We are frequently asked what we think are the chic clothing brands in the world, and we always answer, It depends on where you live and what you’re looking for! For example, in Paris, the brand of choice is typically French designer Isabel Marant. In L.A., it may be Tory Burch or Alice + Olivia; in New York, it’s probably J Brand or Theory; and in London, it’s quite possibly Aquascutum or Burberry.
Comme des Garcons
This Japanese clothing brand has been making waves for years. In addition to its avant-garde style, Comme des Garcons is known for its ecologically friendly clothing made from 100% organic cotton that doesn’t harm Mother Earth. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking to set themselves apart from the crowd with their appearance.
Acne Studios
The coolest, most forward-thinking fashion houses have been collaborating with Swedish label Acne Studios for years. In fact, many of them don’t even bother to show at Fashion Week without an Acne item or two on their runways. This is because Acne is always out front and center when it comes to adopting cutting-edge technology and manufacturing processes—as well as being a strong proponent of bringing eco-friendly designs into mainstream retail.
Yohji Yamamoto
Known for his androgynous aesthetic, Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto has been a leading figure in avant-garde fashion since designing women’s wear for Issey Miyake. After launching his own Yohji Yamamoto label, he earned critical acclaim with his namesake collection—which is noted for its svelte silhouettes, demure tailoring, and minimalism.
Balenciaga
The fashion company was founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga Eizaguirre. He was a Spanish Basque designer and couturier from San Sebastián who made some of Spain’s most exquisite women’s dresses. He achieved international acclaim for his avant-garde designs for day and evening wear. They were also identified with luxurious simplicity and elegance.
Rick Owens
Keeping up with fashion is no small feat, but Rick Owens has somehow managed to do just that. The designer is widely considered one of modern fashion’s most influential figures, and his avant-garde approach to style has earned him a cult following among Hollywood’s elite. In fact, he counts names like Beyoncé and Kanye West as clients. A true industry legend, his Los Angeles label is beloved by style mavens across the globe.
Calvin Klein
As a teenager, Calvin Klein had to ask his father’s permission to pursue fashion design. The elder Klein agreed on one condition: that his son attends an Ivy League school. And so, after graduating from high school at age 15, Calvin Klein headed for Yale and promptly dropped out two years later. He settled into New York City, working odd jobs and selling hand-painted ties to Bloomingdale’s department store for $3 apiece.
Helmut Lang
Designer Helmut Lang is widely credited with bringing sex back to fashion. In 1986, he infamously showed a line of black jersey dresses that were intentionally shrunken, cropped, and shapeless. The show was held at a women’s club and an hour before it began, four male models ripped all of the dresses off their female counterparts. With that act, Lang not only introduced a more sexualized aesthetic to fashion but also sent shockwaves through traditional gender norms.
Burberry Prorsum
The Burberry Group was established in 1856, and it is headquartered in London. The company operates through five segments: Retail, Fashion and Licensing, Retail Wholesale, Digital, and Ventures. It has subsidiary companies that operate department stores as well as outlets of its own brand around the world. The best clothing brands logo is a pattern made up of overlapping interlocking letters Bs. Its products include men’s wear, women’s wear, accessories, and fragrances. They also produce home furnishings such as linens and pillows for retail sale under licenses to third parties.
