13 Iconic Italian Designer Brands

Versace

Amal Clooney and Dua Lipa in Versace.

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If there's one Italian fashion designer brand that's achieved fashion royalty status, it's the House of Versace. Its sensual and playful designs have solidified Versace as a red carpet mainstay for decades, but its affinity for music superstars makes it something of a standout. Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, and Beyoncé are among its chart-topping clientele, and, most recently, Dua Lipa teamed up with Donatella Versace herself to co-design Versace's 2023 "La Vacanza" collection.

Prada

Sheila Atim and Hunter Schafer in Prada.

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Prada knows its way around a stunning sheath dress, but this Italian designer brand truly dazzles with its trendy and elaborate creations like the viral jellyfish dress worn by Hunter Schafer and its stunning Met Gala ensembles. Off the red carpet, Prada best is known for its iconic handbags and statement shoes. In recent years, Prada has introduced eco-friendly materials without diminishing the quality for which the brand has been known since it was founded in 1913.

Schiaparelli

Cardi B. and Bella Hadid in Schiaparelli.

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Best known for stunning black gowns with dramatic adornments (who doesn't remember Kylie Jenner's lion head moment at Paris Fashion Week?) and gold accessories, Schiaparelli is one of the best Italian designer brands for over-the-top looks that dip toes into camp without devolving into silliness. Schiaparelli frequently references its own archival menagerie when dressing celebs for major events. Case in point: The stunning lobster skirt Zendaya wore during Comic-Con in São Paulo, Brazil.

Valentino

FKA Twigs and Zendaya in Valentino.

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Italian designers don't often shy away from leaning into their logos and Valentino is among those that work its instantly recognizable monogram into patterns and prints on its dresses and separates. Anne Hathaway, Gwenyth Paltrow, and Zendaya are among the celebrities who often opt for Valentino's sculptural designs, but Florence Pugh has stolen the spotlight as Valentino's most daring A-list darling, appearing in sheer, stunning looks from the brand at film festivals and front-row fashion shows.

Armani

Irina Shayk and Camila Mendes in Armani.

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Armani does luxury at every level and the brand boasts a wide range of fragrances and makeup products that are just as lauded as its layered red carpet gowns The brand's versatility also extends to its fashion lines — there's the more casual Armani Exchange, the ultra-luxe red carpet stalwart Armani Privé, and the classic Giorgio Armani label.

Gucci

Jessica Chastian and Dakota Johnson in Gucci.

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Even before the House of Gucci hit the big screen, this designer brand was unquestionably one of the most infamous Italian fashion houses. Simply put, the brand adores opulence. Known for glittering red carpet gowns with daring silhouettes, Gucci has mastered the art of layering on luxury while still showing plenty of skin.

Miu Miu

Sydney Sweeney and Natasha Lyonne in Miu Miu.

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Miu Miu has a way of grabbing fashion's collective consciousness and hanging on tight. The pantless trend? That was Miu Miu. Everyone from celebrities on magazine covers to fashion influencers were spotted in the 2022 Miu Miu micro-mini skirt; it might be years until we see trending hemlines return anywhere near knee length. Miu Miu's playful proportions don't only skew in one direction. The brand also plays with oversized designs as illustrated by Gigi Hadid in the brand's most recent runway show. When it comes to the red carpet, Miu Miu goes glitzy with astonishing feats of rhinestones and ensembles that blend sensuality with sweetness.

Fendi

Kendall Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Fendi.

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Out of all the designer brands on this list, Fendi takes the most risks with collabs, teaming up with the likes of SKIMS, Mirror Palais, and, most recently, Pokémon by way of Fragment. Despite its modern and unexpected collaborations, Fendi is widely known as a brand capable of evoking maximum nostalgia thanks in large part to the fact that its iconic Baguette bag, a '90s fashion staple, keeps coming back with a vengeance.

Bottega Veneta

Salma Hayek and Yara Shahidi in Bottega Veneta.

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Bottega Veneta isn't just known for its jaw-dropping red carpet looks. The brand's accessories are also highly sought-after; Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Dua Lipa frequently step out in Bottega boots and with Bottega bags slung over their shoulders. Unlike other designers that leaned into the micro-bag trend, Bottega Veneta takes a more-is-more approach.

Roberto Cavalli

Isabeli Fontana and Janelle Monet in Roberto Cavalli.

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Known for gowns with curve-hugging silhouettes and scintillating cut-outs, Roberto Cavalli is one designer Italian brand that knows how to turn the heat way up. The brand is beloved by IRL celebs and fictional fashion aficionados alike from Taylor Swift to Carrie Bradshaw.

Moschino

Serena de Ferrari and Vanessa Hudgens in Moschino.

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Moschino's sense of humor is second to none. The brand is known for blending sensuality and cheeky pop culture references for one-of-a-kind moments that put the fun in fashion. While Jeremy Scott's playful and daring point of view shaped Moschino's visual identity during his decade-long tenure as the brand's creative director, the future of Moschino is currently in flux. David Renne, formerly a designer with Gucci, was announced as Scott's successor in October of 2023, but tragically passed soon after his appointment.

Alberta Ferretti

Taylor Swift and Alessandra Ambrosio in Alberta Ferretti.

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Not all that glitters is gold, but much of what glitters is Alberta Ferretti, an Italian designer brand seen on the likes of Taylor Swift, Ashley Graham, and Nicole Richie. Alberta Ferretti does ready-to-wear as boldly as the brand does red carpet looks with an emphasis on vivid colors and pieces that come alive with texture and movement.

Etro

Maty Fall Diba and Taylor Marie Hill in Etro.

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Known for layering luxe textures and ornate patterns in its full-length gowns, Etro is perhaps the most subtle of the iconic Italian designer brands. Founded in 1968, Etro's visual identity is rooted in its elevated prints and patterns. In fact, the popularity of the paisley print as we now know it is largely due to Gerolamo Etro who, in 1981, revived the pattern and wove it into his family's fashion brand's DNA.