American Designers

Tommy Hilfiger

• Highest paid fashion executive in the US in 2001.

• Self-taught designer of men’s tailored clothing.

Calvin Klein

• Paved the way for designer jeans.

• Known for risqué advertising.

• Considered by many to be the most prominent American designer.

Donna Karan

• Upscale women’s and men’s suits and sportswear.

• Seven CFDA awards.• Sold financial aspect

of business to LVMH.

Vera Wang

• Known for couture bridal designs for individual clients.

• Began career as a senior fashion editor for Vogue.

Sean “P Diddy” Combs

• Sean John collection for boy’s and men’s wear.

• Earner $100 million per year in his first two years.

Bill Blass

• First American designer to introduce pinstripes and houndstooth into womenswear.

• Died from cancer in 2002.

Tom Ford

• Texas native relocated to Paris.

• Creative director for Gucci and Yves St Laurent who is credited with saving the companies from bankruptcy; has recently resigned.

• Considered one of the most influential designers ever.

Ralph Lauren

• Classy “preppy” sophisticated styles for women and men.

• Began by designing wide neckties.

Norman Norell

• Widely regarded as the patron saint of vintage New York chic.

• Known for understated wool dresses with a high round neckline, sequined cocktail dresses, and sailor motifs.

Italian Designers

Donatella Versace

• Sister of Gianni Versace, continued the business after his death.

• Features electric colours, sensuous fabrics, clingy silhouettes, and bold sexiness

Muccia Prada

• Mime performer turned fashion mogul.

• Added womenswear to the leather handbag lines after inheriting the family business

• Consistent popularity for four decades.

• His vintage gowns are considered collectables. (Ex: Julia Roberts’ black gown with white piping Oscar Night 2001).

Valentino

French Designers

Oscar de la Renta

• Known most for women’s streetwear and evening gowns.

• Designed first in Paris, then moved to New York.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

• Signature Chanel jacket.

• One version of the “little black dress.”

Cristobal Balenciaga

• Known for huge evening coats.

• Chemise dresses, pillbox hats, and long, full skirts.

Hubert de Givenchy

• Was the first designer of haute couture to introduce a collection of luxury women’s ready-to-wear.

• Enjoyed a legendary friendship with actress Audrey Hepburn who became the brand’s ambassador.

British Designers

Mary Quant

• One of the originators of the Mod Look of the 1960’s.

• Miniskirts, vinyl boots, geometric patterns, strong colours.