Icons That Defined Luxury: From Cartier's Love to the Legends That Shaped Brands
- Arman Poureisa
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
In the world of luxury, there are timeless moments when a single creation transcends its material form, becoming a symbol of eternal commitment, cultural influence, and celebrity association. For Cartier, this moment arrived in 1969 when Aldo Cipullo designed the Love bracelet. With its unique locking mechanism and screwdriver closure, the bracelet became a metaphor for everlasting love. It graced the wrists of icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and later, Kylie Jenner and the Kardashian family, cementing its place in the annals of luxury history.
After 56 years, Cartier has reimagined its iconic Love bracelet, introducing a supple version that retains the essence of the original design while incorporating modern comfort and flexibility. This evolution not only demonstrates the brand's ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences but also serves as a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of timeless symbols.
When One Icon Shapes a Brand Forever
The Hermès Birkin bag stands as a testament to the power of celebrity endorsement in the world of luxury. Born from a serendipitous encounter between Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a Paris flight in 1984, the bag's practical yet luxurious design captured the public's imagination. Its popularity soared when celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, and Jennifer Lopez began flaunting their own Birkins, solidifying its status as a cultural icon.
Louis Vuitton's Speedy, introduced in the 1930s, was another milestone. Audrey Hepburn requested a smaller version in the 1960s, which became the Speedy 25, a model that propelled Louis Vuitton from trunk maker to fashion house. Today, the Speedy is carried by everyone from Rihanna to Selena Gomez.
At Gucci, the Jackie bag became iconic in the 1970s thanks to Jackie Kennedy Onassis, who carried it so often that Gucci renamed it in her honor. Revived in recent years, the Jackie is now seen on Harry Styles and Dakota Johnson, proving that icons never truly fade; they reinvent themselves, inspiring us with their adaptability and resilience.
Watches and Jewelry with Immortal Status
Luxury watches have their own legends. The Rolex Daytona, closely linked to Paul Newman, shattered records when his personal watch sold at Christie's for $17.8 million in 2017. The Omega Speedmaster, famously worn by Buzz Aldrin during the Apollo 11 moon landing, gave Omega an indelible place in history as the "Moonwatch."
Jewelry houses tell similar stories. Tiffany & Co.'s six-prong diamond setting redefined engagement rings in 1886, creating a design that is still the global standard for romance. Bvlgari's Serpenti bracelet-watch, famously worn by Elizabeth Taylor during the filming of Cleopatra, has become a symbol of glamour and sensuality, underscoring the cultural impact of these luxury icons.
Fashion Icons that Went Viral Before Virality
In fashion, some designs have become so influential that they have defined entire eras. Chanel's 2.55 handbag, created by Gabrielle Chanel in 1955, was revolutionary with its quilted leather and chain strap, liberating women from the constraints of clutches. It remains one of the most coveted bags today, worn by everyone from Blake Lively to Kristen Stewart.
Christian Louboutin's red-soled shoes, meanwhile, became instant cultural shorthand for luxury. Spotted on Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City, and later on stars like Beyoncé and Rihanna, the shoes are more than footwear; they are statements of identity.
Princess Diana elevated Dior's Lady Dior into legend when she carried it in the 1990s. The house has since reimagined the bag in collaborations with artists like Judy Chicago and contemporary ambassadors like Jennifer Lawrence, keeping its allure alive.
Contemporary Icons in the Age of Social Media
Today's icons are often born not in ateliers, but online. Balenciaga's Triple S sneakers and Kanye West's Yeezy Boost 350 for Adidas changed sneaker culture, merging high fashion with streetwear. Jacquemus' Le Chiquito, so tiny it became a meme, owes its success to Instagram virality. Worn by Lizzo, Kendall Jenner, and Bella Hadid, it proved that in the digital era, a clever design and strong visuals can make a global impact overnight.
The Lesson Behind Every Icon
From Cartier's Love bracelet to Chanel's 2.55, these products were never just accessories; they were symbols of luxury and style. They became symbols of identity, aspiration, and culture, often tied to celebrities, historic moments, or bold design breakthroughs. They remind us that luxury is not simply about price, but about meaning, story, and status. At Raffles' Fashion Marketing and Management program, students are trained to decode these case studies, understanding how legacies are built, how icons are revived, and how heritage and innovation intersect. This is where tomorrow's luxury leaders learn how to craft not just products, but legends.
References
Business of Fashion. (2025). How Jacquemus built a global brand through iconic bags. Business of Fashion. https://www.businessoffashion.com
Cartier. (2025). For the first time in 56 years, Cartier introduces new supple Love bracelet. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/life/style/for-the-first-time-in-56-years-cartier-introduces-new-supple-love-bracelet
Christie’s. (2023). Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona – the most expensive watch ever sold at auction. Christie’s. https://www.christies.com
Estate Diamond Jewelry. (n.d.). Aldo Cipullo jewelry. Estate Diamond Jewelry. https://www.estatediamondjewelry.com/aldo-cipullo-jewelry/
Forbes. (2024). Hermès Birkin: Why it remains the world’s most coveted handbag. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com
Tiffany & Co. (2024). A brief history of the Tiffany Setting. Tiffany & Co. https://www.tiffany.com
Vogue. (2024). The history of the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com
WWD. (2024). Chanel’s 2.55 and its enduring legacy. WWD. https://wwd.com
Beautiful storytelling 👏
very inspiring
This is interesting
👍🏽
👍