9 Timeless Luxury Fashion Brands That Editors Rely On to Look Elegant At All Times

One of the questions I’m asked most as a fashion editor is how to look “expensive”, that is, which brands, styles, and colours are guaranteed to make the wearer look and feel their most luxurious. Given that fashion advice is often a core part of my job, over the years I have amassed a go-to list of pieces that do exactly that, and no matter how many new trends surface on the runway or social media, the same designer brands keep cropping up time and again, a sure sign that when it comes to elegant dressing, you’re in particularly safe hands.

Now, this is not to say that having a full wardrobe of these brands creates the perfect capsule (and it would frankly cost an arm and leg to have a closet full of designer items), but I do find that the addition a few of these buys in amongst your usual high street and premium fare makes for the kind of dream rotation that will never steer you wrong. Instead of “flash-in-the-pan” trends, these are truly special pieces that will fall into the “forever classic” category, so you needn’t worry about them costing a little extra.

With designer brands delivering on covetable buys and viral pieces over the last couple of years in particular, I have managed to amass a wish list as long as my arm that I’m more than happy to share at a moments notice. In fact, it solely compromises of elegant fashion brands that my fellow editors and I can’t stop talking about, so think of it as a fashion insiders guide to the best luxury fashion brands to invest in now. Want to know which made the cut? Keep scrolling on to see and shop my edit of the best luxury brands to spend your money on in 2025.

9 LUXURY FASHION BRANDS TO INVEST IN NOW

1. The Row

Style Notes: Looking for wardrobe staples that will stand the test of time? The number one brand for editors and influencers alike has to be The Row, not only are the pieces truly timeless, but introducing just one or two buys into your wardrobe will help to elevate everything else you already own. They may come in at top-of-the-line prices (few pieces cost less than three figures), but spending a little extra on the bigger buys like coats, knitwear and accessories to pair with your favourite high-street ‘fit is the epitome of high-low dressing at its finest.

Shop The Row:

2. Toteme

Style Notes: Honestly, I can’t think of a single fashion person who didn’t purchase or want a piece from Toteme in their wardrobe over the last few years. Remember that scarf coat? Yep, we have Toteme to thank for an entirely new category, and we’ve been paying close attention to Scandi style ever since. There’s something in Toteme’s approach to classic basics and seasonal staples that champions capsule wardrobe building and in turn, longevity, making them the sensible and sustainable choice for discerning shoppers in the know. Fans of a neutral palette of camel, chocolate, black and cream will love the Toteme aesthetic, their wearable designs, and their expensive-looking edge.

Shop Toteme:

3. Bottega Veneta

Style Notes: Ask any editor or front row attendee who consistently puts on the best runway shows and the answer is likely to be Bottega Veneta. The Italian fashion house found itself a hot topic after appointing Daniel Lee as creative director in 2018, but even after being succeeded by Matthieu Blazy and now Louise Trotter, Bottega continues to be a go-to destination for those with an eye for a contemporary minimalism and fashion-forward style. Think less “quiet luxury” and more out and out opulence. Where The Row and Toteme focus on ultra-simplicity, Bottega Veneta’s bold use of colour and sculptural silhouettes set them apart from the crowd, but especially with an eye for details such as intrecciato weaving, gold hardware and buttery soft leathers.

Shop Bottega Veneta:

4. Alaïa

Style Notes: Alaïa has long been considered one of the major fashion houses since it was established in 1964, but it has never quite garnered as much attention as it has over the last two years. The Le Teckel bag! The Mesh Ballet flat! The Le Coeur clutch! With a string of viral buys under its belt, Alaïa stepped things up a notch with its playful accessories and razor sharp tailoring, rapidly becoming one of the hottest brands around. Loved in equal measure by A-listers and influencers , it continues to be one of the brands to be seen in on and off the red carpet. A must for those who like designer pieces with tongue-in-cheek energy.