The latest research from Pambianco Strategie di Impresa has unveiled the US companies dominate the global fashion business, while Italian companies are not to be found among the first top ten players.

Pambianco, the Milan-based consultancy for textile and clothing sector, in its annual report based on world’s leading fashion companies sales figure found that US companies account for 45 percent of the combined sales of the 100 major fashion companies.

French luxury goods group LVMH still leads ranking, which is closely followed by US fashion retailer Gap. The ranking includes companies operating in the clothing, footwear, leather goods, eyewear, jewellery and watch businesses.

Gap, Nike, Victoria's Secret parent Limited Brands and VF Corporation are among the top ten fashion companies.

According to Pambianco’s ranking, the Italian companies missed the first ranks, with Luxottica to be found in fourteenth and Gucci in sixteenth place. Giorgio Armani is the world's 34th biggest fashion company in terms of sales.

US accessories specialist Coach is the most profitable company with profit before interest, taxes, amortization and depreciation making up 40 percent of sales.

Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana and French Hermes are also among the most profitable fashion companies.

(www.fibre2fashion.com)