The multi-trillion-dollar fashion industry has navigated enormous change in recent years, from a global pandemic to a turbulent geopolitical landscape, supply chain disruptions and rapidly shifting consumer preferences.
All of this has had a significant impact on fashion’s workforce and what they are seeking from their employers.
To examine these shifts, BoF Careers conducted a survey of our global community from May to June 2025, to better understand what talent is looking for as well as which companies they would most like to work for — and why.
More than 1000 members from the global BoF community in 74 countries, representing a variety of seniority levels and age groups, told us which three companies they would most like to work for in fashion and provided up to three reasons for choosing these companies from the following criteria:
- Employer brand and industry reputation
- Pay and compensation
- Company values and culture
- Career progression opportunities
- Training and learning opportunities
- Benefits and perks
To create a ranking, each company was given a score based on the frequency of selections by survey respondents and whether these selections were a first, second or third choice.
To read the full survey findings, download the full report from BoF Careers: ‘What Fashion and Beauty Professionals Want From Employers’. Our proprietary data is analysed alongside insights from global HR leaders at Prada Group, Adidas, Patagonia and L’Oréal Groupe, as well as strategists, writers and consultants specialising in leadership and HR.
1. LVMH
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is the largest luxury goods conglomerate with a portfolio of 75 houses including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, Sephora, Celine and Loewe. LVMH operates across six sectors, including fashion and leather goods, watches and jewellery, perfume and cosmetics, retailing, wine and spirits.
Why People Want to Work at LVMH
- The primary reason survey respondents want to work at LVMH is “pay and compensation”, followed by “employer brand and industry reputation” and “career progression opportunities”.
- In written comments, respondents referenced LVMH’s size, global presence and industry-leading status as particularly attractive, as well as the calibre of brands within the group’s roster.
- Several respondents also cited “internal mobility” across brands as an incentive to work at LVMH, with one respondent saying they perceive LVMH to offer “upward and lateral mobility across fashion, beauty, and luxury goods.”
2. Chanel
Chanel is a French luxury fashion house, founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in Paris in 1910. The company is privately owned by the Wertheimer family and headquartered in Paris. With the late Karl Lagerfeld steering the brand’s creative direction for 36 years, Matthieu Blazy is its newly appointed creative director and Leena Nair its global CEO.
Why People Want to Work at Chanel
- Respondents selected Chanel as a desirable place to work for its “employer branding and industry reputation” as well as its “company values and culture”. “Career progression opportunities” were also perceived as attractive at Chanel.
- Several respondents called out Chanel CEO Leena Nair as an inspiring leader and reason for wanting to work at the brand. The opportunity to work under artistic director Matthieu Blazy and his new chapter for the brand was also referenced.
- Others focused on the heritage, cultural cachet and visual codes of Chanel as key reasons for wanting to work there.
3. Hermès
Hermès International S.A., founded in Paris in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, is a luxury fashion and lifestyle brand. Hermès is revered for its meticulous craftsmanship and iconic products, such as the Birkin and Kelly handbags.
Why People Want to Work at Hermès
- Respondents selected Hermès as an attractive place to work for its “employer brand and industry reputation”. This was closely followed by the “company values and culture” and “pay and compensation”.
- Many respondents referenced Hermès’ craftsmanship, quality and artisanal production as being key reasons behind the brand’s desirability as a place of work.
- Consistency, authenticity and brand DNA were other themes valued by respondents, as well as the brand’s luxury standing.
4. Prada
Prada S.p.A, the Italian luxury fashion brand, was founded by Mario Prada in Milan in 1913. Mario’s youngest granddaughter Miuccia Prada is currently co-chief executive alongside her husband Patrizio Bertelli, and co-creative director with Raf Simons.
Why People Want to Work at Prada
- “Employer brand and industry reputation” was the most popular reason for talent wanting to work at Prada. “Career progression opportunities” and “company values and culture” also scoring highly.
- Respondents highlighted Prada’s “consistency and credibility” and “clear vision”.
- One respondent also referenced a perceived longer tenure of employees as a desirable workplace quality.
5. Dior
Dior, established by Christian Dior in Paris in 1947, is a prestigious French luxury house renowned for its haute couture designs, Lady Dior handbag and “J’adore” fragrance. Dior’s CEO is Delphine Arnault and its newly appointed creative director is Jonathan Anderson.
Why People Want to Work at Dior
- Primary reasons talent want to work at Dior are its “employer brand and industry reputation”, followed by its “company values and culture” and “career progression opportunities”.
- Many respondents referred to Dior’s heritage and reputation in the luxury industry as an incentive for wanting to work there.
- Several respondents were especially drawn to Dior’s association with women’s rights, with one respondent calling out its “mentorship programme exclusively for women” — likely referring to the Women@Dior initiative.
6. Loewe
Spanish luxury house Loewe was founded in Madrid in 1846, and is currently owned by LVMH. Rooted in craft and tradition, Loewe’s former creative director Jonathan Anderson revived the brand, with estimated revenues of more than $1.5 billion. Today, it is headed up by designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, with Pascale Lepoivre its CEO.
