Louis Vuitton Named Most Valuable Luxury Label in the World

By Erin Donnelly 05/24/12 at 11:00 AM

Photo: Imaxtree

A look from the Louis Vuitton Fall 2012 runway.

For the seventh year running, Louis Vuitton has been named the world's most valuable luxury label thanks to a reported worth of $25.9 billion.

The just-released Millward Brown Optimor's 2012 BrandZ study shows that the label—which also ranked 21st among brands in 13 leading industries—has enjoyed a 7 percent uptick in value since last year, while Hermès came in second thanks to a 61 percent growth and a value of $19.1 billion.

Rolex, meanwhile, rose 36 percent to clinch a distant third-place finish with a value of $7.17 billion. Chanel and Gucci, in fourth and fifth place, respectively, saw a decline in value, while sixth-place Prada made the list for the very first time.

Cartier, LVMH brands Hennessy cognac and Moët & Chandon champagne, and Burberry rounded out the top 10, while 2011 inclusion Fendi failed to make the grade this year.

"Luxury is seen as a good investment, with people increasingly buying classic pieces rather than high fashion," Millward Brown Optimor managing director Nick Cooper said in a statement. "Those who can afford it indulge, including young professionals who, increasingly unable to buy houses, are spending their disposable income on mid-tier luxury."

Guilty as charged! On the apparel front, first-place Nike led the pack, followed by H&M, Zara, Ralph Lauren, Adidas, Uniqlo, Hugo Boss, Next, Metersbonwe, and Calvin Klein.

Congrats, all! Now go and spread some more of that Moët around. You've earned it.