The Best Designer Brands to Serve Luxury Lewks

Anywhere can be a runway if you serve hard enough. And there’s never been better references for iconic outfits, with fashionable influencers and celebrity events showing everyone how it’s done. Who doesn’t want to channel a little bit of the Queen of the Met, Blake Lively, and her perfect ensembles? 

Style isn’t about filling your closet exclusively with designer fashion brands and ludicrously capacious handbags — no shade intended. Personal style is about curating a wardrobe that shows off your unique personality and flair.

When you wear an outfit that feels authentically you, you embrace that main character energy that people see and remember. But it doesn’t hurt to have a few chic pieces in your arsenal or keep up with the latest runways to ensure your looks are catwalk-ready. 

25 of the best designer clothing brands

If you want to assemble a closet that makes everyone gag, here are 25 of the best designer brands and our favorite looks. 

1. Givenchy

Hubert de Givenchy was Audrey Hepburn’s designer of choice. The French fashion house was responsible for dressing her most iconic roles, including that little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Although the brand is always cutting edge (reggae singer Alkaline is the face of the SS23 collection), sleek minimalism and classic motifs class up any outfit. 

2. Armani

Giorgio Armani’s first solo collection, back in 1976, was solely menswear. But even his most iconic female looks bend heavily toward menswear — like Julia Roberts’ suit at the 1990 Golden Globes. A good tux never goes out of style. A tailored look by the likes of Armani will make all the heads turn. 

3. Christian Dior

J’adore Dior. Dior’s creations have walked some of the world’s most prestigious stages, accepting Oscars, shimmering at Cannes, and setting red carpets ablaze. It’s more than clothes, honey. Dior is fashion. The fashion house is known for its attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship, and their runway shows are always legendary. The Summer 2024 menswear collection at Paris Fashion Week was a great example, where models rose from the tiled runway. 

4. Prada

The Italian luxury brand is a go-to for the who’s who of Hollywood men. The Fall/Winter 2012 menswear show is one of the greatest men’s fashion flexes of all time. Dubbed the “Catwalk of Villains,” the show featured Adrien Brody, Gary Oldman, and Willem Dafoe in impeccable suits. Whether you deck out in a full tuxedo or a classic tee with their signature triangle hardware, Prada will immediately give your closet a touch of old-school sophistication. 

5. Balenciaga

Whether you want a chunky sneaker, a bulldozer boot, or an over-the-top Romeo mule, Balenciaga is one of the best designer shoe brands. Good footwear is the foundation of any outfit, whether it’s a casual streetwear look or a fabulous date ensemble. You can always count on Balenciaga to add shape and a bit of funk to any look. 

6. Burberry

A Burberry check is the perfect pattern for fall and winter. Whether you grab a trench coat, cashmere scarf, or wool overshirt, the iconic beige tartan design will automatically elevate any look. 

7. Gucci

No one does eccentric chic quite like Gucci. The Italian fashion house is known for flamboyant colors, skirted trousers, and heeled boots. But they also serve gorgeous streetwear looks with their signature logo print, like colorful overshirts and porter jackets.

8. Chanel

Chanel technically doesn’t make menswear collections, but that doesn’t stop fashionable men like Pharrell Williams and Siphe November from enjoying the chic French luxury brand. For some Upper West Side realness, slap on a Chanel oversized coat or mohair sweater with a pair of pearls. 

9. Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent makes clothes for smoldering French film stars. One of the fashion brand’s greatest muses was the iconic Catherine Deneuve. YSL’s menswear collections capture the same timeless glamor. Think classic silhouettes and a black-and-white color palette ready for a European getaway. 

10. ORTTU

Although not a household name like most other entries on this list, ORTTU is an incredible gay clothing brand that’s quickly becoming a queer staple. Diamond jeans, kimonos, and bolero shirts — yes, please. 

11. Balmain

When you want everyone to notice you walk into a room, a pair of Balmain sneakers will do the trick. Their line of Unicorn footwear, with its multi-sectional sole, is futuristic and fun. If you feel like your winter or fall looks are drab, a neon green or flame print pair will kick everything up a notch. 

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12. Versace

Wearing a Versace print is a little gaudy. But whatever — it’s a Versayce! Who doesn’t need a Barocco print cashmere long coat to go with their leather trousers? 

