Top 20 Luxury French Brands To Get To Know

In the world of high-end products, luxury French brands hold a special place that no other country can match. These brands have earned worldwide fame for their perfect craftsmanship, creative designs, and long-standing traditions. From fashion to perfumes, top French luxury brands set the standards that others try to follow yet no country has ever achieved. 

Iconic French luxury brands shape how people around the world think about style and quality. These brands are more than just names; they represent France’s rich history of making beautiful things. When people buy French luxury items, they’re not just getting products; they’re getting pieces of French culture and art.

In this article, we’ll take you through the stories of France’s 20 most prestigious luxury brands. You’ll discover:

•  How these famous brands started and grew
•  What makes each one special
•  Their most popular products
•  Why they remain leaders in luxury today

If you’re new to luxury brands or a longtime admirer, this article will show you why French luxury continues to capture people’s hearts and set global trends.

#1 Louis Vuitton

Among the most famous French luxury brands, Louis Vuitton is on the top. Founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton himself, this brand began by making travel trunks for wealthy travelers. but Today, it has grown into the world’s most valuable luxury brand, worth over $47 billion.

Their iconic LV monogram, created in 1896, has become a symbol of luxury worldwide. As one of the leading luxury French handbag brands, Louis Vuitton creates timeless pieces that blend tradition with modern style. Their most famous designs include the classic Speedy bag from the 1930s, the practical Neverfull tote, and the elegant Petite Malle clutch.

With over 460 stores worldwide, Louis Vuitton continues to shape luxury culture through trend-setting fashion shows and artistic collaborations. They stay relevant by mixing traditional craftsmanship with fresh designs, while maintaining the same attention to detail that made them famous over 150 years ago.

#2 Chanel

Since 1910, Chanel has been turning fashion rules upside down, starting when Coco Chanel decided women needed clothes they could actually move in. Among famous French fashion brands, they’re the ones who made comfort look glamorous.

Their claim to fame? The little black dress that changed evening wear forever, and that perfect Chanel suit that works as well today as it did back then. Let’s not forget Chanel No. 5 – the perfume that’s been making people stop and ask what are you wearing? since 1921. They’re one of those iconic French luxury brands that just keeps getting it right, decade after decade.

What makes Chanel special is how they keep their style fresh while holding onto what made them great.

Under Karl Lagerfeld and now Virginie Viard, they’ve kept that magic mix of classic and cool. Their bags, clothes, and perfumes still have that special something – that Chanel touch that makes you feel like you’re part of fashion history.

#3 Hermès

Since 1837, Hermès has been showing the world what luxury really means. Among high-end French brands, they’re the ones who never cut corners. They started making horse gear, but these days they’re known for something even more special – bags that people wait years to get their hands on.

Their crown jewel? The Birkin bag, which might be the most wanted bag ever made. Each one takes a single craftsperson 40 hours to create, and every stitch has to be perfect. That’s what makes them stand out among luxury French goods – they don’t know how to do things halfway.

What makes Hermès special is how they stick to their guns.

In a world of mass production, they keep doing things the slow, careful way. Their leather workers train for years before they’re allowed to make a bag. Their silk scarves take months to make. Everything they do is about being the best, not the fastest.

#4 Dior

Since 1947, Dior has been making clothes that make people dream. Among the best French designer brands, they’re famous for bringing back beauty after tough times. Christian Dior started it with the New Look – tight waists and full skirts that made women feel gorgeous again after World War II.

Their magic? Knowing how to make clothes that make women feel special. As one of the top luxury French clothing brands, they’ve kept that special touch alive. These days, Maria Grazia Chiuri keeps the dream going, mixing Dior’s classic style with modern ideas that speak to today’s women.

What makes Dior special is how they balance tradition with now. Their famous Bar jacket still shows up in new collections, but it feels fresh every time. From their runway shows to their lipsticks, everything has that Dior touch – elegant but exciting, classic but never boring.

#5 Cartier

Since 1847, Cartier has been the name that makes people dream of diamonds and perfect watches. Among premium French brands, they’re the ones who turn precious metals and stones into pieces that take your breath away.

Their biggest hits? The Love Bracelet that’s become a modern symbol of romance, and the Tank watch that’s been telling time in style since 1917. As creators of luxury French accessories, they’re masters at making jewelry that becomes part of history – just ask any royal family.

What makes Cartier special is how they blend tradition with imagination. Their panthers prowl across necklaces, their Trinity rings spin three kinds of gold together, and their Juste un Clou bracelet turns a nail into something precious. Every piece tells a story, whether it’s brand new or based on designs from their archives.

#6 Balenciaga

Since 1919, Balenciaga has been pushing fashion forward, never afraid to try something new. Among luxury French fashion brands, they’re the ones who make people stop and think about what fashion can be.

Today, they’re famous for turning everyday things into luxury – like making platform Crocs cool or turning shopping bags into thousand-dollar purses. They mix streetwear with high fashion in ways that shouldn’t work but somehow do. Every collection gets people talking, whether they love it or hate it.

