Louis Vuitton

Founded in 1854 by the eponymous Louis Vuitton, this Parisian juggernaut turned the humble trunk into a symbol of opulence, wealth and the sort of conspicuous consumption that keeps their leather goods perpetually at the top of the “must-have” lists. Known for its ubiquitous monogram and its unrelenting grip on the luxury market, Louis Vuitton has weathered the storm of scandal, from accusations of overhyped exclusivity to the eternal battle with counterfeiters churning out faux LV logos like it's an Olympic sport. The brand hit a high note in 1998 with the arrival of Marc Jacobs, who injected a dose of avant-garde flair, and has since been guided by the astute Michael Burke, who balances tradition with the whims of fashionistas. Valued around $45 billion, Vuitton isn’t just a fashion house—it’s a global empire of excess wrapped in canvas and leather. Controversies? The brand’s history includes legal skirmishes over counterfeiting and some questionable collaborations, proving that even luxury isn’t immune to the petty squabbles of modern commerce. Vuitton’s allure remains irresistible, a testament to the fact that taste, like wealth, is often more about the label than the substance.