If you’re in Paris and you want to go do a bit of shopping, make sure you add some of the top French luxury brands to your list. After all, when in Rome… mix your metaphor and shop like the French.
Louis Vuitton (LVMH)
Louis Vuitton started by making trunks in 1854. The brand’s excellent craftsmanship eventually propelled it to be one of the most exclusive handbag designers in the world. Today, you’ll find they make everything from small wallets to large trunks, as well as clothing, watches, footwear, and jewelry. Louis Vuitton is owned by LVMH, the luxury conglomerate.
Chanel
Created in 1910, Chanel is one of the top haute-couture and streetwear brands in the world. Ask any old lady from the upper crust of any society and she’ll probably tell you that she owns several Chanel suits. Along with clothing, the brand is famous for perfume. It also sells watches, eyewear and other accessories.
Christian Louboutin
Louboutin shoes appear in many modern films. You’ll most likely see the main female protagonist strut by in a pair of their eye-catching footwear. The signature red soles of Christian Louboutin’s shoes have made it one of the most recognizable brands on the streets of any city. It’s also spawned countless knock-offs, but at the end of the day, owning a pair of real Louboutins is still a major status symbol.
Cartier
Cartier is one of the top luxury jewelry brands. Today, the company has a brand value of $6.3 billion and is known for making fine jewelry and watches. Be prepared to spend at least 5 or 6 figures on any Cartier item that you want to purchase. Their watches and jewelry have been featured in several popular movies, including the most recent Ocean’s 8 with Sandra Bullock. Unlike many other luxury French brands, Cartier has not spread its name into other categories.
Hermes
Hermes is the most expensive luxury brand in the world. They make everything from handbags to home furnishing. However, the most well-known Hermes product is the Birkin bag. There used to be a waiting list for this handbag, but nowadays the Birkin is only available to A-listers and those with “connections” to boutiques and sales associates. There are numerous tips and articles circulating the internet these days on how “normal people” can purchase a Birkin bag. In this sense, Hermes has truly mastered the art of “creating desire.”
