What does fashion mean for a billionaire when trends hold no appeal to wealth? Well, for the wealthy, fashion is a tool used to cultivate a distinct aura of success that whispers luxury rather than shouting it. This philosophy echoes the essence of the old money style, where quality, craftsmanship, and tradition reign supreme. In the billionaire world, flashy logos and fleeting trends fade into the background, outshined by classic silhouettes and meticulous tailoring.
This article explores the four fashion houses that have become the most favored among billionaires – each offering a distinctive interpretation of understated elegance, catering to the discerning taste of the wealthy today.
1. Loro Piana
Loro Piana is more than just a fashion brand. Indeed, it's a philosophy woven from the finest of natural fibers. Over the last ten decades, this sixth-generation family business, founded in 1924, has cultivated an impressive legacy of uncompromising quality.
Pier Luigi, Jean Arnault, and Chamath Palihapitiya wearing Loro Piana
Source: Boat International, Getty Images,Flickr
The brand’s philosophy is evident in its product-focused approach — unique, logoless designs that let exceptional quality speak for itself. Their meticulous processing techniques ensure garments are crafted from the world's finest materials – vicuña, cashmere, baby cashmere, merino wool, and exceptional linen – all of which are incredibly soft, lightweight, and remarkably durable. This dedication to quality extends to innovation, embodied by their Storm System technology which creates water-repellent and wind-resistant finishes, perfect for yacht weather.
Loro Piana is known for captivating a discerning clientele, including royalty such as Princess Charlene of Monaco, Dutchess Meghan Markle of Sussex, and Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis. Celebrities like David Beckham and Gigi Hadid also have a sweet spot for Loro Piana outfits and accessories.
The brand’s heritage began with a focus on exquisite wool, supplying the likes of Savile Row, Yves Saint Laurent, and Giorgio Armani. What’s more, the Arnault family has appreciated Loro Piana for the longest time, favoring them time and time again for summer outfits. Jean Arnault's choice of the iconic Summer Walk Loafers at the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix exemplifies a discerning taste for exquisitely crafted footwear that complements any occasion.
Further solidifying his affinity for the brand, Antoine Arnault spearheaded the partnership between Loro Piana and Team Europe at the Ryder Cup. Since 2016, Loro Piana has designed the outfits of the European team, a testament to their commitment to performance and timeless elegance, perfectly suited for the world's most prestigious golfing event.
Our philosophy is always to search for the best quality. That is something our father taught us. It's one way to be different from your competitors. You can try to be cheaper, or you can try to be better.
— Pier Luigi, the heir to Loro Piana
2. Christian Dior
For over 75 years, Dior has catered to the most sophisticated clientele, holding a unique place in the world of luxury. The label’s enduring relevance stems from its inimitable ability to seamlessly blend timeless Parisian elegance with a touch of modern interpretation.
Bernard Arnault, Jack Dorsey, and Rihanna wearing Dior
Sources: Reuters,Getty Images
Our Maison reinvents the inestimable heritage and savoir-faire inspired by Monsieur Dior, a dream that embodies Parisian haute couture. We share this dream with our customers around the world through our values of excellence, innovation, and bold creativity.
— Delphine Arnault, CEO of Christian Dior
Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH and one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, is a prime example of the Dior clientele. Interestingly enough, a tailored Dior Homme suit, crafted from the finest fabrics and boasting some of the industry’s cleanest lines, became the very personification of Bernard. Notably, Arnault likes to complement his Dior attire with footwear from another LVMH-owned brand, Berluti, which showcases just how curated his approach to luxury is.
Jack Dorsey, known for his more unconventional style, is another Dior ambassador who often incorporates elements that subtly elevate his everyday look. For instance, he knows all too well that a well-tailored reverse collar shirt adds a touch of individuality without sacrificing sophistication – a quality that resonates faultlessly with the Dior philosophy.
A true rule-breaker, Rihanna definitely pushes boundaries when it comes to fashion. For her, Dior offers a stage for audacious statements. Her attendance at the Spring-Summer 2024 couture collection showcased this perfectly. Dressed in a show-stopping total black look from Dior, she embodied Parisian chic with a voluminous moiré jacket featuring a wide lapel and a matching pencil skirt.
