Chanel

Founded in 1910 by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, the eponymous luxury fashion house is renowned for its timeless elegance and revolutionary designs. Chanel made waves in the 1920s with the introduction of the "little black dress" and the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume, which remains a symbol of classic sophistication. Despite her controversial ties during World War II, the brand thrived and continued to innovate under Karl Lagerfeld, who led it from 1983 until his death in 2019. Today, Chanel's valuation is estimated at over $13 billion, reflecting its enduring influence and prestige in the fashion world. The company is still privately held and operates under the stewardship of Alain Wertheimer and Gérard Wertheimer, who are grandsons of the original co-founder.