The luxury market in France is quite flourishing with players who remain essential in this very closed environment. Indeed, on a global scale, the France has established itself and remains at the forefront of the luxury industry according to a Google study. The traditions, the exceptional know-how and the reputation of a proven interest in good taste make the reputation of this country throughout the world. Thus, several famous brands stand out and at the same time new brands are revealed on the market. Here we present the top 15 of the best luxury brands that make the France shine around the world.
1. Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton is a must-have luxury brand in France and around the world. It is particularly known in leather goods, its field of predilection, but also in other luxury sectors that it dominates on a global scale. It is no surprise that it tops our ranking of the best French luxury brands with a valuation of more than $70 billion.
The brand was founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton, a young man born in a commune in the Jura in 1821. This Franc-Comtois left for the capital at the age of 16, walking 400 km to become an apprentice with a layetier-packer-trunk maker to make travel chests. Very skilled with his hands, the young apprentice takes care of the orders of the most important customers .
Living in an era marked by notable changes, especially in the field of transport and travel, Louis Vuitton noticed the difficulties associated with stacking curved trunks in transport. It was then that he created in 1854 his trunk maker's workshop and his shop at the rue des Capucines in Paris. This legendary company revolutionized luggage storage with the invention of the flat trunk. The latter is much more convenient to travel in the trains or steamboats in vogue at the time. Its shape was the main innovation, as the trunks of that time had rounded edges. Those made by Louis Vuitton were easy to hang or stack, which is convenient when traveling.
Gradually, the brand developed abroad and upon the death of the founder in 1892, his son George continued his work. From year to year, we witness many innovations with the woven Monogram LV canvas that will become the emblem of the Louis Vuitton brand. Then, a patent application was filed for the flexible linen, cotton and PVC canvas in 1959.
In 1987, the Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy brands merged to form the LVMH group. The latter was bought in 1989 by Bernard Arnault, a businessman who gave a new impetus to the brand. Under the marketing impulse of the latter, Louis Vuitton has undergone a spectacular evolution that has propelled it to the place that is its own in the world of luxury today. Indeed, it all started with the diversification of the brand's activities, which also intervenes in:
- Ready-to-wear;
- Perfumes;
- Shoes;
- Cosmetics;
- Watchmaking;
- Jewelry.
- Perfumes;
- Cosmetics;
- Jewelry;
- Leather goods;
- Wine;
- Spirits.
With a main store located in the 8th arrondissement of the capital, at 101 avenue des Champs-Élysées, the brand has become, in twenty years, the world number 1 in the luxury sector with its remarkable presence in the world's largest markets.
2. Dior
Dior was founded in 1946 by fashion designer Christian Dior in collaboration with Marcel Boussac, a textile magnate. Indeed, it is the latter who proposed to the creator to launch his own brand. It was in the aftermath of the Second World War and this new brand will soon revolutionize the world of haute couture. Its impact on Parisian and global trends was immediate and unprecedented.
In February 1947, the prodigy's first collection was presented in his mansion located at 30 avenue Montaigne in Paris, where we discover the full extent of the designer's talent that surprises all observers. Christian Dior, through his creations, imagines silhouettes reconnecting with elegance and lightness. These include swollen skirts cut at mid-calf, loose skirts, round breasts, curved waists or frills. The different creations are sculptures that seem molded on women's bodies. For the first time, we discover the timeless Bar jacket that continues to be the pride of the luxury brand today.
It was then the beginning of an incredible adventure that will give the result that we know with a place of choice in the world of luxury. In a few years, Dior has exported itself internationally with points of sale opened in major capitals. The brand has seen many names that have marked in one way or another its rich history. These are fashion monuments such as Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan and John Galliano to name a few.
In addition to sewing, Dior is also present in:
As part of the LVMH group, Dior is firmly one of the world's largest luxury companies with an estimated valuation of €5 billion.
3. Chanel
Created in 1910 by Gabrielle Chanel, better known by her stage name Coco Chanel, this brand is one of the most beautiful jewels of the France when it comes to luxury. Indeed, it has freed women from the corset by continually reinventing the contours of femininity. Chanel advocates elegance through simple dresses and suits that highlight feminine beauty.
From the making of hats to the creation of the little black dress, a color traditionally reserved for mourning, Chanel meets a monumental success. This was followed by the diversification of the brand's activities with the production of its first perfume and a jewelry line a few years later. A cosmetics line has also been added to the activities of the women's luxury brand.
When the designer died in 1971, there was a flutter in the management of the brand for about ten years. In 1983, the arrival of Karl Lagerfeld put an end to this period of uncertainty. This designer brilliantly continued the work of Coco Chanel by launching the first watch of the brand. Under his leadership, the brand has reached dimensions never reached in the past.
