Hermes

Established in 1837, Hermès is one of the oldest and most respected fashion houses in the world. The brand’s commitment to artisanal produce and craftspeople has remained unwavering throughout its history and into the 21st Century. With 52 specialized workshops located in 11 different regions in France, the company’s manufacturing process is a reflection of its dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Hermès initially catered to horse riders by making leather harnesses, but in 1925, the brand launched its menswear range aimed at golfers. Later, Hermès expanded its product lines to include jewelry, watches, and sandals. However, the designers most iconic products are their silk scarves and ties. Since its launch in 1937 and 1949, respectively, these products continue to be produced using the Hermès approach of investing, elevating, and nurturing the craft of the produce. Today, Hermès remains one of the most respected men’s designer brands due to its artisanal products of the highest quality.

Thom Browne

In 2001 Thom Browne realized that there was a gap in the market for formal clothing because everyone had become overly casual in how they dressed. Therefore, the designer brand specializes in suits and formal wear, making even their casual clothing quite dressy. However, the most noteworthy thing about Thom Browne is that he loves playing with traditional proportions and creating clothes that are ‘shrunken,’ reconceptualizing the classic men’s suit while also accepting gender fluidity by dressing his male models in skirts, dresses, and heels.

Hugo Boss

BOSS is a designer brand that ticks all the boxes when it comes to minimalist style. Despite its controversial history, it has become renowned for its chic tailoring and remains committed to its craft. Founded in 1924 in Metzingen, Germany, by Hugo Ferdinand Boss, the company faced criticism for producing SS uniforms using forced labor during the Second World War. However, in recent years, the fashion house has distanced itself from this past and is now associated with stylish fashion that suits everyday wear. BOSS has recently taken bold steps into the world of Gen-Z influencers, with The Hugo House at Coachella in 2022, providing a platform for influencers to showcase the brand’s latest products through social media. And while BOSS is a high-end fashion brand, their suits are surprisingly affordable, sitting in the mid-price range.

Ermenegildo Zegna

Since its founding in 1910, Zegna has grown to become one of the biggest global producers of high-quality men’s clothing and accessories. The fashion house has made a name for itself by prioritizing a holistic approach to business, always sourcing nature-friendly raw materials and promoting improvements in wool production worldwide. Zegna is renowned for its basic, smart casual designs that have made it one of the largest designer brands in the world by revenue. With a focus on luxury and sustainability, Zegna continues to redefine what it means to be a successful designer brand in the 21st century.

Paul Smith

At the young age of 17, Paul Smith’s dreams of becoming a professional cyclist were dashed after a crash left him hospitalized. However, as fate would have it, he struck up a conversation with a local art student and found a new passion. Fast forward to today, Paul Smith is now a mainstay of Paris Fashion Week and renowned for his innovative designs. What sets the Paul Smith brand apart is the ability to combine playful elements with classic tailoring expertly. The designer’s use of slogans, figurines, and wild patterns in his collections creates a unique personality that is unmatched by other designer brands. Despite being a top designer name, Paul Smith remains grounded and still maintains offices and studios in his hometown of Nottingham.

 Valentino Valentino is a well-known Italian designer brand that has been around since 1962. The founder, Valentino Garavani, found success early on with his first collection. It was praised for its elegance and style, and soon after, the color of Valentino became known as red. The iconic symbol “V” can be found on various items like belts, jewelry, and shoes. They’re also popular for their Art Deco patterns. While the fashion house may be known for its luxury clothing, the recent fashion trends have seen them branch out. Valentino has remained relevant by introducing garments like hoodies and tracksuits, as well as sneakers that are eye-catching and colorful.  

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lifshitz’s career at Brooks Brothers served as a springboard for his own designer name, which he founded in 1967. It wasn’t, however, until 1970 when the iconic Polo range was released, promptly becoming a classic and instantly recognizable designer brand worldwide. The Polo logo punctuates polo shirts, t-shirts, cable-knit sweaters, and gilets. Ralph Lauren’s clothing has become synonymous with preppy style, although the Purple Label is a runway-ready collection that caters to a wealthier clientele. Despite this, Ralph Lauren remains a go-to for classic and fairly-priced fashion.

DKNY

DKNY has made a name for itself as a designer brand that exudes sporty influences and casual chic. Founded in 1984 by Donna Karen, the diffusion brand launched DKNY Men in 1992, capturing the essence of the label’s core design ethos. However, it wasn’t until the clever use of branding and iconic city landscape designs debuted on shirts and jumpers that DKNY truly became known for its unique style. With a strong sense of New York at its heart, its uncomplicated and laid-back approach to fashion has been embraced by many who yearn for the effortless sophistication of the Big Apple.

Rolex

Established over a century ago by Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex pioneered watch innovation as we know it today. It was in 1926 when the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, took Rolex to new heights of fame. Since then, the designer brand has spread its reach across the globe, providing timepieces that are a testament to resilience. Rolex watches are designed for the extremes – capable of withstanding the rigors of deep-sea dives, soaring flights, and high-intensity races. Today, Rolex remains among the top luxury watch brands renowned for its style, innovation, and timelessness. It’s no surprise that the brand’s second-hand market is incredibly lucrative, with a Rolex being guaranteed to increase in value over time.