fragrance, make-up and skincare. The company remains most sought after by women, although
the brand also puts out products for men and children. Most well known for its sophisticated and
modern appeal, Dior continues to attract business from around the world.
This Italian fashion company and trade name was founded by Gianni Versace in 1978. Today,
Versace is one of the world’s leading international fashion houses. The company designs and
distributes luxury clothing, accessories, make-up and home furnishings for both men and
women. Gianni Versace was killed in 1997, and his sister Donatella Versace stepped in as
creative director. Available in all major fashion capitals throughout the world, Versace is a brand
in high demand.
5. Armani
Armani is widely considered the most popular brand in the world in addition to being one of the
most expensive brands of 2013. The brand operates under a number of sub-labels including
Giorgio Armani, Armani Collezioni, Armani Exchange and Emporio Armani. The company
specializes in ready-to-wear leather goods, shoes, watches, jewelry accessories, eyewear,
cosmetics, home interiors and haute couture. Merchandise is available to both men and women,
offering simple jeans and tee shirts all the way up to couture.
4. Prada
Founded in 1913, Prada is an Italian fashion label created by Mario Prada. Originally fashioned
to be a leather shop, the store sold only leather goods and imported English steamer trunks and
handbags. The main qualities of the products created by Prada focus on simplicity, durability and
cutting-edge design. With an annual revenue of approximately $2.15 billion and a presence
throughout the world, it is no surprise that Prada ranks highly on the world’s most expensive
clothing brands of 2013.
3. Dolce and Gabbana
In 1980, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana met in Milan and by 1982, the seeds that grew
into Dolce and Gabbana were sewn. By the mid-1980′s, the duo launched their first women’s
clothing line and by the late-1980′s, they had expanded into the swimsuit and underwear market.
Liking to export their products to other countries, Dolce and Gabbana became an easily
recognized name worldwide. Eventually, they grew to include D & G as part of their company, a
more casual line with urban inspiration and a yearning to set rather than follow trends. The
company has gained increasing popularity through effective marketing campaigns with models
such as Gisele Bündchen. It is no wonder why the brand ranks third on the most expensive
clothing brands of 2013.
2. Chanel
Chanel is a privately held French company owned by Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, grandsons
of Pierre Wertheimer who was an early business partner of Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel. Chanel
prides itself on being a high fashion brand specializing in both haute couture and ready-to-wear
clothes and luxury goods and accessories of all kinds. Gabrielle, or Coco, Chanel liked to cater to
women with an elegant taste with her simple designs. Most famous for the stylistic “little black
dress” and the fragrance Chanel No. 5, this brand enjoys revenue of approximately $6.9 billion
dollars, making it number two on this list.
1. Gucci
Gucci is an Italian fashion and leather goods brand owned by Kering. Gucci was founded by
Guccio Gucci in Florence in 1921. Gucci enjoys the position of being the biggest-selling Italian
brand. There are currently about 275 stores being operated worldwide and products are also sold
through high-end department stores. Known for producing a great variety of products in the most
excellent of quality, Gucci has established a brand loyalty that justifies its high prices. Often
used by celebrities and the rich class, Gucci has successfully secured its position as the most
expensive clothing brand of 2013.