Top Brands Fashion

Gucci, Giorgio Armani Are “Most Coveted”

Italian fashion giants Giorgio Armani and Gucci are the world’s most coveted designer brands, according to a recent survey conducted by ACNielsen, a marketing information company.One out of three online consumers polled said they would purchase products from the two Italian designers if money were not an issue.

“Regardless of where they live, when consumers in Italy, China or UAE [United Arab Emirates] purchase a Gucci bag or a Giorgio Armani suit they are prepared to pay a premium because they are buying the image the brand represents,” said Frank Martell, president of ACNielsen Europe. “In Armani’s case, consumers know they are getting quality, sophistication and style – timeless values with global appeal. For Gucci, it’s the combination of heritage together with its sexy, modern appeal”

Over 21,000 people were polled in markets across Europe, Asia, and North and South America. The survey revealed that Versace and Christian Dior have great growth potential in emerging markets, particularly appealing to the nouveau riche. Many of fashion’s luxury brands are counting on bulging sales figures in Asia and India in the coming years, where emerging markets increasingly demand high-end products, and where the luxury fashion industry is expected to grow by up to 5 percent for the next five years.

Channel and Calvin Klein tied for second place among consumers polled, followed by Louis Vitton.
Gucci and Giorgio Armani also shared first place in the same polled conducted two years earlier.

Gucci recently opened its 5th Avenue megastore in New York City, featuring three levels and 46,000 square feet of selling space. Marble floors and gold fixtures adorn the space, where rent reportedly costs $16 million a year, according to Women’s Wear Daily.