The design, class and quality that characterize this brand have made it an empire whose collections and fragrances are highly prized. Chanel is also the last major independent house in the luxury sector and is valued at 47 billion euros. One of its emblematic stores is located in the 1st arrondissement, at 31 rue Cambon, in Paris.
4. Yves Saint Laurent (YSL)
This French luxury brand with a rich history with timeless creations is the fruit of the legacy left by the couturier Yves Saint Laurent. The latter was born in Algeria in 1936 and had an exceptional career, starting with his debut at Christian Dior where he was even artistic director at the death of the latter. In July 1961, the young designer decided, in association with his companion Pierre Bergé, to create his own fashion house in Paris. With the financial support of an American billionaire, J. Mack Robinson, he presents his first creation in the space of a few months. This was the beginning of the meteoric rise of the young couturier who left his mark on the world of luxury.
The Mondrian collection was the first resounding success of the YSL brand , which quickly established itself on the international scene. The Mondrian dress is one of the classics of the universe of the women's luxury brand. The designer is inspired by the classics of the men's wardrobe to free the woman from the constraints of clothing. We owe him in particular the trouser suit that allows the woman to wear pants to go to work, the Saharan jacket and the tuxedo for women who continue to be references in terms of contemporary clothing style.
The YSL brand belongs to françois Pinault's Kering empire, which also owns brands such as Balenciaga or Gucci. In 2021, it achieved a turnover of more than 2.5 billion euros. The banner of this luxury boutique is worn high all over the world, because the different creations are very appreciated. Many movie stars and various celebrities have been dressed and continue to be dressed by YSL luxury boutiques, especially in the 8th arrondissement, with its boutiques on Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, one of the most chic streets in the capital. Gone since 2008, this legendary designer will forever remain an icon of avant-garde fashion that has allowed women to better assert themselves in society.
5. Cartier
It goes without saying that we find this brand in our ranking of the best French luxury brands. Indeed, Cartier is a creator of luxury products highly appreciated by an elite clientele.
Founded in 1847, it is a pioneer of quality watchmaking and jewelry of all kinds that are recognized for their unique aesthetics. Created by Louis-François Cartier, this brand specializes in the manufacture of watches, jewelry, perfumes, bags and many other high-end accessories.
The luxury boutique is a reference in the watch and jewelry sector thanks to a history marked by resounding successes. From the niece of Napoleon 1st to contemporary leaders, his watches and other accessories have always been successful. This is the case of the first wristwatches for women that delighted the ladies of high society.
Many patents are granted to the brand in France and internationally. The brand is exported and becomes essential in watchmaking. It relies on the aesthetics and refinement of its products , which are the fruit of exceptional know-how. Watch models with original and bold shapes characterize its various collections. Cartier products are now sold all over the world and the brand is one of the most prestigious in existence. The valuation of this brand is more than 7 billion euros. One of its main points of sale is located at 13 rue de la Paix, in the 2nd arrondissement.
6. Lancôme
A subsidiary of the L'Oréal group since 1964, this major French luxury brand is well known on the international scene. Lancôme is a true beauty institution, as it specializes in products such as perfumes, cosmetics, makeup and many others. One of the most prestigious boutiques in Lancôme is located at 52 avenue des Champs-Élysées, in the 1st arrondissement.
It was in 1935 that the perfumer Amand Petitjean created this brand to compete with American companies that then held the monopoly of the manufacture of cosmetic products. In the same year, the brand presented its first five perfumes, which were presented at the Brussels World Expo.
This visionary perfumer was not wrong with the success and fame that the Lancôme brand has today. Over the years, the brand has been able to imprint its vision of French elegance through innovations that allow it to make a place of choice in the luxury beauty sector around the world. The quality and effectiveness of Lancôme cosmetic products delight women by making them even more beautiful. Its perfume "La vie est belle" is one of the best-selling in France and internationally. In 2018, Lancôme's turnover exceeded €3 billion.
7. Hermes
In the world of luxury, Hermès is an icon that arouses an unparalleled craze by a chic and refined clientele. This brand specializing in leather and leather goods has also established itself in the fields of fashion and perfumery.
The origin of this company dates back to 1837 when Thierry Hermès, a saddler and harnesser, provided equipment for horses. But it is after several decades that the company goes from upholstery to the manufacture and coating of luxurious items, as well as to the manufacture of luggage with the rise of means of transport. For the first time, the zipper is put on a bag made of France. Innovation and diversity in manufacturing characterize Hermès products. The Hermès silk square, the Kelly bag and more recently the Birkin bag are all products that make the brand famous.
It was only a century after its creation that the Hermès brand turned to luxury watchmaking. Today, Hermès perfumes are highly prized as are its ready-to-wear pieces, which are part of a stylistic revolution of the 1960s. In 2021, the luxury brand was valued at more than 46 billion euros. One of the main distribution points for Hermès products is located in Paris 75008, at 24 rue du Faubourg St-Honoré.
