Balenciaga has completely changed the fashion of luxury. They are recognized for their eccentric designs, oversized clothes, and bold streetwear style. Founded in 1919 by Cristobal Balenciaga and then revived under the creative direction of Demna Gvasalia, the brand has become synonymous with high-fashion subversion, turning sneaker culture, deconstructed tailoring and logomania into a global phenomenon. Whether it’s the Triple S sneaker, the Hourglass bag, or viral merchandise. Balenciaga continues to set trends rather than follow them.
However, if you’re looking for brands with the same spirit, there are plenty of alternatives that combine high fashion and modern design.
From established luxury houses like Rick Owens to rising brands like Vetements, these brands share Balenciaga’s commitment to innovative silhouettes, unconventional style and cultural relevance.
Many also emphasize quality, sustainability or gender freedom, offering unique perspectives in the luxury fashion space.
In this guide, we take a look at 30 brands that embody Balenciaga’s rebellious yet sophisticated style.
# Best for deconstructed streetwear
Vetements
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 2014
Origin: France
Vetements was founded in 2014 by Demna Gvasalia and is known for its rebellious approach to fashion. People love this brand for its bold, disruptive silhouettes and conceptual designs. A unique feature of Vetements is its anti-fashion style that reinterprets classic pieces. The most iconic items include oversize hoodies, graphic t-shirts, and massive boots.
# Best for avant-garde and dark fashion
Rick Owens
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1994
Origin: United States
Rick Owens was founded in 1994 and is known for its minimalistic yet brutal style. People love this brand for its long silhouettes, dark hues and architectural shapes. A unique feature of Rick Owens is its futuristic cuts and experimentation with volume. The most iconic items include long leather jackets, massive sneakers and asymmetrical tops.
# Best for experimental fashion
Maison Margiela
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1988
Origin: France
Maison Margiela was founded in 1988 and is known for its conceptual collections that redefine fashion. People love this brand for its unique deconstructive elements and anonymous style. A unique feature of Maison Margiela is its iconic ‘Replica’ line and unexpected interpretations of classic clothing. The most iconic items include tabi boots, oversize coats and tattered raincoats.
# Best for luxury streetwear
Off-White
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 2012
Origin: United States
Off-White was founded in 2012 by Virgil Abloh and combined street fashion aesthetics with premium materials. People love this brand for its graphic prints, iconic stripes and ‘quotes’. Off-White’s unique feature is its play with typography and urban aesthetic. The most iconic products include tag sneakers, neon jackets and printed denim.
# Best for dramatic and gothic fashion
Alexander McQueen
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1992
Origin: United Kingdom
Alexander McQueen was founded in 1992 and is known for its dramatic silhouettes and gothic elements. People love this brand for its theatrical approach to design and attention to detail. McQueen’s unique characteristic is its combination of elegance with a rebellious spirit. The most iconic products include massive sneakers, embroidered suits and structured dresses.
# Best for edgy and sophisticated fashion
Givenchy
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1952
Origin: France
Givenchy was founded in 1952 and combines classic elegance with modern urban style. People love this brand for its sophisticated yet bold silhouettes. Givenchy’s unique characteristic is its balance between luxury and punk elements. The most iconic products include leather jackets, printed blazers and classic handbags.
# Best for rock-inspired luxury fashion
Saint Laurent
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1961
Origin: France
Saint Laurent was founded in 1961 and is known for its stylish yet rock and roll looks. People love this brand for its leather jackets, tight pants and classic jackets. A unique feature of Saint Laurent is its iconic style inspired by musicians and subcultures. The most iconic products include slouchy leathers, booties and chain bags.
# Best for bold and eclectic fashion
Gucci
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1921
Origin: Italy
Gucci was founded in 1921 and underwent a transformation under the leadership of Alessandro Michele. People love this brand for its eclectic, vintage and luxurious elements. A unique feature of Gucci is its play with bright colors, prints and vintage silhouettes. The most iconic items include loafers, plaid suits and GG Marmont bags.
# Best for artistic and sculptural designs
Loewe
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1846
Origin: Spain
Loewe was founded in 1846 and combines luxurious classics with modern art. People love this brand for its unusual designs and attention to detail. A unique feature of Loewe is its use of artisan techniques and experimentation with textiles. The most iconic products include Puzzle bags, oversize collar coats and abstract dresses.
