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A lot of luxury fashion brands get a lot of hate on here and a lot of threads are started to discuss the hate. A lot of it makes sense as far as suits go, but a lot of these brands are not suitmakers and don't claim to be. Lets discuss some of the fashion brands and see what really great products they actually do have and not be snobs about it. Below are some of the brands I like and some of the reasons why:
Bottega Veneta
Started in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro who employeed leather artisans who popularized a leather weave that is used in many of its elegant shaped, logoless products. The company kind of went to crap in the 90's where it brand whored itself with logos and such and became more of what we think "fashion-forward" to be. When it was bought in the early 2000's by Gucci group the director took it back to its roots and it is kind of awesome. I cannot really comment on their actual menswear, but their leather goods have elegant shapes, tons of handwork and exotic leathers done tastefully.
Louis Vuitton
I know, I know, but hear me out. It was started by, well Louis Vuitton in 1854 as a luggage making company. Aside from its annoying ad campaigns and Nazi affiliations they do have some very tasteful designs. Like the above it has to do with leather goods. Look past the ugly monograms and you will find products with their different signature embossed grain leathers.
http://www.luxury-louisvuitton.com/images/M30002.jpg[img]
[img]http://www.studioantiques.com/november10/1127/1127_vuitton_8.jpg
Versace
Gianni Versace started the company in 1978. To me Versace has always been one of those "lifestyle" brands, not really just clothes and bags and such. Their menswear has a monochrome look to it, which I personally like, however it distiguishes itself by introducing a lot of patterns, textures, and weaves. Now, I have absolutely no eye for women's clothes. To me anything that is not jeans and a tank top, or tee shirt looks especially good on a woman, but I enjoy the patterns that Versace puts on their dresses. It makes them stand apart from the lack of pattern and multi-colors that so often appears in woman's wearable high-fashion. Simple is always great, but for the more extravagant yet chic look it is pretty cool. To me, honstly, Versace has always existed as a more of a home goods brand. Their designs are colorful and luxurious and remind me of the Italian version of Hermes.
Hedi Slimane's Dior Homme
I will always have something for this waif silhouette and simplicity in my heart. I think it might be the reason for me moving away from steetwear and interesting in suiting. Growing up as a musician the rocker image of the suit was always prominent to me and this was a pretty natural transition when I was in college. Their suits were pretty good too. Fully canvassed, horn buttons, trim, clean.
Hermes
I kind of just want to say "Duh" for the craftmanship in their products.
Tom Ford
Most know the name and the products, but I have to respect him for not only being a creative man, but a good businessman. As far as I can tell from handling his products and a lot of reading on this forum and Jeffrey's blog his suits are very well made and have a lot of handwork for RTW stuff. I enjoy his designs; the dramatic peaked lapels and 70's style roped shoulders. The fabrics are also very beautiful. It seems like he did right in having Zegna make his suits.
Bottega Veneta
Started in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro who employeed leather artisans who popularized a leather weave that is used in many of its elegant shaped, logoless products. The company kind of went to crap in the 90's where it brand whored itself with logos and such and became more of what we think "fashion-forward" to be. When it was bought in the early 2000's by Gucci group the director took it back to its roots and it is kind of awesome. I cannot really comment on their actual menswear, but their leather goods have elegant shapes, tons of handwork and exotic leathers done tastefully.
Louis Vuitton
I know, I know, but hear me out. It was started by, well Louis Vuitton in 1854 as a luggage making company. Aside from its annoying ad campaigns and Nazi affiliations they do have some very tasteful designs. Like the above it has to do with leather goods. Look past the ugly monograms and you will find products with their different signature embossed grain leathers.
http://www.luxury-louisvuitton.com/images/M30002.jpg[img]
[img]http://www.studioantiques.com/november10/1127/1127_vuitton_8.jpg
Versace
Gianni Versace started the company in 1978. To me Versace has always been one of those "lifestyle" brands, not really just clothes and bags and such. Their menswear has a monochrome look to it, which I personally like, however it distiguishes itself by introducing a lot of patterns, textures, and weaves. Now, I have absolutely no eye for women's clothes. To me anything that is not jeans and a tank top, or tee shirt looks especially good on a woman, but I enjoy the patterns that Versace puts on their dresses. It makes them stand apart from the lack of pattern and multi-colors that so often appears in woman's wearable high-fashion. Simple is always great, but for the more extravagant yet chic look it is pretty cool. To me, honstly, Versace has always existed as a more of a home goods brand. Their designs are colorful and luxurious and remind me of the Italian version of Hermes.
Hedi Slimane's Dior Homme
I will always have something for this waif silhouette and simplicity in my heart. I think it might be the reason for me moving away from steetwear and interesting in suiting. Growing up as a musician the rocker image of the suit was always prominent to me and this was a pretty natural transition when I was in college. Their suits were pretty good too. Fully canvassed, horn buttons, trim, clean.
Hermes
I kind of just want to say "Duh" for the craftmanship in their products.
Tom Ford
Most know the name and the products, but I have to respect him for not only being a creative man, but a good businessman. As far as I can tell from handling his products and a lot of reading on this forum and Jeffrey's blog his suits are very well made and have a lot of handwork for RTW stuff. I enjoy his designs; the dramatic peaked lapels and 70's style roped shoulders. The fabrics are also very beautiful. It seems like he did right in having Zegna make his suits.