Why People Want to Work at Loewe
- Respondents want to work at Loewe due to the company’s “employer brand and industry reputation”. Its “company values and culture” were also seen as attractive to talent.
- Respondents cited Loewe’s creativity and innovation as key factors in attracting them to the brand, likely referring to the transformative tenure of Anderson and the impact he had on the business with his surrealist designs and playful vision.
7. Patagonia
Patagonia is an American retailer of outdoor recreation clothing and equipment, founded by climber and environmentalist Yvon Chouinard in 1973. Today, Patagonia is one of the world’s most successful outerwear brands and is dedicated to its mission around sustainability and a planet-first approach.
Why People Want to Work at Patagonia
- Respondents highlighted Patagonia’s “company values and culture” as a compelling reason for wanting to work there, with “employer brand and industry reputation” as a close second.
- Several respondents mentioned Patagonia’s commitments to sustainability as being an attractive quality: “Patagonia actually DOES what it says it is doing,” said one respondent. “It is transparent, even when they make a mistake.”
8. Brunello Cucinelli
Brunello Cucinelli is the namesake brand of its founder and creative director, established in 1978. Cucinelli’s minimalist ready-to-wear and accessories focus on quality and craftsmanship. The brand is particularly famous for its cashmere products, sourced from Hircus goats near the business’ headquarters in Solomeo, Italy.
Why People Want to Work at Brunello Cucinelli
- “Company values and culture” was shortly followed by “employer brand and industry reputation” for talent when asked why they want to work at Brunello Cucinelli. “Pay and compensation” was also regarded highly.
- Several mentioned Cucinelli himself as being a leader they would like to work for, as well as the brand’s ethics.
- Talent also commented on the brand’s tradition and commitment to craftsmanship as being attractive, as well as an admiration for the quality of the products they create.
9. Adidas
Adidas AG, founded by Adi Dassler in Herzogenaurach, Germany, in 1949, is a global sportswear and athletic footwear brand. Known for its innovative sports products and athletic apparel, Adidas is a leading player in the sports industry.
Why People Want to Work at Adidas
- Respondents selected “company values and culture” as a compelling reason for wanting to work at Adidas, with “pay and compensation” and “employer brand and industry reputation” a joint second.
- “Adidas keeps up with industry trends and proactively encourages internal employee progress,” said one respondent.
- “Opportunity to grow globally, and in various roles,” said another.
Tied 10. Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton is a French fashion house and luxury retail company founded by Louis Vuitton in Paris in 1854. Owned by LVMH, the company is renowned for its leather goods, including handbags and luggage. Pietro Beccari is Louis Vuitton’s CEO. Pharrell Williams has overseen the creative direction for menswear since 2023, while Nicolas Ghesquière has headed up womenswear since 2013.
Why People Want to Work at Louis Vuitton
- “Company values and culture”, “pay and compensation” and “employer brand and industry reputation” were the most popular reasons for selecting Louis Vuitton as a desired place of work.
- Several respondents were attracted to Louis Vuitton as a place of work due to the strength of the brand itself.
- One respondent cited “enormous career development opportunities” as an incentive for wanting to work there.
Tied 10. McQueen
McQueen, formerly Alexander McQueen, is part of the Kering Group. Launched in 1992 by its namesake founder Alexander “Lee” McQueen, the brand is synonymous with modern British couture. Seán McGirr is its current creative director and Gianfilippo Testa is its president and CEO.
Why People Want to Work at McQueen
- “Employer brand and industry reputation” followed by “company values and culture” were the primary reasons why respondents want to work at McQueen.
- A number of respondents cited its “aesthetic” and status as a renowned British brand as compelling.
- One respondent focused on how the brand’s “creativity and commercialism [are] always in unison.”
Other leading brands
11. Nike — the world’s largest supplier of athletic apparel and footwear.
12. Bottega Veneta — a Kering-owned Italian luxury brand known for its leather craftsmanship and intrecciato weave.
13. Acne Studios — the Stockholm-based fashion house is focused on deconstructed tailoring and Scandinavian minimalism.
14. Jacquemus — a French luxury fashion brand launched by Simon Porte Jacquemus in 2009, known for its sun-drenched and playful aesthetic.
15. Cartier — the French luxury jewellery and watch brand, owned by Richemont.
16. Ralph Lauren — the eponymous American fashion brand known for its preppy aesthetic.
17. Burberry — a global luxury fashion brand with a strong British heritage, renowned trench coats and signature check.
18. Alaïa — a Richemont-owned luxury fashion brand founded by Tunisian designer Azzedine Alaïa, under the creative direction of Pieter Mulier.
19. Stella McCartney — a British fashion brand founded by its namesake designer, with a focus on sustainability and ethical practices.
20. COS — a fashion brand owned by the H&M Group, known for its modern, minimalist designs.
Disclosure: LVMH is part of a group of investors who, together, hold a minority interest in The Business of Fashion. All investors have signed shareholders’ documentation guaranteeing BoF’s complete editorial independence.