8. Kalissa
Kalissa Paris is a new brand specialized in luxury 3.0, the new trend that is revolutionizing the world of fashion. Indeed, this sector has always been confronted with counterfeiting problems that have a real impact on the economy. It is in response to this reality that the French start-up Kalissa was launched in 2021 by a team of 10 people passionate about luxury and new technologies. The particularity of the brand with its modern, street wear and contemporary design : each new collection (high-end clothing or accessories), which is launched in a very limited edition, is associated for each fashion item with an NFT, according to the wear-to-earn principle.
It is therefore thanks to blockchain technology and NFTs that the luxury boutique 3.0 guarantees the authenticity and traceability of its products, while the unique "regeneration" system it offers extends the durability of these luxury items for life. The consumption patterns of luxury products such as high-end clothing are thus revolutionized by Kalissa. With each product purchased in this luxury store, a QR code and an NFC chip are integrated, ensuring its recognition, as well as a registration on the blockchain via its NFT, with various advantages, which is a long-term investment.
In addition to the fight against counterfeiting, and the lifetime renewal of the luxury item thanks to the principle of "regeneration", the digital NFT , in 3 dimensions, can be used as a customization accessory in the main metaverses. In addition, this combination of physical and virtual products allows the resale of it on all major NFT Marketplaces, to obtain an added value according to its rarity. In addition, the luxury brand Kalissa Paris has its own cryptocurrency, with its token $KALI, which is a new form of asset for investors. Thus, for the brand's customers , it is not only a question of purchase, but also of investment in luxury clothing.
In short, with this innovative start-up, luxury items are consumed differently with stores that combine luxury and metaverse, in the largest cities in the world. As of June 6, 2022, following the listing of the token $KALI, the cryptocurrency market cap was valued at $14 million. The brand has established its head office at 231 rue St Honoré, in the 1st arrondissement.
9. Givenchy
It is the great couturier Hubert de Givenchy who is at the origin of the creation of this luxury brand in 1952. Owned by the LVMH group since 1988, Givenchy offers ready-to-wear collections of couture and haute couture. The brand is also present in the field of high-end leather handbags and wallets, cosmetics, perfumery, shoes and jewelry. Today, this prestigious brand is one of the biggest names in French haute couture, Givenchy being the first designer to make a luxury ready-to-wear.
Givenchy quickly gained notoriety with a muse like Audrey Hepburn. It was for her that the luxury clothing brand created the perfume l'Interdit in 1957. In 1969, Givenchy launched its first men's collection called Gentleman Givenchy, which rhymed with masculine elegance.
The men's and women's luxury brand remains and remains a reference in fashion and its creations are appreciated by many celebrities. Kim Kardashian's haute couture wedding dress and Meghan Markle's are examples of the brand's breadth of talent and craftsmanship. From Hollywood stars to hip-hop, pop, trap and RnB artists, Givenchy is a trendy brand that is still relevant. One of its main shops is located at 36 avenue Montaigne, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. In 2018, Givenchy's turnover was more than €333 million.
10. Guerlain
A cult perfumery brand created in 1828 by Pierre François Pascal Guerlain, it is the tradition of excellence. This perfumer-chemist has put all his know-how at the service of his brand, which is perpetuated until now. Indeed, from the first boutique opened at 42 rue de Rivoli to the shop at 68 avenue Champs-Élysées, Guerlain's culture of beauty has always been preserved.
In nearly two centuries of existence, five generations of Guerlain perfumers have passed at the head of the iconic brand with mythical creations. As a legacy, we have an olfactory catalog of more than 1100 fragrances created. Among the best known perfumes are the prestigious Shalimar created in 1924 and Vetiver in 1956. It is the same with regard to Guerlinade, Mitsouko or La petite robe noire which are renowned perfumes. Guerlain's scents can be found in the spas of the world's greatest hotels.
Since 1994, the French luxury brand has been part of LVMH, but it has retained its independence. Listening to consumers, it continues to delight its customers. Guerlain's turnover was more than €483 million in 2020.
11. Jean-Paul Gaultier
An emblematic figure in the world of fashion in France, Jean-Paul Gaultier is nicknamed "the enfant terrible of fashion". The luxury brand of the French prodigy was founded in 1976 after its creator had cut his teeth for many years in the field. But it was in the early 1980s that she recovered and forever marked the history of fashion, shaking up the codes of luxury with a certain virtuosity and going against the current trends of the time. For both men and women, she multiplies collections that have a remarkable success. In 2017, this brand had a turnover of 189 million euros.
