Whether you are a fashion fanatic or not, everyone knows Gucci. Known for its illustrious Italian designs, Gucci is a leader in the fashion industry. Today I have rounded up 14 brands like Gucci to achieve an elevated style. These brands can be found at Saks, which is personally my favorite multi-retailer to shop luxury brands. Here you will find a wide selection of the latest fashions so you never miss a beat. Let’s dive in shall we?
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Fendi
We cannot discuss brands like Gucci without mentioning another Italian powerhouse: Fendi. Fendi was created by Adele and Edoardo Fendi in Rome in 1925. Since its founding, Fendi has focused on luxury leather goods. The brand is still committed to offering staple luxury pieces.
In 1965, Karl Lagerfield was made creative director of this fashion house. It was then that the signature double “F” motif was created, an idea formed by Lagerfield himself. With the creation of the motif, came the creation of the baguette bag. To this day the baguette bag is one of the brand’s most popular items. The design revolutionized the handbag industry upon its inception. With a minimal design and compact style, the baguette bag is designed to be your everyday companion.
Beyond handbags, Fendi boasts an impressive apparel selection. Here you will find staple pieces such as silk blazers, midi pencil dresses, and pleated trousers. Although the brand is known for its haute couture looks, its ready-to-wear collection radiates eternal elegance.
Burberry
While Fendi is all about European elegance, Burberry radiates British posh. The brand was established by Thomas Burberry in 1856. Burberry created the label’s first trench coat using the material gabardine. Of his own creation, gabardine is a durable material that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Burberry’s ability to combine practicality with high fashion is a legacy that remains with the label today.
Compared to other brands like Gucci, Burberry takes a minimal approach. Although the brand has adapted a sportier edge in recent years, it still stays true to its classic roots. The label’s iconic plaid print, for example, is threaded throughout platform sneakers and sports jackets.
Although Burberry formerly dominated the preppy fashion space, the brand has combined this reserve with a streetwear edge. Burberry is perfect for the shopper with modest style but who still wants to look modern and cool.
Saint Laurent
Speaking of brands like Gucci with a rich history, let’s discuss Saint Laurent. The label was founded by Yves Saint Laurent in 1961 in Paris. Saint Laurent revolutionized women’s fashion by introducing androgynous designs. He was the first to blur gender lines, creating the iconic “smoking suit” in 1966. The concept of feeling powerful was reserved for men in fashion. Through the smoking suit and many other designs, Saint Laurent spread this power to women.
This gender fluidity is still seen throughout the label today. Saint Laurent is all about contrast; you will never see too much or too little of one thing. For example, here you will find a sheer turtleneck blouse, with its contrast between modesty and sexiness. Or you will find a hard-edge moto jacket with feminine motifs. Rather than stick to one identity, each piece allows the wearer to explore themselves.
Saint Laurent is best known for its meticulous tailoring. If you are looking to invest in any Saint Laurent piece, the label has mastered the everyday blazer. Beyond jackets the brand also boasts unique jumpsuits and pant suits that offer an edgy style.
Altuzarra
A more recent label amongst this list of brands like Gucci, meet Altuzarra. Created by Joseph Altuzarra in 2008, this brand is best known for its opulent evening gowns. With no prior design experience, Altuzarra developed his craft as an apprentice at Givenchy. While working there, he fell in love with designing for the modern woman.
Altuzarra is all about making a statement. Here you will find an extensive selection of special occasion looks, such as embellished midi dresses and pleated circle skirts. There is a special balance between femininity and sophistication threaded throughout every Altuzarra piece.
The dress selection at Altuzarra is especially impressive. Every piece has its own character name. Take the “Cherith” dress, a black midi length bodycon with studs, or the “Periene” dress, with its flouncy long sleeves and bohemian print. In this way, the label appeals to every kind of woman.
DOLCE&GABBANA
Similar to other brands like Gucci, Dolce & Gabanna has a rich history. The brand was created by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabanna who founded the Dolce & Gabanna label in 1985.
During this time, many fashion brands focused on the “executive woman”, creating two-piece suits with padded shoulders. Dolce & Gabanna stood out from the crowd with their use of tulle, angora, jersey lace, and other feminine fabrics. Instead of looking to the future, Dolce & Gabanna looked to the past. To this day, the brand blends various sources of inspiration into their collections. All of these can be traced to the abundant world of the Mediterranean.
You can find elements of Italian culture in every D&G piece. The brand is inspired by the southern Italian woman who is confident, but also devoted to her family. Shop here for a contrast of sensual elements such as lace and corsets, with humble details such as veils, peasant dresses, and more. If you are looking for a brand that can provide you with an ultimate escape from reality, look no further than Dolce & Gabanna.
Jacquemus
Jacquemus was founded by Simon Porte Jacqueumus when he was 19. He grew up in Marseilles, and dreamed of someday moving to Paris and founding his own label. He did just that and today he leads one of the most successful international fashion labels.
The first thing that probably comes to mind when thinking about Jacquemus is the brand’s signature tiny bags. These bags come in fun pastel colors, and are only big enough to fit a lip gloss (and maybe your phone if you’re lucky). This is what Jacquemus is all about. Taking something classic and giving it an unexpected twist.
Beyond its impressive handbag collection, Jacquemus also boasts a wide apparel selection. Jacquemus focuses on the exquisite elegance and sultriness of the Parisienne woman. Many of the brand’s designs show off the female form with flattering fabrics and silhouettes.
