9 Popular Designer Brands Worth Styling and Celebrating

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Designer pieces aren’t just clothes; they’re statements. From handbags that spark conversations to silhouettes that shape entire trends, popular designer brands stand out for factors like originality, signature style, and quality that commands attention. 

“Designer” and “luxury” are often one and the same—brands known for impeccable craftsmanship, rich histories, and a legacy of influence in luxury fashion. Beyond logos, brands like Chanel, Burberry, and Saint Laurent define eras and inspire movements (with a higher price tag to match).

Ready to invest in pieces that hold value and turn heads? Let’s look at nine iconic, enduring, and worth-it luxury fashion labels to know and wear. 

9 luxury designer brands setting the standard for craftsmanship

The top luxury brands honor tradition while pushing boundaries. Here are nine popular designer brands that continue to shape the fashion world. 

1. Gucci

Founded in 1921 in Florence by Guccio Gucci, the Gucci fashion house is a symbol of Italian luxury, celebrated for their impeccable craftsmanship and innovative designs. The most iconic pieces of this always-trending clothing brand include the Gucci Horsebit loafers, GG Marmont wallets and bags, and the Gucci Jackie 1961 handbag. 

After Sabato De Sarno’s tenure ended in 2025, Georgian designer Demna Gvasalia stepped in as Gucci’s artistic director, signaling a bold new era for the brand. As Gucci continues to honor their heritage while embracing contemporary fashion trends, their commitment to quality and style places them at the forefront of luxury fashion. 

Find preloved Gucci pieces on ThredUp, starting at $62.74. 

2. Hermès

Hermès was founded in Paris in 1837 by Thierry Hermès. This French fashion house began as a harness workshop dedicated to serving European noblemen, evolving over the next six generations into a global luxury brand of clothing and accessories associated with quality and craftsmanship. 

Signature Hermès products include the Birkin and Kelly bags, both handcrafted by skilled artisans. Today, Hermès continues to produce a wide range of luxury goods, from silk scarves and ties to ready-to-wear fashion. 

Thrift Hermès gems at wallet-friendly prices on ThredUp, starting at $160.99. 

3. Dior 

Christian Dior founded his luxury fashion house in France in 1946. House of Dior (often shortened to “Dior”) revolutionized women’s fashion by introducing the “New Look,” characterized by cinched waists and full skirts. Today, Dior symbolizes elegance and femininity, offering diverse products like luxury fragrances and haute couture clothing.

Dior is committed to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices into their product design and packaging to make their enduring legacy healthier for the planet. 

Find high-quality clothing from Dior on ThredUp, starting at $165.74. 

4. Chanel 

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel opened her first hat boutique in 1910, introducing a new era of women’s fashion that emphasized comfort and simplicity. Chanel’s timeless designs have become cultural icons—especially the little black dress and Chanel No. 5 perfume. 

Under Matthieu Blazy’s creative direction, the Chanel fashion house continues to innovate, offering everything from haute couture to ready-to-wear clothing and accessories like upscale handbags. Chanel’s commitment to elegance and sophistication will make this designer brand a mainstay of the fashion world for years to come. 

Browse ThredUp to score affordable Chanel items, starting at $122.74. 

5. Louis Vuitton 

As a leading luxury brand in fashion, Louis Vuitton ranks among the top clothing companies in the United States. Founded by Louis Vuitton in 1854, they gained traction for their high-quality trunks and luggage, quickly becoming known for their monogram canvas and commitment to craftsmanship. 

Louis Vuitton has expanded their offerings to include ready-to-wear fashion, handbags, and fragrances while maintaining a heritage of quality and innovation. This French fashion house’s collaborations with contemporary artists and designers keep Louis Vuitton on the cutting edge of the fashion market.

Louis Vuitton is available for less on ThredUp, starting at $72.99. 

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6. Balenciaga 

Known for innovative, avant-garde designs, Balenciaga was established in 1917 by Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion is evident in their bold silhouettes and unconventional materials, like silk gazar and neoprene. 

In recent years, Balenciaga has embraced a more modern aesthetic that resonates with a younger audience. This luxury brand continues to challenge traditional fashion norms to cement its place as an industry trailblazer.

Thrift Balenciaga purses and more on ThredUp at low prices, starting at $84.99. 

7. Burberry 

Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, this British luxury brand is renowned for their trench coats and distinctive check patterns. Burberry’s innovation in fabric technology, including the invention of gabardine, revolutionized outerwear. 

Today, Burberry mixes their rich heritage with modern designs under the creative direction of Daniel Lee. Burberry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation makes them a key player among luxury fashion houses. 

Thrift preloved Burberry trench coats and more on ThredUp, starting at $57.99. 

8. Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent was founded in 1961 by Pierre Bergé and—you guessed it—Yves Saint Laurent. This luxury fashion house introduced revolutionary designs like the tuxedo suit for women, known as “Le Smoking.” 

Yves Saint Laurent’s bold approach to fashion challenged traditional gender norms and helped redefine modern style. Under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello, Yves Saint Laurent continues to deliver edgy, sophisticated collections worth cleaning your closet out for. 

Browse ThredUp for affordable, secondhand Yves Saint Laurent garments, starting at $55.74. 

9. Prada 

Prada is a powerhouse in luxury fashion, known for their sleek minimalism, technical innovation, and unmatched craftsmanship. Founded in Milan in 1913, the Prada fashion house rose to prominence under Miuccia Prada, who redefined high fashion with industrial materials like water-resistant Pocono nylon. 

Today, Prada produces everything from ready-to-wear clothing and shoes to leather goods and avant-garde styles. Their signature aesthetic is intellectual and iconic, but never flashy. 

Prada isn’t just one of today’s most popular designer brands—they’re also one of the most committed to sustainability, with a Re-Nylon line made from ocean plastics and a goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2030. 

Find Prada gems for less on ThredUp, starting at $63.74. 

Find high-end fashion brands on ThredUp

Luxury fashion shouldn’t stay locked away behind protective glass—and it shouldn’t cost a fortune, either. With access to popular designer brands at a fraction of the original cost, you can add unrivaled elegance to your everyday wardrobe without compromising your budget. 

ThredUp makes thrifting and reselling luxury fashion brands like Coach, Gucci, Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton easy. Whether you’re drawn to leather goods, striking silhouettes, or timeless style icons, our collection of authenticated designer finds helps you wear high-end style your way at low prices. 

By choosing preloved pieces, you’re elevating your look, extending the life of designer clothing, and reducing waste. Thrifting luxury brands is one of the smartest ways to enjoy the best the fashion world offers while showing the planet some love.

FAQs

Do designer brands offer sustainable or eco-friendly fashion lines?

Yes, many luxury fashion houses embrace sustainability. Stella McCartney leads with vegan materials and circular design principles. Gucci is committed to carbon neutrality and uses regenerated fabrics like ECONYL. Prada’s Re-nylon collection transforms ocean plastics into leather goods. Initiatives like these prove that popular design brands can offer superior craftsmanship while maintaining environmental responsibility. 

What’s the difference between high fashion and designer brands?

High fashion, or haute couture, refers to exclusive, custom-made garments crafted with exceptional detail and artistry. Many luxury brands in fashion create these one-of-a-kind pieces while also designing ready-to-wear collections that bring high style to a broader audience. Although haute couture celebrates uniqueness, designer brands often balance artistry with accessibility, serving both the runway and real life.

What designer brands are best for minimalist fashion lovers?

If you’re drawn to clean lines and timeless silhouettes, Jil Sander, The Row, and Totême are standout choices. These fashion brands prioritize elegance and simplicity, offering pieces that transcend trends.