What makes Balenciaga special is their courage to be different. Under Demna Gvasalia, they’ve become the brand that breaks rules and starts trends. From oversized hoodies to sharp suits, they keep surprising us with what comes next. They’re proof that luxury doesn’t have to mean playing it safe.

#7 Saint Laurent

Since 1961, Saint Laurent has been making clothes for people who want to look cool without trying too hard. Among exclusive French brands, they’re the ones who made luxury feel young and exciting.

Yves Saint Laurent changed everything by making ready-to-wear clothes that felt as special as haute couture. As one of the most influential famous French fashion brands, they gave us the women’s tuxedo suits and safari jackets that still look modern today.

What makes Saint Laurent special is their rock-and-roll heart. Under Anthony Vaccarello, they keep that edgy spirit alive. Their clothes mix sharp tailoring with a rebellious attitude, perfect for anyone who wants to look sophisticated but never boring.

#8 Givenchy

Since 1952, Givenchy has been showing us what elegance looks like. Among top luxury French brands in 2024, they’re still creating that perfect mix of classic and modern that Hubert de Givenchy started.

Their story really took off when Audrey Hepburn made their clothes famous in films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s. That little black dress became fashion history. Today, they’re still dressing stars, but they’re also making streetwear cool enough for the red carpet.

What makes Givenchy special is how they keep reinventing elegance for new generations. They can make a hoodie feel luxurious or an evening gown feel modern. Whether it’s ready-to-wear or haute couture, everything has that Givenchy polish – sophisticated but never stuffy.

Title: Modern French Fashion: From Heritage to Innovatio.

#9 Celine

Since 1945, Celine has been showing that less can definitely be more. Among high-end French brands, they’re the ones who prove that simple doesn’t mean boring.

Under Phoebe Philo’s leadership (2008-2018), Celine became the go-to brand for women who wanted clothes that looked effortless but felt luxurious. Those perfectly cut pants and just-right blazers made getting dressed feel easy. Now, with Hedi Slimane at the helm, they’re mixing that clean style with a rock-and-roll edge.

What makes Celine special is how they make everyday clothes feel special. Their bags don’t need flashy logos to stand out, and their clothes work just as well on Monday morning as they do on Saturday night. It’s a luxury that whispers instead of shouts.

#10 Lanvin

Lanvin has been making beautiful French clothes since 1889. They are one of the oldest and most famous French luxury names. They began making pretty dresses for little girls and have become a fashion force.

They still do what they do best: making women feel pretty, which is how Jeanne Lanvin built her business. Even though the clothes change, the care that goes into them stays the same. It’s important that every stitch, ruffle, and bow is perfect.

Lanvin is unique because it knows how to make fancy feel new. A bow is all it takes for them to make a piece of their own. After all these years, it still knows how to make clothes that get women excited.

#11 Maison Margiela

Since 1988, Maison Margiela has been turning fashion inside out – sometimes literally. Among the best French designer brands, they’re the rebels who make us think differently about clothes.

Martin Margiela started it by showing us the parts of clothes most designers hide – the stitching, the lining, the rough edges. Now, John Galliano carries on that tradition of breaking rules and making it look good. They’ll take apart a suit and put it back together in a whole new way.

What makes Maison Margiela special is how they find beauty in the unexpected. Whether it’s their split-toe Tabi boots or their shirts that seem to float apart, everything makes you look twice. They prove that true luxury can mean daring to be different.

#12 Jean Paul Gaultier

Since the 1970s, Jean Paul Gaultier has been fashion’s favorite rebel. Among famous French fashion brands, they’re the ones who put men in skirts and made Madonna’s cone bra famous.

Gaultier never met a rule he didn’t want to break. He mixed streetwear with haute couture before anyone else thought to try. His sailor stripes and corset dresses became fashion classics, even while they were shocking people.

What makes Gaultier special is how he makes fashion fun. He shows us that clothes can tell jokes, make statements, and still look amazing. Even now, with guest designers creating new collections, that playful spirit lives on.

#13 Jacquemus

Since 2009, Jacquemus has been proving that you can be young, fun, and seriously luxurious all at once. Among luxury French clothing brands, they’re the fresh face that’s making waves.

Simon Porte Jacquemus started his brand at 19, and that youthful energy shows.

 His tiny Le Chiquito bags became Instagram stars, and his runway shows in lavender fields got everyone talking. As one of the more affordable luxury French brands, they make high fashion feel more approachable.

What makes Jacquemus special is how they capture the sunny spirit of the South of France. Their clothes feel like summer vacation – relaxed but still put-together. From oversized straw hats to those famous micro-bags, everything has a sense of joy about it.

Title: French Fashion’s Modern Icons: From Bohemian to Minimalist

#14 Chloé

Since 1952, Chloé has been making clothes for the free-spirited woman who loves beautiful things. Among high-end French brands, they’re the ones who make luxury feel relaxed and natural.

Gaby Aghion started Chloé with a simple idea: luxury shouldn’t feel stiff. Through the years, designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCartney helped create that special Chloé look – flowing dresses, soft blouses, and bags that look better the more you use them. As leaders among luxury French clothing brands, they know how to make clothes that feel both special and comfortable.