13. Brunello Cucinelli

Give us that old money fit, honey. Brunello Cucinelli is an Italian fashion brand that’s all about quiet, high-end design. Think 007 in double-pleated trousers, sleek basics, and mountain wear for that winter escape to Aspen. 

14. Tom Ford

One of our fave gay fashion designers, filmmakers, and occasional thirst trap, Tom Ford has it all. And he might have the gayest suits on the runway. This season, they come in sage, leopard-printed silk, and mohair chalk. 

15. Marc Jacobs

When delicious ’70s-inspired flared corduroy pants suddenly were in, it was mainly because of Marc Jacobs. The luxury fashion designer pops in and out of menswear with collabs. Be on the lookout because when he drops a men's or unisex collection, wigs are snatched. Dua Lipa and Harry Styles donned his recent Peanuts-inspired drop and his sweatshirt collection with Magda Archer.

16. Fendi

Fendi’s heritage collections are filled with basics that don the brand’s legendary double-F print. And while a double-F tee, wool sweater, or jacket will immediately class up a simple look, Fendi is also one of the best men's designer brands for jewelry and accessories. For something funky, a baguette pouch is a one-of-a-kind statement.  

17. Ralph Lauren

Yacht clubs, New England summer camps, and summer horse riding are the vibe Ralph Lauren gives. Despite the luxurious branding, it’s one of the best designer brands for men that doesn’t break the bank. Most high-end department stores carry the Polo brand, full of cable-knit sweaters, preppy hoodies, and their dripped-out Polo Bear Linen sweaters. 

18. Dolce & Gabbana

Silk Hawaii prints, sailor-style leather blouses, and jacquard tuxedo jackets — Dolce & Gabbana will be loud and proud whether you’re dressing for the beach or a gala.  

19. Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo is credited with bringing the wedge to the world. And although the name may not have the same brand appeal as Prada or Fendi, it’s old-world class all the same. For nearly a century, they’ve laser-focused on leather goods. A Ferragamo shoe — an Oxford with a metal tip or a classic Derby — is as much an heirloom investment as a fashion choice.

20. Pierre Cardin

With a career that spans seven decades, the legendary Pierre Cardin first burst onto the scene with his sculptural, futuristic designs. We advise skipping the ready-to-wear and searching for the fashion house’s haute couture and accessory collections. Their spacy Evolution sunglasses are perfect for club boys and festival season. 

21. Thom Browne

A Thom Browne garment doesn’t come with a logo. But any fashion lover immediately recognizes a Thom Browne gray suit for its cropped silhouette. And for fluid fashionistas, Browne is a firm believer in androgynous dressing. Their skirts and shorts combine effortlessly with their suits. 

22. Loro Piana

Dubbed the “Billionaire Loafer,” Loro Piana’s footwear upgrades classic models with luxurious, high-quality materials like calfskin, virgin wool, and deerskin. They might not be as flashy as a design from Balenciaga, but connoisseurs will immediately recognize the quality. Their apparel is equally luxurious, with cashmere crewnecks and torino coats ready to hit the winter resorts. 

23. Bottega Veneta

A wool knit jumper with a snake patch curling around your torso and matching socks is quite the statement. Bottega Veneta has an avant-garde streetwear vibe mixed with high-end detail and craftsmanship — with a price tag to match. 

24. Hermés

Of all the best designer bag brands, nothing has the effect of a Hermès. While the Birkin is the crème de la crème, Hermès has a small line of men’s jewelry, belts, and shoes if you can’t get on that waitlist (or score that personal loan). Who wouldn’t want a cute little handbag to hide their favorite sex toy when they run out for a booty call? 

15. Dsquared²

Unlike many other entries on this list, brothers Dean and Dan Caten began Dsquared² as a menswear brand before introducing women’s apparel. Their initial collections in the 1990s quickly pushed them to prominence for their edgy, trendsetting designs. Picture a mix of high-end glamor and urban hunk, like a peekaboo shirt and shiny track pants. 

Sashay this way

Life’s a lot more fun when you do it in style. Now, it’s time to peep some runway shows and acquire some new threads. 

Want to show off your duds to some dudes? You can turn your Grindr into a runway show and gag the local guys in more ways than one. Download the Grindr app now and get ready to werk!