When it comes to fashion, many iconic brands have pushed the boundaries and influenced the style of each decade. From iconic figures to iconic looks, these remarkable fashion brands have transcended generations, trends, and eras to become some of the most recognizable names for good reason. From Coco Chanel’s signature little black dress to Karl Lagerfeld’s extraordinary designs, these enduring brands have made fashion history and redefined what style looks like through the decades. With this article, we will explore some of the most influential and iconic fashion brands that have stood the test of time.
1. Style Through the Ages: Iconic Fashion Brands Redefining the Runway
The world of fashion is one constantly dominated by new trends and re-imagined classics. For centuries, iconic fashion brands have graced the fashion runways redefining what it means to look good and dress well. It is no surprise that these fashion houses continue to be a source of style inspiration and showcase their pieces to a community of fashion lovers.
Chanel is an iconic French fashion house that has been a style icon since its inception in the early 1900s. It has come to represent sophisticated elegance and luxury, due to its distinct silhouette and signature detailing. The brand is well known for creating beautiful tweed suits, stylish leather handbags, jewelry and more.
Gucci is another classic fashion brand that has stood the test of time. Its chic, upbeat clothing pieces and bags remain popular favorites, and Gucci’s designs are often seen on celebrities flaunting the brand’s classic double-G logo. From colorful printed scarves and shoes, to stylish bags, Gucci is renowned for its stylish and timeless creations.
Prada is a powerhouse of fashion, renowned for its cult following of loyal customers that love its trendsetting designs. From its signature leather goods to its uptown chic dresses and suits, Prada remains one of the most popular and recognizable fashion names out there.
Hermes is a fashion house known for its ultra luxurious items, like the iconic Kelly and Birkin handbags. Its designs combine functionality, craftsmanship, and modernity. This iconic brand still carries the exotic craftsmanship style of the French heritage with an edgy, modern twist.
Louis Vuitton is a fashion brand known for its monogrammed totes, handbags, and clothing. Its signature monogrammed pieces come in a variety of sizes and styles, making it a favorite among fashion lovers.
These iconic fashion brands are redefining the runway with their timeless and bold pieces. From classic tweed suiting and leather goods, to modern edgy statement pieces, these fashion houses have something for every fashion lover.
2. Living Legends: The Pioneering Names of Fashion History
Throughout the years, the fashion industry has seen its fair share of legendary trendsetters and innovators. Despite their unique styles being defined centuries apart, all of these style icons had one thing in common: they carved out their own niche in the fashion industry, inspiring the generations that followed.
Coco Chanel amassed a vast following in the early 20th century with her timeless, bohemian pieces. Chanel was the champion of reinvention, introducing avant-garde concepts such as her iconic ‘little black dress’. Chanel paved the way for modern day trends with her rebellious designs and daring statement pieces.
Christian Dior solidified himself as a fashion icon with his incredibly lavish and romantic designs. His influential ‘New Look’ revolutionised women’s fashion in 1947, propelling him to worldwide fame. He incorporated intricate details, luxurious fabrics and delicate silhouettes in his garments, setting the foundation for his illustrious fashion legacy.
Miuccia Prada took the fashion world by storm in the 1970s, utilising her keen eye for detail to create modern minimalism. Her pioneering concept of ‘ugly chic’ allowed for everyday items such as sneakers and military-inspired attire to become the fashion staple of many women. Thus, Prada single-handedly shaped streetwear fashion as we know it today.
Gianni Versace made a name for himself in the 1980s with his iconic and flamboyant designs. Known as the ‘King of Italian Fashion’, Versace established himself as a revolutionary designer with his use of bright colours, unique prints and signature bold silhouettes. Versace’s daring designs continue to influence fashion to this day.
These four legendary names are just a few of the revolutionaries that have influenced the fashion industry for decades. The likes of Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent and Vivienne Westwood have all shaped the industry with their boundless creativity and unique stylistic contributions.
3. Classic and Contemporary: Trends and Icons Influencing Modern Style
Modern fashion is all about blurring the lines between past and present. Classic styles from years gone by are enjoying a revival and reinvented modern favourites have found their way back in to the public’s hearts. Here are some of the trends and icons influencing modern style.
The resurgence of iconic classics
When you think classic style, it often brings to mind names like Coco Chanel and Marilyn Monroe. Classic looks from the ‘30s, ‘50s and ‘60s are having a major moment, and they’re transforming the wardrobe of modern fashionistas. Political movements such as these are influencing fashion, giving an updated take on vintage style.
High-end mixed with high street
These days, luxury fashion has been replaced by an eclectic mix of designer pieces and bargain buys from the high street. Fashion enthusiasts are proving that streetwear can entail bespoke, high-end garments if paired with the right attitude. It’s all about being comfortable yet confident in your own style.
The classic rocker look
- Dark sunglasses
- Leather jackets
- High-top sneakers
A lot of modern fashion trends follow in the footsteps of rock music. Leather jackets, high-top sneakers and dark sunglasses – they’ve been around since the days of The Rolling Stones and they’re still a hit today. Whether it’s for everyday wear or a vintage twist, this modern-day classic will continue to reign.
4. The Past and Future: Adapting Timeless Styles for a New Generation
The past and present have always been interconnected when it comes to fashion. The styles and silhouettes we wear today are often inspired by designs from years past while simultaneously incorporating new concepts and materials. The same is true for timeless fashion pieces such as the little black dress, bell-bottomed jeans, and classic trench coats. Though considered iconic and essential, the designs of these items have evolved over the years to be new and fresh to a modern audience.
For example, the little black dress that never goes out of style has had countless iterations by various designers. The fit, neckline, and sleeve length of the piece have all been altered to update the look for today’s market. From flapper-style mini-dresses to the sleek, timeless styles of Coco Chanel to the contemporary flowy midi variations, the little black dress has been adapted to varied tastes. Within the same vein, the long-standing bell-bottom jeans of the 1970s style have been re-worked into straight, cropped, and denim jumpsuits more suitable for modern wardrobes.
As fashion house D&G have stated, “Classics are always current”. Examples include letters Trench Coats, Belts, and Button-Downs, which are must-have items for any wardrobe. Renditions of these classic pieces have been seen across many runways and stores, featuring new details such as asymmetrical hems, asymmetrical collars, or even unique embellishments.
No matter the season, trends, or occasion, there will always be a use for timeless fashion staples. Through creative re-designing and seasonal re-imagining, these pieces will remain a part of our closets for years to come. Time-honored items will continue to be seen through the new generation, as they serve as timeless staples that can be adapted to fit any style.
Fashion may, on the surface, just be about trends, but for many iconic fashion brands, it’s so much more. Through the decades, these iconic brands have shown us how to truly express ourselves through creativity, pushing boundaries and redefining style in the process. As fashion trends come and go, the timeless style of these iconic fashion brands will live on forever.
