These Are The 12 Most Iconic Milan Fashion Houses

A look from Iceberg Fall 2023 runway show. Image Courtesy: Iceberg

When you talk about fashion capitals of the world, Milan, Italy, is at the top of that list. Alongside cities like Paris, New York, and London, "La Moda" has a long and rich history in the fashion industry and is home to some of the most influential fashion houses that produce luxury and high-end designs.

Thanks to the international recognition that Italian designers received in the mid-20th century, Milan has grown to host two of the biggest fashion weeks each year: Milan Fashion Week (MFW) for women's fashion and Milan Men's Fashion Week (MFW Men's). The glamour, sophisticated aesthetic, and blending of traditional Italian craftsmanship with modern designs continue to make Milano a quintessential city that the fashion industry watches for emerging trends and styles from established and up-and-coming fashion houses. Are you wondering which fashion houses are Milan based? We've listed the most iconic Italian fashion houses below.

12 Iconic Milan Fashion Houses

Giorgio Armani
Dolce & Gabbana
Gucci
Prada
Moschino
Versace
Valentino
Fendi
Bottega Veneta
Iceberg
Missoni
Salvatore Ferragamo

Giorgio Armani

Created by Giorgio Armani in 1975, Armani is renowned for its elegant and timeless designs. The brand encompasses various labels, such as Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, and Armani Privé, covering clothing, accessories, eyewear, fragrances, and cosmetics.

Dolce & Gabbana

Established by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana in 1985, Dolce & Gabbana is known for its opulent and sensual designs. The brand offers clothing, accessories, eyewear, fragrances, and cosmetics. Dolce & Gabbana also showcases an Italian Haute Couture collection, Alta Moda. Founded in 2012, Alta Moda presents a runway show annually.

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Gucci

Launched in Florence in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, Gucci is now headquartered in Milan and is one of the most recognized luxury fashion brands worldwide. The Italian offers men's, women's and childrena ready-to-wear, accessories, and footwear. Past Gucci collaborations includes The North Face, Balenciaga, Disney and Xbox.

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Prada

Established in Milan in 1913 by Mario Prada, Prada is renowned for its minimalist and innovative designs. Miuccia Prada, Mario Prada's youngest granddaughter, joined the family in 1978 and took the brand to new heights by introducing new accessory styles like the black nylon backpack, Prada's sister line Miu Miu in 1993 and Prada menswear in 1995. In 2020, Raf Simons joined Ms. Prada as co-creative director for the brand.

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Moschino

In 1983, Franco Moschino launched his eponymous fashion brand, Moschino. The brand quickly gained attention for its unconventional and satirical designs, which challenged the established norms of high fashion. Tragically, Franco Moschino passed away in 1994 at the age of 44 due to complications from AIDS. Succeeding Mr. Moschino as creative directors for the brand include Rosella Jardini (1994-2013) and Jeremy Scott (2013-2023).

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Versace

Versace: Founded by Gianni Versace in 1978, Versace is celebrated for its bold and glamorous designs. Gianni Versace pioneered inviting celebrities to his runway shows and the brand is widely know for their dress designs, including Elizabeth Hurley's black and gold paperclip dress in 1994 and the green silk chiffon Versace dress that Jennifer Lopez wore to the 42nd Grammy Awards ceremony on February 23, 2000.

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Valentino

Valentino launched his fashion house, known as Valentino SpA, in Rome in 1960. He gained international recognition and became a favorite designer among the elite and celebrities, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn. In 2008, Valentino retired from his fashion house. Since then, Valentino was led under the creative direction of designer Pierpaolo Piccioli since 2008 with his creative partner Maria Grazia Chiuri, and as the solo helm of the brand since 2016 when Chiuri moved to Dior, according to the Business of Fashion.

FENDI

Founded in Rome in 1925, Fendi is currently in Milan. It is renowned for its luxury furs, leather goods, ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, eyewear, and fragrances. In 2022, Donatella Versace, Silvia Venturini Fendi, and Kim Jones debuted a collaborative collection named Fendace. On the joint designing efforts, Fendi couture and womenswear artistic director Kim Jones told Vogue, "It’s a swap rather than a collaboration, and most of all, it is done out of friendship. It is the beauty of togetherness after time apart and a celebration of women who have inspired me so much."

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Bottega Veneta

In 1966, Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro founded Bottega Veneta in Vicenza, Italy, as a leather goods brand. The Italian fashion house experienced early success due to Andy Warhol's short film on the brand, “Bottega Veneta Industrial Videotape,” released in 1985. Bottega introduced ready-to-wear in 1998 with the help of Parsons School of Design alumni Edward Buchanan and has since continued to build upon its quiet luxury allure under several creative directors and CEOs.

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ICEBERG

Iceberg is an Italian luxury fashion brand founded in 1974 by Silvano Gerani and Giuliana Marchini. The brand is known for its unique style that combines sportswear influences with high fashion elements. Iceberg gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s for its bold and colorful designs, innovative knitwear, and iconic use of cartoon characters, such as Snoopy and Mickey Mouse, in their collections. In 2015, Iceberg appointed designer James Long as the creative director for Iceberg's menswear collections, followed by the womenswear line in 2016. Long continues to maintain his position within the brand today.

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Missoni

Founded by Ottavio and Rosita Missoni in 1953, Missoni is known for its colorful and distinctive knitwear designs. Missoni continues to be a family-owned business, with the previous creative director of 24 years, Angela Missoni (daughter of the founders), transitioning from director of Missoni to president of the company. Past brand collaborations with Missoni includes luggage brand Tumi, Addidas, Supreme, and Palm Angels.

Salvatore Ferragamo

Show designer Salvatore Ferragamo founded his namesake luxury brand in 1927 and was widely known as the "shoemaker to the stars," including Ava Gardner, Audrey Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe during the golden age of Hollywood. Some of his iconic designs include the wedge heel introduced in 1937, the cage heel, and the invisible sandal. In 2022 Salvatore Ferragamo appointed Maximilian Davis, the brand's first black Creative Director, effective 16 March 2022. On the appointment, Davis shared, "I am deeply honoured to be joining Ferragamo, and grateful for the opportunity to build on the rich and profound heritage of the house. Ferragamo represents a dedication to timeless elegance and sophistication that I find incredibly inspiring. I’m looking forward to articulating my vision, elevated by the codes of Italian craftsmanship, quality and innovation," in a press release.