Bold New Brands
With so many brand names thrown around, have you ever wondered who the men and women behind them are? Well, some of the greatest minds in fashion are preceded by their work, and this list aims to bring attention to the 20 most influential in the industry. Period.
1. Coco Chanel
Originating from France, Coco revolutionized the fashion industry through her elegant and modern designs. She started out with a hat boutique in Paris, which opened its doors in 1910. She then went on to create iconic looks like the little black dress and has since solidified Chanel as a global luxury brand.
2. Calvin Klein
Born in New York in 1942, Calvin Klein is as American as it gets. Known for creating iconic jeans and minimalistic undergarments, his brand continues to be synonymous with American fashion.
3. Christian Dior
Another French powerhouse, Dior got its start in 1905 and went on to define fashion after the war. It introduced trends like the cinched waist and continues to excel in haute couture and limited-edition accessories.
4. Yves Saint Laurent
Born in Algeria, Saint Laurent worked alongside Christian Dior and became his apprentice at 21. He later went on to create revolutionary suit designs and collaborated with numerous celebrities over the years.
5. Giorgio Armani
The first Italian contender on the list, Armani was a window dresser before launching his fashion career in 1975. Despite this late start, he introduced innovative unstructured suits and quickly secured a spot as a global leader in fashion.
6. Betsey Johnson
With humble origins in Connecticut, Johnson quickly became famous for her eccentric and feminine designs throughout the '60s. She’s credited with much of the iconic fashion from that era and continues to promote colorful and quirky styles.
7. Pierre Cardin
Returning to Italy, Cardin is considered an influential, modern, and experimental designer. He always had one foot in the future and began pushing the limits of ready-to-wear fashion in the 1950s and '60s.
8. Miuccia Prada
The Devil may or may not wear Prada, but many people do. Born in Italy, Miuccia inherited her family business in 1978 but quickly transformed it into an empire through her minimalist bag designs and sophisticated fashions.
9. Donatella Versace
Another Italian designer, Donatella took over Versace after her brother Gianni passed away. Her vision was bold and glamorous, celebrating the feminine form and securing her prominence in the industry.
10. Tommy Hilfiger
For casual fans, Hilfiger has defined the genre by bridging the complexity of high-end fashion with contemporary and approachable aesthetics. Considered a founder of quintessential American style, it’s no surprise he got his start in New York.
Kunstakademiets Designskole on Wikimedia
11. Ralph Lauren
Another New York designer, Ralph Lauren was born in 1939 and quickly gravitated toward the world of fashion. In 1967, he launched his iconic polo shirts along with lifestyle accessories like neckties. A very popular brand to this day, Lauren has made fashion that lasts.
12. Alexander McQueen
Known for his theatrical tendencies, McQueen guarantees show-stopping fashion with his avant-garde looks. Born in England in 1969, he became head designer at Givenchy in 1996, and has since elevated the brand to new heights.
Christopher Macsurak on Wikimedia
13. Christian Louboutin
Originating from Paris, Louboutin is renowned for his red-bottomed heels, but he actually got his start back in 1963. He launched his label in 1991, and through his unique style and luxurious branding, quickly rose to the top.
14. Hubert de Givenchy
The founder of Givenchy was born in France in 1927 and launched his brand in 1952. Known for working alongside Audrey Hepburn, Givenchy created many of her iconic looks and has been praised as a luxury leader ever since.
15. Tom Ford
Born in Texas in 1961, Tom Ford has influenced multiple fashion brands throughout his career. He worked diligently to produce high-end fashion and beauty products during the late '90s and early 2000s and is credited with revitalizing brands like Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci.
16. Karl Lagerfeld
Born in Germany in 1933, Lagerfeld became one of the creative directors behind Chanel, a position he took on in 1983. Since then, he has helped shape the brand into a fashion icon.
Christopher William Adach from Mexico on Wikimedia
17. Domenico Dolce
One part of the Dolce & Gabbana powerhouse, Domenico was born in Italy in 1958. With a deep admiration for Sicilian-inspired design, he partnered with Stefano Gabbana to create a leading luxury brand.
18. Stefano Gabbana
The other half of the Dolce & Gabbana duo, Stefano Gabbana, was born in Italy in 1962. He emphasized the Mediterranean themes showcased in their designs and continues to promote globally inspired bold aesthetics.
19. Marc Jacobs
Originating from New York, Marc Jacobs was born in 1963 and quickly became a trendsetter. Combining a quirky aesthetic with high-end fashion, he served as the creative director of Louis Vuitton in the 1990s.
20. Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood was born in 1941 in England and has established her brand as a leader in sustainable and avant-garde fashion. She is considered a key founder of the punk movement and contributed to rebellious clothing designs that defined the 1970s.