The must-haves of this luxury brand for men and women are corsets with extravagant shapes and the striped sailor. Her often provocative and extravagant style through a mix of genders between men and women attracts many celebrities like Madonna.
This brand represents the creativity, audacity and know-how of French couture. Jean Paul Gaultier is also a luxury men's brand and cult perfumes since 1993 with Classique to start. The success of the perfumes of this brand with bottles with sensual curves is resounding. The shop on Avenue George V in the 8th arrondissement is a must for lovers of creations and haute couture.
12. Balenciaga
It's hard to talk about the best French luxury brands without mentioning Balenciaga. Indeed, this luxury brand and fashion house created in 1917 by Cristóbal Balenciaga is a reference for the actors of couture who are all unanimous on the influence that this Spanish designer had on his contemporaries.
Leaving Spain to settle in Paris in the 1930s, he soon established himself as "the couturier of couturiers" in his field. His creations are inspired by the Spanish Renaissance in a mixture of boldness of colors and sobriety. He retired in 1968 and retired to Spain, his home country , where he died 4 years later.
The activities of the men's and women's luxury brand were taken over in 1986 for greater influence. It is under the artistic direction of Nicolas Ghesquière that she returns to success. In 2019, it achieved a turnover of 927 million euros.
Today, Balenciaga belongs to the PPR (Kering Group) and continues to dress big celebrities by being one of the most popular brands with a thriving business . In France, in the capital, you can find his shop in the heart of the Golden Triangle, Avenue George V in particular; but also in Italy, Spain and several other countries.
13. Chloe
It is a high-end brand founded in 1952 by Gabriella Hanoka aka Gaby Aghion. She is a pioneer of ready-to-wear and fluid silhouettes. This fluidity is reflected in the fabrics and cuts, the lace, the pleated silk crepe, the English embroidery, the beige color of the Egyptian sand found in Chloé's collections.
Through the creation of her luxury ready-to-wear, Chloé reveals a romantic and bohemian imprint. Aerial cuts and comfort are privileged without forgetting the ultra femininity. With the arrival in 1966 of Karl Lagerfeld at Chloé, we witness a new progression by this brand which attracts more and more celebrities by its subtle marketing . It achieved a turnover of nearly 215 million euros in 2017.
Chloé highlights French craftsmanship through its various ready-to-wear collections, accessories, shoes and fragrances highly appreciated for their originality. The main shop of this brand in Paris 1st is at 253 rue Saint-Honoré.
14- Celine
This French luxury brand is also rightly included in our selection. Part of the sale of children's shoes, it was created by Céline Vipiana in 1945. Subsequently, the diversification of activities in the 1960s allowed the brand to open up to adult shoes, accessories and also a collection of sports ready-to-wear for women.
Céline's different creations are at once sober, racy and modern. With the launch in the 1970s of Céline moccasins, the luxury boutique was a great success that gave it notoriety in the eyes of all observers. Over the years, the brand opened up internationally and integrated perfume manufacturing and leather goods into its activities. Boutiques are open internationally and the strong potential of the brand has seduced more than one. Its turnover in 2018 was 494 million euros.
The Céline brand has been part of the LVMH conglomerate since 1996 and continues to offer the best in terms of contemporary luxury on a daily basis. One of its main shops can be found in the 8th, at 53 avenue Montaigne.
15. Van Cleef & Arpels
Here is a family company created in 1906 and which is one of the most prestigious high jewelry houses . This Parisian brand was born from a love story and exceptional know-how, which has become a daily lifestyle. Indeed, since its creation and until now, Van Cleef & Arpels seduces with its modern and classic design through an unparalleled know-how. It was the marriage between Alfred Van Cleef, son of a diamond dealer and Estelle Arpels, daughter of a gemstone trader who gave this jewel to the world of luxury.
This luxury brand of French heritage mixes femininity, glamour and refinement through jewelry worked to perfection. From jewelry to watchmaking, there is only one step and it is taken years later with the creation of watches set with precious stones. Similarly, perfumes are created by this brand to complement its activities. Its turnover in 2021 was more than 41 million euros.
Jewelry of rare beauty is made for royal families and celebrities from all walks of life. The legacy of this know-how is perpetuated until now and the brand strives to satisfy its high-ranking clientele in luxury boutiques, one of whose main showcases can be found at 22-24 place Vendôme, in Paris.
In short, in the ranking of the best French luxury brands, we find companies that have built their history and reputation over time. Most of them are owned by large conglomerates, including the LVMH group , which is the world leader in the luxury industry. Luxury clothing brands through their various creations and collections are at the top of this ranking.
Similarly, there are also more recent brands resolutely turned towards new technologies, as is the case with Kalissa Paris, which are revealing themselves and revealing their full potential. Innovative start-ups that will have to be monitored in the coming years in the world of French luxury.