At the end of every year, there are so many fashion magzines and websites make top list of luxury brands that are widely spreaded all over the world. True or false, nevertheless, we should consider them as an extra reference.

Each year the Best Global Brands generates increasing amounts of interest from companies and practitioners associated with brands. The Interbrand who create and manage brand value lead the discussion to help organizations understand and grow the value of their brands. Here is their top9 luxury brands list 2008 according to their research.

Top 1 Louis Vuitton – Values $m21,602

Louis Vuitton continues to grow in all regions and behave quite unlike most other luxury brands. Louis Vuitton handbags are not only signs of taste and fashion, but also symbols of social status and recognition. Besides, the brand has enjoyed significant growth in its ready-to-wear footwear, watches, and accessories collections.

Top 2 Gucci – Values $m8,254

One of the world’s most coveted luxury brands, Gucci can’t afford to rest on its laurels. With an increased brand communication budget of 41.5% over last year, the brand has capitalized on its lead positioning of creativity, quality, and the kudos of being “Made in Italy.” With a retail network it directly owns and operates, Gucci has a firm grip on both its brand and the revenues it generates, something that will provide an advantage as it enters into emerging markets such as India.

Top 3 Chanel – Values $m6,355

Regarded as one of the world’s most iconic fashion brands, Chanel maintains its desirability through classic appeal that is constantly being reinterpreted for modern times. More affordable ranges are offered in limited quantities and, during the fears of recession, Chanel has maintained price points and exclusive positioning. Familiarity with the brand is sure to rocket following the release of the biopic “Coco avant Chanel.”

Top 4 Rolex – Values $m4,956

Rolex is the world’s biggest luxury watch brand. The secret to its success has been a long-term view on its relationship with consumers, focusing on performance and continuity – something demonstrated by the great value collectors put on vintage Rolex watches. Recent investments follow this strategy, with enhanced after-sales services and distribution benefiting from increased spending.

Top 5 Hermes – Values $m4,575

One of the most exclusive and prestigious fashion houses in the world continues to pursue a strategy of creativity, quality, know-how, and artisan spirit. A strategic refocus on geographic expansion has seen inroads in India and China and the high-profile opening of a store on Wall Street – one of 40 planned in 2008.

Top 6 Cartier – Values $m4,236

Performing exceptionally well in jewelry and watches, Cartier is now looking to China to boost revenues, growing the number of outlets to capitalize on the strong demand from the Asian market. Looking ahead, the resilient nature of high-end consumers leaves Cartier in a strong position, even against the backdrop of the current economic climate.

Top 7 Tiffany & Co – Values $m4,208

Tiffany & Co.’s consistent brand strategy and focus on the customer experience ensure that, regardless of economic conditions, people will always find a little sparkle when they walk through the doors. That said, a positioning of “affordable luxury” may leave the brand exposed if mainstream consumers continue to cut back on luxury spending while highly affluent consumers stay loyal to the ultra-premium end of the market. It will be interesting to see how consumers react to the new “Collections” store format.

Top 8 Prada – Values $m3,585

Prada has been the top spender on marketing and advertising among the luxury global brands. With the Chinese market expected to account for 10% of global sales by 2010, the region has been a key focus for development. The Prada phone, developed in conjunction with LG, was well received and helped the brand to reach new audiences.

Top 9 Giorgio Armani – Values $m3,526

As one of the world’s most dynamic fashion brands, Armani has a long track record of promoting the luxury Italian lifestyle. But recent investments in new categories have helped the brand reach out to new audiences. The Armani brand now stretches into areas as diverse as fragrance (Armani Code), home furnishings (Armani Casa), technology (co-branding with Samsung) and hotels (the first Armani hotel opened in 2008 in Dubai).

This review is about Louis Vuitton’s latest collection which is called Boétie. The Boétie collection include handbags in different sizes which are the PM, MM and the GM. All of them are stylish and functional, so that I guess they will probably appeal to almost everyone.

As for me, I like the Boétie MM best. First, the middle child is always the most awkward one. Second, it is perfectly sized. Its handles are much longer than the GM or PM versions, and it’s neither roomy like the GM or cute like the PM. It features classic Monogram Canvas, and specially has natural cowhide leather on the top. it will actually make a very good shoulder bag, as the handle drop is ample and great for those who need both hands free.

Besides, it has golden brass hardware which include which includes the golden brass twist lock on the leather flap closure and the bottom studs to protect the bag. Thanks to its zip top closure, we can carry it conveniently and securely. It also has some extra open flat pouches interior for additional room.

Anyway, this sure is another classy bag that could work for the mature ladies who are more after the classiness than having a fun and stylish appeal. You must have noticed the collection on Louis Vuitton official site. It shows that the 20×10.6×9” GM costs $2580, the 17.3×10.2×7.9” MM costs $2180 and the 14.3x9x6.3” PM costs $1860. Though the tag of the authentic one is indeed too much for most common people, it is definitely worth our every penny.