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Versace: Fashion Designer
There is never anything understated about Versace. The Italian brand, founded by late fashion designer Gianni Versace in 1978, is all about grandiose sexiness and decadent European-style glamour, not to mention an irreverent rock-star attitude. Think of Elizabeth Hurley in the mid-1990s in that tight black Versace gown held together rather precariously—and revealingly—with nothing but safety pins down the sides. The design reigns were taken over by Gianni's sister, Donatella Versace, after her brother was murdered in Miami Beach in 1997. Donatella has maintained the label's aesthetic—electric colors, sensuous fabrics, and clingy silhouettes for a bold, raw sexiness. The men's collection—which was launched first—has a similar quality, with slim, sharp cuts and a reverence for the styles of the 1970s and 1980s.
Giorgio Armani: Fashion Designer
The Armani Empire spans five levels of luxury: Giorgio Armani, an ultra-expensive couture line most often seen on movie stars and their spouses; Armani Collezioni, a chic ready-to-wear line specializing in handmade sweaters and sexy, slim-fitting suits; Emporio Armani, a sportswear line combining sultry Italian style with casual elegance; Armani Exchange, an affordable mass-market version of the season's hottest trends and key pieces, and Armani Junior, for the precociously stylish. The brands differ in price point, but share a common aesthetic of breezy, easygoing sexiness expressed by lush, layered fabrics, tight-fitting pants and skirts, and necklines that sweep more than plunge. The fashion house also produces its own denim label, sold in Armani Exchange stores, that is particularly good at enhancing one's backside.
Chanel: Fashion Designer
Chanel is one of today’s best known and highly sought-after fashion brands, and has been practically since it was founded by Coco (Gabrielle) Chanel in 1909. The luxury brand stands out in just about every category—couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, jewelry, shoes, and fragrances. What began as a no-nonsense approach to fashion, designed to let women be comfortable while looking dignified, has been translated into classic, tailored style, especially in ready-to-wear, where the traditional tweed Chanel suit with a nipped-at-the-waist cardigan jacket remains one of the most popular—and most copied—fashion staples. The iconic, quilted leather Chanel bag is perpetually popular—and one of the most knocked-off accessories on Canal Street. Evening gowns tend to have an understated sex appeal and a bit of whimsy, and appear in luxurious fabrics with lots of embellishments.
Louis Vuitton: Fashion Designer
Louis Vuitton is one of the oldest names in the business. In 1854, Louis Vuitton opened his first store in Paris, hawking finely made trunks, hat boxes, and other luxury luggage for the well-traveled set. By 1888, he had his signature brown and tan checked pattern, and by 1896, the now iconic monogram that peppers its supple leather goods, including some instantly collective women’s bags—the Speedy, the Steamer, the Pochette—appeared. Amazingly, the company didn’t tap into the ready-to-wear business until 1997 when New York designer Marc Jacobs joined, immediately adding an incredibly lucrative clothing business while bringing Vuitton up-to-date by collaborating with such artists as Stephen Sprouse (who irreverently graffitied bags) and later Takashi Murakami (who added a bubble-gum anime humor to the line). Today, the label encompasses ready-to-wear, watches, jewelry, beauty, home, and, of course, that want-worthy luggage.
