Giorgio Armani and Gucci are the world's most desirable brands, according to an online consumer survey by market research firm ACNielsen. The company found that one in three consumers would buy products by either one of the luxury brands if money were not an issue. "Giorgio Armani and Gucci clearly understand that strong brands make for profitable businesses," ACNielsen president and chief executive Frank Martell told Bloomberg. "They are not merely selling fashion, they are selling an image, something consumers are willing to pay a premium for."

According to ACNielsen, Versace came in third place, reaffirming the strength and continued appeal of Italian luxury brands. 27 percent of consumers said they would buy Versace items if money were not a concern. ACNielsen surveyed 21,000 consumers in 42 countries, from Europe , Asia-Pacific, the United Arab Emirates and North and Latin America .