Though a name can account for a lot when it comes to high fashion and shopping, it's worth remembering how those names stuck. With each fashion house usually comes a signature item — the highly desirable goods which made the house, whether it be Chanel, Gucci, or Burberry, a household name.
To shine a light on these all-time-great luxury goods, we’ve picked out five of the world’s biggest fashion labels and the products they're most famous for. You'll find where to shop modern editions of the classics below, as well as resale grails.
Shop iconic items from five fashion giants.
Maison Margiela Tabi
A true icon of the footwear game, the split-toe Tabi is undoubtedly Martin Margiela's most famous creation. Divisive in every sense of the word, the Tabi was inspired by traditional Japanese worker's shoes and first appeared on the runway in 1988. Since then, this recognizable piece has remained an ever-present part of Margiela collections and has given birth to many Tabi-inspired creations, including Nike's Air Rift sneaker, not to mention countless less mention-worth imitations.
Burberry Trench Coat
It doesn't get more quintessentially British than the Burberry trench. For more than 100 years, this coat has dressed all walks of life, from aviators and Antarctic explorers to Kate Moss. A true pioneer, Thomas Burberry invented the revolutionary gabardine, a weatherproof cotton still used on the Burberry tench today to protect its wearer from the British downpour.
Dior Saddle Bag
One of few rightful claimants to the IT bag title, the Dior Saddle made its first appearance on Dior's 2000 runway, back when John Galliano was at the house's helm. Its appearances in Sex and the City and on the arms of models around the world cemented its icon of pop culture status. Now, with Kim Jones as creative director at Dior, the Saddle is being reimagined for modern use. We've stuck with the OG Oblique here, though.
Gucci Loafer
Aldo Gucci, lover of horses and horseriding, created the equestrian-inspired original Gucci loafer back in the 1950s. The beauty of the Gucci slip-on, which comes bearing the signature "horsebit" buckle, is that it can be recognized without garish branding or design. It's an ultimate men's footwear classic and continues to be adopted and styled in new ways by new generations.
Chanel Bag
Handbags are the epitome of iconic fashion houses, and it's no surprise that we've got two on our list. Originating in the '50s, the Chanel flap bag is the accessory embodiment of French haute couture, sealed up by the standout but elegant interlocking Cs, otherwise known as the Mademoiselle Lock — said to be a reference to the fact Coco Chanel's never married.
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