From Balenciaga to Hermes, these are the world’s oldest and most profitable luxury brands. Not only have they stood the test of time, but these century-old brands are also generating billions in revenue each year.

Yves Saint Laurent famously said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal,” and if we’ve learned anything from over a century of high-end, renowned, and most relevant luxury brands of the world today, it’s that he was right. Call it endurance, relevance, exceptional expertise, or having a die-hard following—whatever the reason may be—labels like Hermès, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton have been crafting fashion and quality since the mid-19th century and still rule the roost. Let’s delve into the deliciousness of these Maisons and decipher what makes them a roaring success even a century later.

Gucci, 1921 –

Great, gorgeous, Gucci. What was once a single shop making equestrian equipment on a side street in Florence is now known as a fashion force worth 17.8 billion dollars. It was founded by Guccio Gucci in 1921, who went from working as a porter at The Savoy hotel in 1897 to launching a store that became the epitome of Italian artisanal excellence. By the 1950s, the label had attracted an international clientele of jet setters, Hollywood stars, dignitaries, and socialites. This marked the beginning of a frenzy for GG monogrammed products and prints that still continues today.

Balenciaga, 1919 –

How old were you when you first heard the word, Balenciaga? The brand that has been around for over a century catapulted to fame owing to Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. He broke the norms of fashion, introduced sleek and linear lines in the post-war era and never looked back. Christian Dior once said, “Haute couture is like an orchestra whose conductor is Balenciaga. We other couturiers are the musicians and we follow the direction he gives.”

Prada, 1913 –

The brand may be over 110 years old, but the fashionistas’ fascination with the Italian luxury fashion house founded in Milan by Mario Prada is far from over. The luxury label has witnessed unwavering loyalty for its leather handbags, travel accessories, shoes, ready-to-wear, and other fashion accessories. In the last 50 years, Miuccia Prada (a Ph.D. in political science) turned the luxury brand around.

Chanel, 1909 –

Charm, chic, and Chanel, it all goes hand-in-hand. Gabrielle Chanel, better known as Coco, founded the label in 1909 and proved her words right, “fashion passes, style remains.” Chanel remained relevant, revered, and ravishing.From the iconic Little Black Dress, the Chanel Suit, and the incredible perfume No. 5 de Chanel, the Parisian fashion house gave the world some eternal gems.The journey began in 1910 when Coco opened a hat boutique at 21 rue Cambon under the name Chanel Modes. Eight years later she set up her Couture House in Paris in 1918. From launching the Chanel 2.55 handbag (the first popular yet elegant shoulder bag designed for women on the go) in 1955, to breaking notions with high-end costume jewellery and making Chanel synonymous with chic, the accomplished businesswoman gave birth to an extraordinary brand.

Lanvin, 1889 –

The oldest French fashion house that is still in operation was founded by Jeanne Lanvin in the avatar of a small hat shop in the heart of Paris. A 22-year-old Lanvin fresh out of her apprenticeship opened her first hat shop at 16 Rue Boissy d’Anglas. In less than five years, she launched her eponymous fashion house, tasting instant success.

Bvlgari, 1884 –

Jewelry, watches, fragrances, there is nothing this brand has not made spectacular in its 140 years in business. The luxury Italian brand crafts the most exquisite jewelry, using high-quality materials set in intricate designs. The journey began with Sotirio Bulgari, a Greek immigrant, and his first shop in Via Sistina in Rome. From silversmith, the brand went to become world-famous adorning the creme de la creme of society.

Louis Vuitton, 1854 –

If there is any one brand that became synonymous with luxury brands it is undoubtedly Louis Vuitton. What started with a line of luxury trunks by Louis Vuitton, a French box-maker turned into the most illustrious luxury labels in the world today. The Maison went from luggage and bags to its first men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections in 1997. It was Marc Jacobs, the brand’s first-ever creative director that turned it into a fashion force. The house cultivated a celebrity following in the years to come, and the rest is history.

Cartier, 1847 –

Rightfully known as the ‘jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers’, the brand that has been around for 170 years is a specialist in exquisite jewelry and high-end watches like no other. The French luxury brand appeased everyone from royalty like Edward VII of England, Elizabeth II, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala to divas like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Hermes, 1837 –

Another, undefeated Parisian powerhouse that stands as a testament to the effects of excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail is Hermes. The story began with crafting exquisite saddles and leather goods for European glitterati. Quality became their most recognizable quality which soon blossomed into a full-fledged luxury brand encompassing a stunning array of products.