Top Brands to Dazzle at Your Next Gala

When preparing for a grand gala, choosing the right brand can transform an ordinary night into an extraordinary experience. The perfect blend of elegant attire, sophisticated accessories, luxurious fragrances, and exquisite makeup can make all the difference. Consider renowned names that epitomize elegance and quality, ensuring your gala experience is as memorable as it is fashionable. To explore a curated list of the best brands for your next gala, see below.

Illustration of gala

Best brands of gala in 2025

Gucci

Gucci is a paramount luxury fashion brand, particularly renowned for its impactful presence on the red carpet at prestigious gala events. In the 2024 awards season, Gucci was among the most talked-about brands, with a media value of £18 million, as analyzed by the influencer analytics platform Wearisma. At the Golden Globes, Gucci generated a significant media value of $6.384 million, driven by high-profile celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Julia Garner. The brand also presented the 13th annual LACMA Art+Film Gala, raising a record $6.4 million for the museum's initiatives. Gucci's evening wear collections, like Gucci Notte, continue to redefine elegance and sophistication.

Chanel

Chanel emerged as the top-performing brand at the 2023 Met Gala, earning $111 million in Media Impact Value(tm) (MIV(r)) with 19,599 placements, and accounting for 71% of all designer mentions during the event. The brand's dominance was further highlighted by its extensive social media presence, with Instagram driving $1.4 million in MIV(r) from a single vintage look shared by Dua Lipa. Chanel's designs, inspired by Karl Lagerfeld, were worn by numerous celebrities, including Nicole Kidman, Jennie Kim, and Penelope Cruz. The brand's influence was so significant that it generated over 182,000 mentions online during the red carpet broadcast. Chanel's performance underscored its enduring impact on the fashion world. For more insights on top performances at the Met Gala, visit the Launchmetrics blog.

Dior

Dior is one of the most renowned luxury fashion brands, particularly excelling in gala events. With a brand awareness of 91% among luxury fashion owners in the United States, Dior consistently dominates red carpet conversations, such as at the Emmys and Golden Globes, where it generated over $5 million in media value in 2024. The brand's presence is further amplified by its high-profile ambassadors and the significant media exposure it receives, equivalent to millions of dollars in advertising value. In 2024, Dior was the most globally talked about luxury brand on social media from the Emmys red carpet, with 138 pieces of content shared by influential sources. This strong presence underscores Dior's status as a leading luxury fashion house. For more detailed insights on Dior's luxury fashion brand profile, visit the Statista report.

Versace

Versace is renowned as one of the top producers for gala events, particularly evident at the Met Gala where it topped online and social media rankings in 2018, driven by Kim Kardashian's custom gilded chainmail gown, which garnered 16.8 million interactions and a Media Impact Value (MIV) of $11,840,388. The brand's dominance continues with its archive looks, as seen at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and Met Gala, where vintage Versace gowns worn by celebrities like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski drew significant attention. Donatella Versace's custom Atelier Versace designs, such as Blake Lively's transformative tulle column dress at the Met Gala 2022, further solidify the brand's prestige. Versace's influence is also reflected in its extensive product range, including haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessories, available through over 230 boutiques and 638 licensed stores worldwide. The brand's revenue is significantly boosted by direct-to-consumer channels and licensing agreements, contributing to its status as a leader in luxury fashion.

Valentino

Valentino is renowned as one of the premier fashion brands for gala and red carpet events, with a legacy spanning over 40 years. Founded by Valentino Garavani in 1960, the brand is celebrated for its luxurious and glamorous designs, including the iconic "Valentino red" dresses. Valentino's gowns have been worn by numerous celebrities, such as Julia Roberts and Cate Blanchett, on prestigious occasions like the Oscars. In 2007, the brand was valued at about 2.6 billion euros when it was acquired by the private equity firm Permira. Valentino continues to be a top choice, with recent data showing it generated a significant media value of $2 million at the Emmys and Golden Globes.

Prada

The Prada brand has solidified its position as a leading luxury fashion house, particularly notable for its gala-worthy designs. In the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Prada Group reported a 15% year-over-year increase in net revenue, with Prada brand retail sales rising by 4%, including a 2% increase in the third quarter. Despite a slower growth rate for the Prada brand compared to the first half of the year, its presence on the red carpet remains significant, with appearances at prestigious events like the Critics' Choice Awards where Prada took the top spot for fashion with over $5.1 million in media impact value. The brand's ability to defy the luxury downturn is further highlighted by the rapid growth of its sister brand, Miu Miu, which saw retail sales increase by 105% year-over-year in the third quarter. Prada's commitment to innovation and cultural relevance continues to drive its success. For more insights, explore Prada's manifesto.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is renowned as one of the premier producers of gala attire, embodying the essence of American luxury and elegance. The brand's revenue for Q1 2024 reached $1.57 billion, with a 1.8% year-on-year increase, and an adjusted operating margin of 13.7%, up by 100 basis points from 2023. Known for its high-quality craftsmanship and classic designs, Ralph Lauren has been a staple in the fashion world since its founding in 1967. The company's gross margin expanded to 69.3% in Q1 2024, driven by lower freight expenses and a 15% increase in average unit retail (AUR). With a global presence and a portfolio of 17 fashion brands, Ralph Lauren continues to capture the American spirit and excel in the luxury fashion market. For more insights about their operations, visit the Ralph Lauren corporate website.

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani is renowned as one of the premier fashion brands for gala events, having dominated red carpets for decades. At the 2022 Venice Film Festival, Armani was the most worn brand, with 45 celebrities opting for his designs, highlighting his enduring popularity. His creations have been a staple at the Met Gala and the Oscars, with over 500 appearances at the Oscars alone. Armani's collaborations with celebrities like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Adele have resulted in some of the most iconic red-carpet looks. His designs embody pure elegance and chic, making him a favorite among Hollywood stars. Explore some of Giorgio Armani's best fashion moments.

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta is renowned as one of the premier designers for gala and red-carpet events, blending European luxury with American ease. Founded in 1965, the brand has consistently produced exquisite, timeless designs that have dressed numerous celebrities and first ladies. Despite battling cancer for the last eight years of his life, de la Renta's fashion empire prospered, with his business growing by 50% to $150 million in sales. His designs have been featured in top fashion publications and have won several prestigious awards, including the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990 and the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award in 2000. De la Renta's legacy continues through his successors, Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, who debuted their Fall 2017 collection for the brand. For more information, explore the Oscar de la Renta website.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen is renowned for producing exquisite and dramatic gala attire, reflecting his blend of artistry and technical virtuosity. His designs, often featured in high-profile events, have been admired by celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Lady Gaga. The brand's popularity was highlighted in the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" exhibition, which attracted over 650,000 visitors at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2011 and later 493,043 visitors at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2015. McQueen's collections, such as "The Widows of Culloden" and "Plato's Atlantis," showcase his innovative use of materials and themes. His legacy continues to influence the fashion world, with his designs remaining a staple in red-carpet events. For more information on his renowned creations, visit the official Alexander McQueen website.