TOP 12 GLOBAL FASHION BRANDS

Interbrand, which is a global brand consultancy specializing in strategy and analytics www.bestglobalbrands.com recently published their annual 2014 Best Global Brands report which ranges from consumer goods to automobiles. The study is based not only on total revenue, but 30% of the revenue must come from outside of the brand’s home region. In addition, brand strength and other data resources are analyzed to come up with this comprehensive list. We’ve pulled the top ten fashion lifestyle brands that consist of luxury giant pioneers to fast fashion newcomers. From the U.S. to Spain, the list goes to show that the fashion world is truly made up of brands all across the globe.

#10 RALPH LAUREN - $6.6 BILLION - AMERICAN - 1967

When one thinks of American style, Ralph Lauren is usually the first designer that comes to mind. With the iconic polo shirt, the brand has always stayed true to it’s American heritage roots. Within the giant empire we have seen the distinction between Black Label, Polo Sport, etc, and there is no other brand in the Top 10 that has been able to pull off customer tiering so successfully.

#9 CHANEL - $7 BILLION - FRENCH - 1909

Classic, understated, and elegant sums up the Chanel brand. Coco Chanel is one of those legendary designers that will forever be associated with being accredited with liberating women towards wearing more casual and less restrictive clothing such as the popular corset. The “little black dress” and Chanel suit are still iconic fashion statements that are still relevant to this day.

#8 ADIDAS - $7.9 BILLION - GERMAN - 1949

Adidas, who also owns sports giant Reebok, made it to the Top 10 as one of the only sports specific brands. Founder Adolf “Adi” Dassler (Adi-Dassler), started Adidas upon a family feud with his older brother Rudolf. Rudolf later founded Puma, which became one of the most personal and professional rivalries of all time.

#7 PRADA - $8 BILLION - ITALIAN - 1913

Originally founded by brothers Mario and Martino Prada as a leather goods shop, Prada wasn’t a household name until the late 70’s when grand daughter Miuccia was handed down the business. In 1985 she released the “classic Prada handbag” which became an overnight sensation. Then in 1989, the first ready to wear collection was launched in which her designs became known for their drop waistlines and narrow belts.

#6 COACH - $8.8 BILLION - AMERICAN - 1941

The Coach brand was founded in a small loft on 34th Street in Manhattan’s own garment district. The family-run workshop of leather goods was taken over by Miles Cahn and his wife Lillian in 1950. Early on Miles noticed the distinctive qualities of a leather baseball glove, and how with wear and tear the leather became more softer and supple. Women’s handbags were introduced based upon this process and the rest is history.

#5 ZARA - $10.1 BILLION - SPANISH - 1974

As one of the newest brands to make the list, retail giant Zara is changing the product life cycle as we know it. By being able to design new products and have them in-store within 5-6 weeks, Zara is by far the most vertically integrated fashion company in the world. The Fashion Director of Louis Vuitton once described Zara as being “the most innovative and devastating retailers in the world”.

#4 GUCCI - $12.5 BILLION - ITALIAN - 1921

As one of the largest selling Italian brands, the Gucci name is synonymous with luxury. Founded by an immigrant hotel worker in Paris, a young Guccio Gucci was impressed with the luxurious luggage he saw coming in and out of the hotel. Shortly thereafter he established a small fine leather goods store. Today Gucci is one of the most counterfeit brands on the market due to their status symbol appeal

#3 NIKE - $22.1 BILLION - AMERICAN -1964

Originally founded as Blue Ribbon Sports, by track athlete Philip Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman, Nike didn’t officially become Nike until 1971. Known for their athletic shoes, Nike owns over 50% of this market. However the brand has recently been seen among high fashion taste-makers, and with the trend of athletic shoes among runways shows, Nike has once again appealed to a different market.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin