While fashion trends change with every season, some brands have stood the test of time, surviving wars, revolutions, and cultural shifts. These historic fashion houses are more than just labels; they are living legacies that have shaped style across continents and centuries. From royal courts to red carpets, these brands continue to define what it means to be timeless. Here are eight of the oldest fashion brands that have not only survived but thrived for generations.
Table of Contents
1. Hermès (Founded in 1837, France)
What began as a harness workshop in Paris has evolved into one of the world’s most prestigious luxury fashion houses. Hermès was founded by Thierry Hermès to craft fine leather saddles for aristocrats, and over time, it expanded into handbags, silk scarves, ready-to-wear, and more. The Birkin and Kelly bags are now global status symbols. Hermès remains family-owned, fiercely devoted to craftsmanship, and synonymous with discreet, old-world elegance. Its heritage is preserved through meticulous attention to quality and a resistance to fast fashion trends.
2. Brooks Brothers (Founded in 1818, USA)
Brooks Brothers is America’s oldest clothing retailer and a cornerstone of classic menswear. Founded in New York by Henry Sands Brooks, the brand introduced innovations like ready-to-wear suits and button-down collars. Over its 200-year history, it’s dressed 40 U.S. presidents and countless influential figures. Known for timeless staples like oxford shirts and navy blazers, Brooks Brothers blends heritage with enduring American style. While it has faced recent challenges, its legacy in shaping Ivy League and preppy fashion remains unmatched.
3. Burberry (Founded in 1856, UK)
Burberry was founded by Thomas Burberry as an outerwear brand focused on function and durability. He invented gabardine fabric, water-resistant yet breathable, making Burberry coats essential for British weather. Over time, the label became iconic for its trench coats and signature check pattern. Burberry’s royal warrants and British military ties further cemented its legacy. Today, it balances its rich heritage with modern designs, maintaining its reputation as a leader in luxury British fashion.
4. Lanvin (Founded in 1889, France)
Founded by Jeanne Lanvin, this Parisian fashion house started as a children’s clothing boutique and blossomed into one of the most influential couture houses of the 20th century. Jeanne’s designs stood out for their exquisite embroidery, romantic silhouettes, and delicate color palettes, especially her signature Lanvin blue. As one of the oldest French fashion houses still in operation, Lanvin’s legacy lies in its femininity, craftsmanship, and the artistic vision of its pioneering founder.
5. Loro Piana (Founded in 1924, Italy)
Though officially established in 1924, Loro Piana’s textile roots date back to the early 19th century. This Italian brand is renowned for its unparalleled cashmere, vicuña wool, and luxury fabrics sourced from rare natural fibers. Loro Piana represents understated luxury, quiet, subtle, and deeply rooted in excellence. It caters to discerning clientele who value quality over logos. Despite its global presence, the brand has maintained its artisanal methods and family-driven philosophy, making it a timeless favorite in the luxury world.
6. Pringle of Scotland (Founded in 1815, Scotland)
One of the pioneers of knitwear fashion, Pringle of Scotland is best known for its luxurious cashmere and iconic argyle patterns. Originally a hosiery manufacturer, it evolved into a knitwear specialist favored by royals and fashionistas alike. Its sweaters and twinsets were hallmarks of 20th-century elegance. While the brand has experienced periods of reinvention, it continues to honor its heritage with high-quality woolens and a distinctly British sensibility.
7. Barbour (Founded in 1894, UK)
Founded by John Barbour in South Shields, England, Barbour began as a supplier of weatherproof outerwear for sailors and workers. Its waxed cotton jackets became an essential part of British country style, famously worn by the royal family and countryside enthusiasts. The brand remains a symbol of rugged elegance, merging practicality with heritage design. Every Barbour jacket tells a story, many are passed down through generations, lovingly rewaxed and repaired, embodying the brand’s enduring appeal.
8. Loewe (Founded in 1846, Spain)
Loewe started as a collective of Spanish leather artisans in Madrid before German craftsman Enrique Loewe Roessberg took over the brand. Over the years, it became Spain’s premier luxury house, known for exceptional leather goods, particularly its bags and accessories. Now under the LVMH umbrella and creative direction of Jonathan Anderson, Loewe continues to fuse modern creativity with deep-rooted craftsmanship. Its legacy lives on through its commitment to artisanal excellence and distinctive design.
