BRUSSELS, Oct 14 (Reuters) - The EU Commission said on

Tuesday it has fined fashion brands Gucci, Chloe and Loewe a

combined 157 million euros ($181.52 million) for fixing resale

prices, in breach of EU competition rules, adding that this kind

of anticompetitive behaviour increases prices and reduces choice

for consumers.

"In particular, the three fashion companies interfered with

their retailers' commercial strategies by imposing restrictions

on them, such as requiring them to not deviate from recommended

retail prices; maximum discounts rates; and specific periods for

sales," the Commission said in a statement.

Gucci is owned by French luxury group Kering,

Chloe by Swiss group Richemont and Loewe by LVMH

.

($1 = 0.8649 euros)