#25. John Galliano
Named British Designer of the Year four times and the fifth most influential person in British culture, Galliano was head designer of world-recognized brands such as Givenchy and Christian Dior before creating his own label. However, his career almost ended due to his involvement in a public scandal in 2011.
After the incident, he was not only removed from his job in Christian Dior, but also his own label was shut down. Currently, Galliano is working as the creative director of Paris-based fashion house named Maison Margiela. You can find out who became his successor in Christian Dior in #6.
#24. Jacquemus
Simon Porte Jacquemus was born into a modest family of farmers in a small town located in France in 1990. He moved to Paris at the age of 18 to study at the École Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode (ESMOD) for a few months. There, he worked at a fashion magazine. When he was 20 years old, he created his own brand Jacquemus, which he named after his recently deceased mother.
Jacquemus’ style is characterized by simple cuts, few details, and original designs. He has described his own creations as a “naive” fashion. At first, his designs were promoted by having friends wear his creations in shops and in no time this now 29-year-old designer rapidly emerged as a favorite among celebrities and models.
#23. Christian Lacroix
Christian was born in southern France and was originally into Art History and museum studies. During that time, he even wanted to become a museum curator. However, he was always involved with fashion somehow. When he was young, he started sketching historical costumes and fashions. It was in 1975 when he opened his own haute couture house and 13 years later he went ahead creating ready-to-wear clothes.
Even though Mr. Lacroix received some critics stating that he did not appear to grasp the style of clothing women wanted, he went on working on his extraordinary opulent and fantasy creations influenced by his background in historical costume and clothing. His designs have become the source of inspiration to many. Lacroix had as an intern designer the celebrity who appears in #7!
#22. Thierry Mugler
Thierry Mugler is a French designer born in Strasbourg who is identified by the style and structure of his clothes. He presented his first clothes collection called “Café de Paris” bearing a sophisticated and urban style in 1973. His style was eventually described as strong, angular, and sometimes almost cruel. One of his many famous creations was the black dress worn by Demi Moore in Indecent Proposal.
Mugler continues finding original and fresh ideas; even the weirdest things become his source of inspiration – insects, robots, or aliens. He even collaborated with Cirque du Soleil and worked as artistic advisor to Beyoncé. What is more, he even created costumes for her. There is an interesting fact about Thierry that many don’t know: he is an avid bodybuilder.
#21. Tommy Hilfiger
The full name of this American designer is Thomas Jacob Hilfiger, but he is known as Tommy Hilfiger. However, his beginning in the fashion industry wasn’t smooth. When he was 20 years old, he opened his own clothing store in upstate New York and five years later he went bankrupt. Then he relocated to New York City —the fashion capital of the US— where he worked for several different labels.
At the age of 28, he set up his own company “Tommy Hill” having denim as its strong product. Six years later, Tommy Hilfiger Corporation was established becoming one of the most recognizable fashion brands in the world. Hilfiger’s collections are often influenced by the fashion of music subcultures and marketed together with the music industry. If you liked Tommy’s story, you’ll want to read #10!
#20. Michael Kors
Michael Kors is recognized for his elegant yet timeless creations. Born in Long Island, his interest for designing developed at an early age and when he was only five years old he redesigned his mother’s wedding dress when she remarried. As a teen, Kors started designing clothes and selling them from his parents’ basement. He even took acting lessons, but then he decided to focus on his designing career.
In 1981, Michael launched his women’s label and he was the first women’s ready-to-wear designer for the French house Céline from 1997 to 2003. Nowadays, he has a wide array of followers, from celebrities to politicians, such as Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Angelina Jolie, and Jennifer Lawrence, among others.
#19. Roland Mouret
Roland Mouret is a French designer who right after finishing high school began to study in a Parisian fashion college. In the ’80s, he worked as a creative director in a gay magazine and was an LGBT rights activist. When he started designing, he lacked skills, but this didn’t prevent him from creating irresistible and sensual clothing.