Valentino
Unlike some brands like Gucci that chase trends, Valentino focuses on timeless designs. The brand was founded by Valentino Garavani in 1960. Valentino started his label to provide the modern woman with classic looks. The brand is known for its “Valentino red”, a blue-based rather than orange-based red. Valentino was one of the first brands to trademark its own colorway. You can find the strong Valentino red throughout many of the label’s dresses today.
Valentino’s silhouettes are classic, with somewhat conservative cuts. The designs are reminiscent of a woman coming into her developed and mature style. Beyond modesty, you will also find many cultural and ethnic references in Valentino designs. The label incorporates intricate textiles and prints that reflect the multiculturalism of Europe.
Despite this classicism, the brand has incorporated edgy elements in recent years. Throughout jackets, jumpsuits, dresses, and accessories, you will find hardware and embellishments. In this way, Valentino continues to adapt to the modern woman’s needs.
Balmain
Many brands like Gucci break barriers. Balmain is no exception. Pierre Balmain founded his label in post-war Paris. His form-fitting and curve-enhancing silhouettes revolutionized conservative French style. Today Olivier Rousteing reigns as creative director, and has carried on this legacy.
Balmain is all about maximalist style. Fans of the brand are known as the “Balmain army”, wearing modern-day power pieces. Pieces such as jumpsuits, blazers, and bodycon dresses are a part of their uniform. Every Balmain piece, with its striking shoulders and intricate hardware, radiates power and demands your attention.
The brand continues to design for the full-figured woman, embracing the curves and edges of the female form. You will find models with a wide variety of backgrounds and body types in Balmain advertising. The label empowers women to embrace their natural beauty and inner power.
Miu Miu
Founded in 1992 by Muccia Prada, Miu Miu is the sister label to Prada. The label was created as a more youthful, playful alternative to the iconic house of Prada, which I will touch on soon. This legacy remains today. Shop here for feminine details such as bows, pearls, and polka dots, as well as humorous motifs. Miu Miu is all about combining elegance with playfulness.
Similar to other brands like Gucci, Miu Miu marches to the beat of its own drum. Throughout Miu Miu’s apparel, you will find street style mixed with femininity. Shop here for pleated mini skirts, bow strap sweaters, and collared poplin dresses. Beyond its apparel, Miu Miu boasts an impressive accessories collection. Mu Miu’s accessories are bold and youthful. Shop the label’s selection of platform mary janes and butterfly framed sunglasses.
Chloé
Founded by Gaby Aghion in 1952, Chloé encapsulates the youthful glow of the French woman. Aghion dedicated the name of the label to a friend who she thought embodied the concept of delicate glamour.
The Chloé silhouettes are effortless and ethereal. Here you will find peasant skirts, maxi dresses, and billowed blouses. All of Chloé pieces are easy and breezy. Similar to other brands like Gucci, Chloé doesn’t just stop at apparel. In fact, the brand’s handbag selection has become an integral part of the label’s reputation. Take the “Drew” bag, which balances the Chloé bohemian style with elegant gold hardware, or the “Paddington” with its iconic gold key lock.
Chloé is all about the small details. From florals to ruffles, the label stands out with its subtlety. Shop here for a romantic, youthful take on high fashion.
Off-White
Amongst this list of brands like Gucci, Off-White has the most unique point of view. Founded by Virgil Abloh in 2013, Off-White is a true streetwear brand. Off-White merges streetwear culture with premium fashion. In this way, the brand tries to find common ground between these two extremes. Even the brand name itself carries this legacy. Abloh once described the title as being the “grey area between black and white”.
Off-White has generated a cult following with its avant-garde designs. It is tailored to the risk-taking style of Generation Z. Shop here for graphic t-shirts, construction tape motifs, graffiti, and other cultural design elements. However, coupled with these bold designs is a regal elegance. Although you can find many loud pieces at Off-White, you can just as easily find simple basics. Shop here for high-quality sweatshirts, t-shirts, denim, and more.
Prada
Prada was founded in Milan in 1913 by Mario Prada. However, it wasn’t until his granddaughter, Miuccia Prada, took over that the brand found worldwide success. Prada was able to combine sportiness and elegance into the brand’s design. She first did this with the introduction of the nylon bag. Before the nylon bag, luxury labels only used leather for the handbag category. With the creation of the black nylon backpack, Prada mixed practicality with high fashion.
Today Prada continues to create bags that combine these two elements. Shop here for fanny packs, cross body, and totes that are convenient yet elegant in their design. Beyond handbags though, Prada threads Italian elegance throughout its apparel pieces. Similar to other brands like Gucci, Prada transcends trends. Here you will find the makings of a modern wardrobe. Shop Prada for staple fabrics such as silk, leather, knit, and more.
Versace
This list of brands like Gucci wouldn’t be complete without Versace. Versace is the most illustrious brand on this list. The brand was founded by Gianni Versace, who radicalized the world of fashion with his opulent designs. Versace was later assassinated, leaving his sister Donatella to take over the brand.
In this way, Versace has a famous reputation. Beyond the family history, Versace maintains this reputation through its innovative design. The brand takes inspiration from the Italian city woman. She is cosmopolitan, a jet-setter, career-oriented, and unapologetically herself. Versace is well-known for mixing mediums such as metal, mesh, and leather. These materials are often painted over with bright, eye-grabbing colors.
Versace is constantly providing unexpected looks. Shop here for embellishments, textiles, chains, and more bold design elements.
Final Thoughts
Beyond innovative designs, these 14 brands like Gucci all have a rich history. It is easy to forget that a brand is so much more than its label. Each brand is a legacy, a story that is passed down from generation to generation.
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