8 Italian Fashion Brands You Need To Know
When it comes to talking about top fashion brands, it’s very rare to go through the list without mentioning Italian designers. Italy is rooted in the history of fashion, and the country has completely shaped the world’s view on style.
Within this guide, we will take you through eight of the most well-known Italian luxury brands. Understanding more about these brands will help you to know what to look for when shopping for luxury items.
1. Valentino
Valentino Garavani is one of the very few Italian designers who started his fashion education at a young age. After his formal education in Paris, in 1960, he opened a fashion house in Rome.
Ever heard of “Valentino Red”? It is the distinct shades of red in Valentino’s designs that helped make his name. Fifty years after it was established, it evolved into an empire known for its ostentatiousness and a leading brand on the red carpet with over a billion fans.
2. Gucci
This brand was born in 1921 by Guccio Gucci and is widely known for its iconic green and red stripes. This Italian brand is quite old-school but still relevant to this day (with over a billion fans as well). It began as a label for luggage, inspired by Paris and London’s luxurious trade lifestyle, and first became popular amongst Italian shoppers.
The logo is a “horse bit” metal — a design that offers a flair of luxury. This, in addition to the Italian essence that came with the brand, made it one of Hollywood’s top choices. According to LINK, having Alessandro Michele as the head of the creative team has made Gucci accessible to younger generations.
3. Versace
Versace defines luxury. Their designs come in strong with a distinctive twist of their own. Gianni Versace founded this Italian luxury brand in 1978. The brand, unlike other designer ones, is known specifically for its charming colours, attractive patterns, and graphics. Medusa’s head is used as its logo, drawing into Greek mythology.
4. Moschino
This next brand was born in 1983. Franco Moschino has been such a huge influence on Italian luxury brands. The brand’s design is nothing like the typical high-class depiction of luxury. Rather, it embraces everyday lifestyle looks.
Franco was heavily inspired by pop art, cuddle toys, comics, and so on. It’s no surprise that the brand was often mentioned by many hip-hop artists. The Notorious B.I.G once mentioned the brand in his song “Hypnotize.”
5. Prada
Prada was founded by Mario Prada, in 1913, making it one of the oldest Italian luxury brands. Not long after its creation, it became the official brand supplying the Italian Royal house. Prada hit new fame in the 70s when Mario’s granddaughter Miuccia took over. She was bright with her new energy and advanced perspectives that fit the modern age.
6. Giorgio Armani
You can’t go wrong in a Giorgio Armani outfit. This is one of the sleekest Italian brands known for its sharp suits and solid leather goods. It was founded in 1975 by Armani, inspired by the streets and everyday fashion. Armani, to this day, is still a privately owned fashion brand, and they still deliver top-notch garments!
7. Fendi
Fendi goes as far back as 1925 when the couple, Edwardo and Adele Fendi, created the brand. It was formerly a leather and fur goods shop back in Rome. Five sisters took over the brand in the ’40s but it was later sold out to Lagerfield who sadly, has passed away. However, the company is still making its mark in the fashion scene.
8. Miu Miu
This next brand is almost like a subsidiary of Prada. It’s owned by Miuccia Prada (granddaughter of Mario Prada). The brand was founded in 1993, much closer to this age of fashion. Pronounced “Mew Mew’’, this is a more vibrant brand targeted at the younger generation. It offers bespoke handbags designed with so much energy and beautiful strong colours. Their style is completely irresistible and created to turn heads.