After moving to New York, Mouret had his great breakthrough in the fashion world when he presented the galaxy dress in his Spring collection in 2006. All of a sudden, the top celebrities in Hollywood were wearing this dress and thus, it was called the “dress of the season”. Mouret then stated: “I think my appeal is understanding women; it is not just about designing an outfit for them.”
#18. Roberto Cavalli
Born in Italy, Cavalli is not only a fashion designer but also an inventor. His creations can be recognized by their exotic prints and for the sand-blasted look on jeans. He studied in an Art Institute focusing his attention on textile print. It was in the ’70s when he invented and patented a printing procedure on leather and created patchworks of different materials.
When he was 32, Cavalli introduced his first ready-to-wear collection in Paris. Then, he opened boutiques in Saint Barth, Venice and Saint-Tropez. He also owns a cafe-store boutique in Florence, reviving his characteristic animal print. He even participated as a judge at a Miss Universe pageant whose winner was the first Black Miss Universe. You can find other Italian designers in #13, #5 and #1.
#17. Jean-Paul Gaultier
This 67-year-old French designer grew up in the suburbs of Paris. It was his grandmother who introduced him to the world of fashion. Believe it or not, this well-recognized designer never received formal training. At a young age, he would draw sketches and send them to famous couturiers. In 1970, Pierre Cardin was captured by his talent and hired Jean-Paul as his assistant. In 1982, he founded his now-famous fashion label.
His creativity and mastery of tailoring are what distinguishes Jean-Paul. He is known for using unconventional models for his exhibitions, such as older men and full-figured women, pierced and tattooed models, and even for playing with gender roles in the shows. In the ’90s, Gaultier produced sculptured costumes for Madonna and, yes, the cone bra was one of his creations. He even collaborated with the New York streetwear brand called Supreme.
#16. Donna Karan
This American fashion designer is the owner of the Donna Karan New York and DKNY clothing labels. Born in Queens, New York, Donna attended Parsons School of Design. She worked for Anne Klein for several years, but then in 1985 she released her first collection with the idea “to design modern clothes for modern people”. Then, she created her less expensive clothing line for younger women: DKNY.
Donna gained the nickname of The Queen Of Seventh Avenue and she always claimed that she only designs clothes she would wear herself. No wonder she has a lot of followers who love her feminine, creative, yet simple designs. In 2007, she established her lifestyle brand called Urban Zen.
#15. Manolo Blahnik
Manolo Blahnik is a Spanish fashion designer and the founder of one of the most famous shoe brands. After studying Architecture, he moved to Paris to study art at the École des Beaux-Arts and Stage Set Design at the Louvre Art School and at the same time he worked at a vintage clothing shop. At the age of 28, Manolo wrote a column about footwear in the London Vogue Magazine. Following the advice of the editor-in-chief of Vogue, he opened his own footwear boutique.
With only 32 years old, he became the second man in history to have appeared on the cover of Vogue. Manolo works wholeheartedly on his shoes, from drawing the designs to hand-crafting the shoes himself. Nowadays, Manolo Blahnik shoes are a must-have to most celebrities. He was even called the fifth character on the Sex and the City series. If you are a shoe lover, you won’t wanna miss #8!
#14. Alexander Wang
This American designer has been recognized as the hero of all the cool kids. He is known for his urban, sleek and refreshing designs. Born in San Francisco to Taiwanese parents, with 18 years old Alexander moved to New York City to attend Parsons School of Design. Then, he decided to launch his own fashion label which constituted mainly of a knitwear collection. It was in 2007 when he introduced a complete women’s casual collection and received critical acclaim.
He won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2008 and a $20,000 award to expand his business. Now, his lines are stocked globally in more than 700 stores and other locations, including luxury department stores. It looks like Mr. Wang knows what he is doing. He has a constantly growing fanbase, even Rihanna is one of his huge fans. Though they share the same last name, Alexander is not related to the designer in #2.
