10 Of The Worlds Oldest Fashion Brands Still Operating Today

With so many iconic fashion brands in existence the world over, followers of fashion and lovers of chic style, have plenty of opportunities to dress to impress.

Whatever look you want to achieve, whatever your budget, and whatever your size, you can look fashionable with ease. And with some of the oldest fashion brands still operating successfully today, people are spoilt for choice when it comes to buying from the top clothing brands in the world.

Below are 10 of the oldest fashion brands in the world who are still operating today:

1. Hermes: As the oldest luxury brand in the entire world, and founded by Thierry Hermes back in 1837, Hermes is a French fashion house with enduring appeal. Originally producing riding gear such as saddles, they went on to design bags for carrying saddles which became popular among non-riding enthusiasts, followed in later years by other iconic bags and products. It’s logo is a famous one, with a horse and cart.
2. Louis Vuitton: As the 2^nd oldest luxury brand in the world, Louis Vuitton is another French fashion house founded by its namesake in 1854. With his designs originally centred around chests branded with the iconic monogram, he later went on to design many different items, from shoes and readymade clothing, to accessories, leather items and jewelry, all of which became synonymous with luxury.
3. Lanvin: Yet another French fashion house, Lanvin was founded by Jeanne Lanvin in 1889, who began by producing clothing such as dresses, for mother and daughters. She later went on to produce furs, men’s clothing and underwear. This was the world’s first fashion house catering for entire families.
4. Chanel: You’ve guessed it; another French fashion house! This one was founded by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel in 1909, who began her business making hats. Soon after, she started to design and produce clothes for women that were comfortable, something of a revolution for the people of that era. Some of her most iconic designs include the Chanel Tweed jacket, and the Chanel classic Flap bag. Still specializing in high-end luxury fashion accessories and products today, Chanel is best loved for its ready-to-wear items and haute couture.
5. Prada: Founded in 1913 by Mario Prada, the Italian brand began by selling leather goods, but as the years went by, Prada began to introduce other luxury items to their repertoire, such as perfumes, readymade clothing, shoes and accessories. 
6. Nina Ricci: Founded by French mother and son duo, Maria Nina Ricci and Robert Ricci in 1932, this haute couture house featured designs that were simple but elegant, with what some may describe as a romantic feel.
7. Christian Dior: As founder of one of the worlds best loved fashion houses in 1946, Frenchman Christian Ernest Dior introduced to the world his ‘new look’ style, featuring sculpted and highly feminine clothing such as knee length skirts with narrow waists, creating an attractive silhouette.
8. Givenchy: A member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture et du Pret-a-Porter, this luxury French fashion and perfume house (I know, another one!), was founded by designer Hubert de Givenchy, in 1952.
9. Valentino: Italian fashion house Valentino, was founded in 1960 in the Italian city of Rome, by Valentino Garavani. Gaining fame and notoriety early on in his career with his iconic red dresses, he debuted internationally in 1962.
10. Yves Saint Laurent: A name few even outside the world of fashion are not familiar with, Yves Saint Laurent was founded in 1961 in, wait for it…you’ve guessed it: France! Just five years after the launch of his brand, he launched the ‘le smoking’ suit, which was become one of his most famous designs.

While the best clothing brands aren’t necessarily the most expensive, few can argue with the enduring elegance and global appeal of some of the worlds oldest fashion houses still operating today.