# Best for modernist and conceptual fashion
Prada
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1913
Origin: Italy
Prada was founded in 1913 and is known for its minimalistic yet innovative approach. People love this brand for its conceptual cuts, technological fabrics and concise silhouettes. Prada’s unique characteristic is its combination of traditional elegance with industrial aesthetics. The most iconic products include nylon backpacks, platform loafers and geometric jackets.
# Best for avant-garde and conceptual fashion
Comme des Garçons
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1969
Origin: Japan
Comme des Garçons, founded by Rei Kawakubo in 1969, is known for its experimental and conceptual designs. The brand attracts attention with asymmetrical silhouettes, unusual materials and a deconstructive approach. Cult pieces include layered dresses, voluminous coats and signature heart T-shirts.
# Best for avant-garde and minimalist fashion
Yohji Yamamoto
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1981
Origin: Japan
Since its 1981 debut, Yohji Yamamoto has redefined modern tailoring with a masterful command of drape, asymmetry, and structure. Signature pieces include the wool gabardine Hakama Pants ($1,180), known for their voluminous cut, and the Avant-garde Wrap Coat ($2,340), a study in architectural precision. Each garment blends artistry with function—fluid yet structured, timeless yet subversive.
# Best for innovative and pleated designs
Issey Miyake
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1970
Origin: Japan
Issey Miyake, founded in 1970, is known for its innovative approaches to fabrics and pleating. The brand attracts attention with experimental materials and techniques. Cult pieces include pleated tops, dresses and pants from the ‘Pleats Please’ collection.
# Best for eclectic prints and rich fabrics
Dries Van Noten
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1986
Origin: Belgium
Dries Van Noten, the Belgian house renowned for its opulent fabrics and avant-garde prints since 1986, delivers statement pieces that redefine modern luxury. Signature designs include jacquard jackets (from $1,500), floral silk dresses (from $1,800), and intricately embroidered skirts (from $1,200). Precision tailoring, bold color compositions, and exquisite craftsmanship ensure each garment is both striking and enduring.
# Best for tailored and preppy fashion
Thom Browne
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 2001
Origin: United States
Thom Browne, founded in 2001, is known for its austere silhouettes and preppy aesthetic. The brand catches the eye with cropped jackets, slim pants and signature striped details. Cult pieces include gray suits, striped cardigans and oxford shirts.
# Best for hybrid and layered designs
Sacai
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1999
Origin: Japan
Sacai, founded by Chitose Abe in 1999, is known for its hybrid and layered designs. The brand is renowned for combining different materials and silhouettes to create unique and unexpected looks. Cult pieces include layered jackets, dresses with inserts and asymmetrical skirts.
# Best for utilitarian and conceptual fashion
Craig Green
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 2012
Origin: United Kingdom
Craig Green, which debuted in 2012, is known for its utilitarian and conceptual designs. The brand catches the eye with sculptural silhouettes, belts and functional details. Cult pieces include quilted jackets, belted pants and structured shirts.
# Best for minimalist and refined fashion
Jil Sander
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1968
Origin: Germany
Jil Sander, the epitome of modern minimalism since 1968, refines luxury with precision tailoring and impeccable fabrics. Its signature wool blazers (from $2,490), silk poplin blouses (around $990), and impeccably cut trousers (starting at $890) embody quiet sophistication. Defined by clean lines and neutral tones, each piece offers timeless elegance with an emphasis on durability and effortless versatility.
# Best for androgynous and draped designs
Haider Ackermann
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 2001
Origin: France
Haider Ackermann, which debuted in 2001, is known for its androgynous and draped designs. The brand catches the eye with intricate draping, rich colors and elegant silhouettes. Cult pieces include draped jackets, silk pants and asymmetrical tops.
# Best for bold and structured fashion
Balmain
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1945
Origin: France
Balmain, founded in 1945, is known for its bold and structured designs. The brand is known for military elements, emphasized shoulders and luxurious fabrics. Cult pieces include jackets with epaulettes, embellished dresses and leather pants.