3. Lanvin
Founded in 1889, Lanvin is one of the oldest and most prestigious French fashion houses around. That said, its true niche is in the wardrobes of Silicon Valley’s tech CEOs and entrepreneurs.
Satya Nadella, Sundar PichaiLarry Page, Kevin Systrom, and Elon Musk wearing Lanvin
Source: Getty Images
Silicon Valley culture leans toward a casual aesthetic that prioritizes comfort and functionality in clothing, often shunning overly obvious displays of wealth. Due to their unique combination of luxury and practicality, it therefore comes as no surprise that Lanvin sneakers, which are known for their sleek design and exceptional craftsmanship, are a popular choice among many tech visionaries. Among others, CEOs such as Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Sundar Pichai (Google), and Larry Page (co-founder and former Google CEO) have been seen wearing Lanvin sneakers, which are perfect for their fast-paced and on-the-go lifestyle.
Kevin Systrom, co-founder of Instagram, is another well-known name that finds Lanvin caters to his specific needs. Lanvin has found adoration from Elon Musk as well, who has been known to pair Lanvin with his signature Air Force jacket, seamlessly demonstrating the brand's versatility. As WWD aptly describes it, wearing Lanvin sneakers is a “calculated act of fashion” that allows them to broadcast their casual “geek” cred with a premium twist.
4. Brunello Cucinelli
While Lanvin offers the perfect footwear for Silicon Valley's elite, Brunello Cucinelli takes it to the next level by dressing them in one-of-a-kind clothing. Established in the picturesque Italian village of Solomeo in 1978, Brunello Cucinelli has become renowned for its unique philosophy of sustainable luxury and sprezzatura, the Italian art of effortless elegance. This philosophy impeccably embodies a sense of relaxed confidence that aligns with the aesthetics of understated luxury that people adore so much.
Mark Zuckerberg, Marc Benioff, and Brunello Cucinelli wearing Brunello Cucinelli
Source: Getty Images
Strikingly, the influence of Brunello Cucinelli extends beyond just fashion. In June 2019, Brunello Cucinelli hosted the Solomeo Summit, an informal gathering of tech executives and entrepreneurs with the objective of fostering discussions about a more humane and sustainable approach to business and entrepreneurship. The event was attended by Jeff Bezos, Reid Hoffman, Drew Houston, Dick Costolo, and many other successful entrepreneurs.
Mark Zuckerberg offers a further surprising example of Brunello Cucinelli's influence. Contrary to what one might think, his signature pigeon-gray T-shirts are not just basics from anywhere, but actually custom-made pieces by Cucinelli's fashion house. This choice by Zuckerberg highlights the brand's ability to elevate everyday essentials into luxurious staples. Similarly, Marc Benioff's decision to wear a Brunello Cucinelli suit to Dreamforce in 2017 exemplifies the brand's ability to provide polished yet sophisticated attire for even the most high-profile occasions.
One-Of-A-Kind Tailoring: Why Billionaires Prefer Bespoke
While luxury brands offer a taste of exclusivity, however, when it comes to billionaires, they often seek a deeper level of sartorial expression. Bespoke tailoring is the antithesis of mass production. Each garment is meticulously crafted to the individual's specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and unparalleled comfort. The result is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that undoubtedly projects confidence without resorting to flashy logos.
The preference for bespoke among wealthy individuals can be seen everywhere. For instance, Warren Buffett owes his style to Madame Li, the founder of Trands. Moreover, the late Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs, favored the minimalist and innovative designs of Issey Miyake, opting for custom-made black turtlenecks over and over again.
I asked Issey to make me some of his black turtlenecks that I liked, and he made me like a hundred of them.
— Steve Jobs
Final Thoughts
For a billionaire, fashion choices are meant to reflect their lifestyle, which prioritizes comfort and quiet elegance. Therefore, their fashion key to success lies in curated investment pieces – garments crafted from the finest materials and designed for longevity as well as an ageless impact.