What makes Chloé special is how they capture that dreamy, romantic spirit in everything they make. Their clothes help you float through life looking effortlessly put-together. From their floaty dresses to their perfect boots, everything has that touch of bohemian magic that makes getting dressed feel like an adventure.

#15 Valentino

Since 1960, Valentino has been bringing Italian glamor to French fashion. Though born in Italy, they’ve become one of the most respected luxury French brands in fashion, with their Paris shows being some of the most talked-about events of the year.

Their Rockstud collection changed how we think about everyday luxury – those little pyramid studs turning simple shoes and bags into must-have pieces. As one of the exclusive French brands, they know how to make clothes and accessories that feel special without trying too hard.

What makes Valentino stand out is how they blend Italian drama with French elegance. Their red dresses are legendary, their couture shows are like dreams come to life, and even their sneakers have that special touch that makes them more than just shoes. They prove that true luxury can cross borders.

#16 A.P.C.

Since 1987, A.P.C. has been showing that simple can be spectacular. Among affordable luxury French brands, they’re the ones who make basics feel special without breaking the bank.

Jean Touitou started A.P.C. with a clear vision: make perfect jeans and build from there.

Their raw denim jeans become like a second skin, getting better with every wear. As creators of essential luxury French clothing brands, they focus on making clothes that last – both in style and quality.

What makes A.P.C. special is how they make everyday clothes feel luxurious. Their T-shirts fit just right, their sweaters feel like old friends, and their bags get better with age. They prove that true style doesn’t need logos or flashy details – just perfect design and quality materials.

Title: French Fashion Excellence: From Cultural Fusion to Timeless Accessories

#17 Kenzo

Since 1970, Kenzo has been bringing color and joy to French fashion. Among famous French fashion brands, they’re the ones who dare to mix bright colors and bold patterns with playful designs.

Kenzo Takada started something special when he brought Japanese creativity to Paris fashion. As one of the best French designer brands, they became famous for their tiger sweatshirts that everyone wanted to wear. Their clothes mix flowers, animals, and abstract patterns in ways that somehow work perfectly together.

What makes Kenzo special is how they blend different cultures into something new and exciting. Under NIGO’s creative direction today, they keep that spirit alive with clothes that make people smile. Whether it’s their tiger logo or their flower prints, everything feels fresh and fun.

#18 Lemaire

Since 1991, Lemaire has been proving that quiet luxury speaks volumes. Among high-end French brands, they create clothes that look simple but feel special.

Christophe Lemaire designs for people who want their clothes to last more than one season. As creators of luxury French clothing brands, they focus on making pieces that work together perfectly. Their coats, sweaters, and pants might not shout for attention, but they get noticed for all the right reasons.

What makes Lemaire special is their attention to how clothes feel and move. They think about real life when they design – how a coat drapes when you walk, how a bag holds everything you need. It’s a luxury that works for everyday life.

#19 Roger Vivier

Since 1937, Roger Vivier has been making shoes that turn heads. Among makers of luxury French accessories, they’re the ones who proved that comfortable shoes can still be glamorous.

Their Belle Vivier flats with the signature buckle changed how women think about elegant shoes. 

As creators of premium French brands, they’ve dressed everyone from queens to movie stars. Their shoes aren’t just accessories – they’re little works of art you can wear.

What makes Roger Vivier special is how they keep reinventing classic styles. They can take their famous buckle and make it feel new every season. From sparkly evening shoes to creative daytime styles, everything has that perfect balance of fun and elegance.

#20 Longchamp

Since 1948, Longchamp has been showing that practical can be beautiful. Among luxury French handbag brands, they’re famous for bags that work as hard as the people carrying them.

Their Le Pliage bag changed everything – a nylon tote that folds up small but carries everything you need. As makers of luxury French goods, they still use the same careful leather crafting techniques they started with, even while creating modern designs.

What makes Longchamp special is how they blend function with style. Their bags work for real life but still look great. Whether it’s a leather handbag that lasts for years or a lightweight tote that goes everywhere, everything has that perfect French touch that makes it special.

Timeless Allure of French Luxury Fashion

This article about France’s fashion history took you on a journey through twenty amazing brands that have changed how we think about style and luxury today. Each adds something unique to the fashion world, from the historic homes of famous French luxury brands like Hermès and Louis Vuitton to up-and-coming stars like Jacquemus.

These French clothes brands make us think about style in new ways. Brands like Chanel and Dior keep the past alive while going forward. Some, like A.P.C. and Maison Margiela, break the rules to make something new. What makes them all unique is how they combine their French roots with new ideas.

These top French fashion brands show that French style can mean many different things. From the simple grace of Celine to the bold patterns of Kenzo, from the perfect shoes of Roger Vivier to the useful luxury of Longchamp, French style is broad. If you look at expensive or low-cost luxury French brands, you’ll always find that unique French touch that makes fashion more than just clothes.

FAQs about Luxury French Brands

Understanding the world of French luxury can feel overwhelming. Here are answers to the most common questions about French luxury brands, helping you navigate this elegant world with confidence.