#13. Dolce & Gabbana
This Italian luxury fashion house was created by two designers: Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce who met each other in the 80 are80’s when working for the same fashion house. In 1985, they presented their first women’s collection by having their friends modeling with their personal items to complement the clothing because they didn’t have enough money to support it.
This pair of geniuses are partners in business as well as in their personal life. Dolce & Gabbana is known for their sexy, yet feminine and timeless look inspired by the women of Sicily. They’ve designed costumes for Madonna, Missy Elliott, Beyoncé, and Mary J. Blige. The company even launched a collection aimed at wealthy Muslim women featuring a collection of hijabs and abayas with different prints.
#12. Kenzō
Takada is a Japanese-French designer and the founder of Kenzo, a worldwide brand of perfumes, skincare products and clothes. He is even the acting Honorary President of the Asian Couture Federation. He moved to Paris after studying at Tokyo’s Bunka Fashion College. In 1970, he opened a shop in the city in which he sold clothes created with fabrics he bought from flea markets.
With very little money to work with, he created his first collection which was both eclectic and bold. In Takada’s first fashion show there were no professional models because he couldn’t afford them. He even decided to paint the pimples of an acne-covered model green. His success began back then and today, Kenzō is one of the most renowned designers in the world.
#11. Tom Ford
He is a fashion designer, film director, screenwriter, and film producer. Tom Ford was born in 1961 in Texas. When he was only 6 years old, he would give his mother his opinions on her hair and shoes. When he was 16, he moved to New York where he started acting in television and commercials in the Studio 54. Then, he began studying interior architecture at The New School’s art.
Tom Ford has many talents, as he can design clothes, make up, and direct movies. A Single Man and Nocturnal Animals are some of his creations. In 2006, he launched a line of menswear, beauty, eyewear, and accessories. Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z wrote songs about him.
#10. Calvin Klein
Who doesn’t know him?! CK has become a proper noun and he is a great businessman that took undergarment fashion to a whole new level. He was born in 1942 in The Bronx, he attended the High School of Art and tom Design in Manhattan and matriculated at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. His talent was immediately recognized after his first major showing at New York Fashion Week.
He was even called the new Yves Saint Laurent and was noted for his clean lines in his designs. This New Yorker made panties with a CK line on them, something that has revolutionized the world. In his campaigns, top celebrities appear such as Justin Bieber, David Beckham, Kendall Jenner, Shawn Mendes, and even James Corden. The brand Calvin Klein also produces clothes, perfume, and accessories.
#9. Diane Von Fürstenberg
This Belgian designer used to be called Diane Simone Michelle Halfin, but her name changed after marrying Prince Egon von Fürstenberg. However, she didn’t want to just be Egon’s wife, so she decided to pursue a career of her own.
In 1974, the fashion world went crazy when she presented the knitted jersey “wrap dress”. Nowadays, Diane von Fürstenberg is the president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). She is even one of the most notable women designers ever. It has been said that she is “the most marketable woman since Coco Chanel”.
#8. Christian Louboutin
If you are a shoeaholic, you probably just went crazy by reading this name. This French fashion designer has made stiletto footwear with shiny, red-lacquered soles his signature. Louboutin started sketching shoes when he was a teenager. Christian made shoes for fashion houses such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Maud Frizon.
It was in 1991 when he created his own brand and opened a store, and he created the famous red soles in 1993. His purpose is to make women feel confident and empowered with his creations. His business gained recognition from Hollywood celebrities and socialites, making him one of the most notable footwear designers in fashion history.
#7. Stella McCartney
Yes, this last name sounds familiar. Though she is known by many as the daughter of Paul McCartney, Stella has made a name for herself in the fashion industry. When she was only 13 years old, she designed her first jacket; with 16 years old she interned for Christian Lacroix and worked on her first haute couture collection. She studied Fashion Design at Central Saint Martins in the ’90s.