# Best for bold and extravagant fashion
Philipp Plein
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1998
Origin: Switzerland
Philipp Plein was founded in 1998 and is known for its bold and provocative aesthetic. People love this brand for its bold designs adorned with rhinestones, skulls and leather inserts. A unique feature of Philipp Plein is its combination of luxury and streetwear aesthetics. The most iconic items include jackets with crystals, solid sneakers and T-shirts with graphic prints.
# Best for edgy and playful luxury fashion
Dsquared2
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1995
Origin: Canada
Dsquared2 was founded in 1995 by the Canadian Caiten brothers and has become known for its combination of luxe and punk rebellion. People love this brand for its colorful prints, tight silhouettes and mix of sporty and evening styles. A unique feature of Dsquared2 is their ability to combine classic aesthetics with grunge elements. Their most iconic items include ripped jeans, printed T-shirts and solid boots.
# Best for streetwear with a luxury touch
Palm Angels
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 2015
Origin: Italy
Palm Angels was founded in 2015 and combined skate culture aesthetics with luxurious fabrics and silhouettes. People love this brand for its iconic tracksuits, spectacular logos, and vintage motifs. A unique feature of Palm Angels is their inspiration from American street culture, which is intertwined with Italian luxury. The most iconic merchandise includes athletic pants with leggings, hoodies with prints, and logo T-shirts.
# Best for elevated streetwear
Fear of God
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 2013
Origin: United States
Fear of God was founded in 2013 by Jerry Lorenzo and has become an iconic brand due to its combination of luxury and street style. People love the brand for its relaxed silhouettes, minimalist palette and premium fabrics. A unique feature of Fear of God is its attention to detail and iconic styles that look simple yet sophisticated. The most iconic items include elongated hoodies, voluminous pants and minimalist jackets.
# Best for rock-inspired luxury fashion
Amiri
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 2014
Origin: United States
Amiri was founded in 2014 by Mike Amiri and has become known for its stylish jeans with holes and punk aesthetic. People love this brand for its quality materials, spectacular embroideries, and iconic biker silhouettes. Amiri’s unique feature is its combination of California relaxed vibe with grunge elements. The most iconic items include jeans with leather inserts, leather jackets and graphic T-shirts.
# Best for conceptual and modernist fashion
Raf Simons
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1995
Origin: Belgium
Raf Simons was founded in 1995 and is known for its minimalistic yet avant-garde designs. People love this brand for its conceptual silhouettes, architectural shapes and sophisticated approach to street fashion. What makes Raf Simons unique is its experimentation and attention to detail inspired by youth culture. His most iconic products include oversize coats, asymmetrical jackets and futuristic sneakers.
# Best for streetwear with a technical edge
Heron Preston
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 2016
Origin: United States
Heron Preston was founded in 2016 and has quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of street style and functional design. People love the brand for its iconic orange palette, Cyrillic lettering and technical fabrics. A unique feature of Heron Preston is the influence of industrial design on fashion. The most iconic products include ‘STYLE’ t-shirts, sneakers with unusual soles and technical pants.
# Best for unconventional and gender-fluid fashion
Martine Rose
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 2007
Origin: United Kingdom
Martine Rose was founded in 2007 and is known for its androgynous silhouettes and unconventional proportions. People love this brand for its play with volumes, vintage motifs and unconventional cuts. A unique feature of Martine Rose is its ability to blend 90s aesthetics with futuristic elements. Her most iconic products include wide leg pants, vintage sports jackets and unusual blazers.
# Best for industrial and high-tech fashion
1017 ALYX 9SM
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 2015
Origin: Italy
1017 ALYX 9SM was founded in 2015 by Matthew Williams and is known for its technological and industrial aesthetic. People love this brand for its use of technical materials, metal buckles, and minimalistic silhouettes. A unique feature of 1017 ALYX 9SM is its attention to innovative technology in textiles and design. The most iconic products include tactical belts, minimalist jackets and leather pants.
# Best for punk and rebellious fashion
Undercover
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1993
Origin: Japan
Undercover was founded in 1993 by Jun Takahashi and is known for its experimental and punk elements. People love this brand for its bold, anarchic style and unconventional materials. A unique feature of Undercover is their ability to blend street aesthetics with conceptual fashion. Their most iconic merchandise includes graphic print T-shirts, voluminous parkas, and neon shoes.
