5 Iconic Fashion Brands

Few worlds are as fickle as that of high fashion. From in-and-out styles to utterly bizarre outfits, the fashion industry can be a confusing monster at times. Prices can shoot up and down (but mostly up) as tastes change, the with the exclusivity of a major brand causing headaches for both investors and the fashionistas that they spend their time and money marketing to.

But behind the scandals, the expense, and the society is a group of fashion labels that, in an essence, have built today's world of style. From 20th century innovators to collaborative fashion houses, these leaders in design have created some of the world's most distinctive clothing pieces. If you're in need of a handbag, suit jacket, or suave pair of loafers, these are the brands to choose from.

1. Hugo Boss

Founded in 1924, Hugo Boss has grown into one of the world's largest manufacturers of high-end clothing for men and women. With over six thousand stores in one hundred countries, Hugo Boss certainly isn't a small label. Despite its truly massive size and huge selection of pieces, the level of quality displayed in the Hugo Boss catalogue is very high – a status that's matched by the prices.

2. Louis Vuitton

One of the world's most recognizable fashion brands, Louis Vuitton is a giant of the fashion world and a true innovator in style. Specialising in high-end luggage and handbags, this French house is one of few to lay claim to the title of the world's 'most expensive brand.' Luggage sets from Louis Vuitton frequently cost tens-of-thousands of dollars, as to limited edition handbags and clothing.

3. Polo Ralph Lauren

An American fashion icon, Ralph Lauren founded Polo in the late 1960s. While the brand lacks the history of its many European counterparts, it makes up for its relative newness with a versatile and impressive collection of casual, business, and formal clothing. Over the years, the brand has grown into a major international luxury provider, offering perfumes, shoes, and other high-end goods.

4. Marc Jacobs

One of the fashion world's last great innovators, Marc Jacobs is the signature brand of American fashion auteur Marc Jacobs. The self-titled label frequently employs minor retro elements into its output, adding touches of styles past to otherwise modern gowns. Jacobs is one of several fashion designers responsible for the recovery of Louis Vuitton as a luxury lifestyle brand.

5. Issey Miyake

It's difficult to imagine a Japanese fashion industry without Issey Miyake. The innovative fashion designer survived the American atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima as a child, going on to recover the Japanese fashion industry in the decades following World War II. Pieces from Miyake's house frequently employ futuristic elements, including transparent fabrics and sharp, angular lines.