In her graduation runway show modeled friends and supermodels Naomi Campbell, Yasmin Le Bon and Kate Moss for free. In 2001, she introduced her own fashion house under her name and presented her first collection in Paris. She is recognized for her feminine, soft clothes for which she uses vegetarian and animal-free alternatives given that she is a passionate animals-rights and ecology activist.
#6. Marc Jacobs
This American designer, known for his feminine and sometimes quirky style, was born in the Big Apple. There he attended the High School of Art and Design and studied at the Parsons School of Design. In 1986, he designed his first collection bearing the Marc Jacobs label and a year later he won the “New Fashion Talent” award becoming the youngest designer to have ever been awarded the fashion industry’s highest tribute.
Marc was the creative director of Louis Vuitton from 1997 to 2014. He was the Womenswear Designer of the Year 2016 by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Now, he is working on a project entitled “Protect The Skin You’re In” with the purpose to raise awareness about melanoma.
#5. Miuccia Prada
Miuccia Prada is the head designer of the luxury brand Prada and the founder of its other brand called Miu Miu. Being the youngest granddaughter of Mario Prada, she took over the family business in 1978. She successfully designed her first handbag in 1985. She has a Ph.D. in political science, and at the same time, she trained to become a mime and even performed for five years.
Most of her creations look more like pieces of art than clothes, but Miuccia does not agree much on that comparison because she states that “Art is for expressing ideas and for expressing a vision. My job is to sell.” The company has expanded beyond handbags into leather goods, shoes, fragrances, and apparel for men and women. The Italian designer was on the list of most powerful women in the world by Forbes.
#4. Gianni Versace
Born in the city of Reggio Calabria, Italy, Gianni spent the majority of his childhood learning how to sew. First, he was interested in architecture but then he started working in fashion design. In 1978, he opened his first boutique under the name Versace in Milan. He chose Medusa as the logo because she made people fall in love with her and wanted his company to have that same effect.
This brand is known for its innovative designs with symbolic flashy prints and bright colors, having contemporary and pop cultures as its source of inspiration. The so-called “rock and roll designer” was the first to introduce fashion to the music world. Legends like Elton John, Cher, Sting, Tupac, and The Notorious B.I.G. were among his friends. He passed away in 1997 and his sister Donatella is now head of creative design.
#3. Vivienne Westwood
This British designer is the queen of modern punk in the fashion world and thanks to her, punk and new wave fashions were introduced into the mainstream. Westwood is not afraid to speak her own mind and she even designs clothes so that they speak on their own too. Some of her creations are linked to political causes such as climate change and civil rights groups.
Vivianne studied fashion and silversmithing at the Harrow School of Art, but she dropped out after one term because as a working-class girl, she thought she could never make a living in the art world. However, she kept designing her own jewelry and in 1997 she created clothes together with McLaren, the manager of Sex Pistols, and became known because the band wore Westwood’s and McLaren’s designs.
#2. Vera Wang
She is THE wedding dress designer. Vera was born and raised in New York City. She couldn’t make it to the US Olympic figure skating team and, thanks to that, she chased her other passion: fashion. She became Vogue’s youngest editor where she worked right after she graduated from Sarah Lawrence College. Then, she worked at Ralph Lauren for two years.
When she was 40, she decided to become an independent bridal wear designer. She designed her own wedding dress in 1989 because she wasn’t happy with the choices of wedding dresses available. Now, she is the mastermind behind the most feminine and fairy-tale-like wedding gowns. Her fans include Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Victoria Beckham and even the one and only Michelle Obama.
#1. Giorgio Armani
He is our #1 because he is someone who needs no introduction. In 1975, Giorgio formed his own company and he is recognized nowadays for clean and tailored lines designs. Believe it or not, he first studied medicine, but in the 60’s he started working in fashion-related jobs. He was proclaimed to be the most successful Italian designer ever in 2001.
Mr. Armani became a pioneer in the red-carpet fashion and his label became one of the leading names in international fashion with the introduction of several new product lines. An interesting fact is that he was the first designer to ban models with a body mass index (BMI) less than 18.