The world of fashion is a place full of creativity, innovation, and success stories. For some, these stories don’t just inspire they actually change fashion itself. After your initial overview, we will begin to look at just a few of the most influential figures in fashion history.
A brief overview
Kate Spade
It was off to New York for Kate Spade after she graduated from Arizona State University. She worked at Mademoiselle magazine, and by 1993 had launched her own handbag label. Today, Kate Spade New York has developed into one of the leading fashion houses of our time.
Alexander McQueen
The name of Alexander McQueen is synonymous with emotionally charged, exquisitely wrought pieces. His career began to take off at a record pace he was chief designer of Givenchy at age 27. His creative brilliance and his equally strong belief in craftsmanship have earned him a place as one of fashion’s all-time greats.
John Richmond
After attending Kingston University, John Richmond worked as a freelancer designer ahead of founding his Destroy label in 1987. In the years that followed, he expanded to include various fashion lines, lending a rebellious air to current fashions everywhere.
Christian Lacroix
Lacroix began his career with the idea of being a museum curator. it was however, fate which led him to first Hermès and then Jean Patou. he made his name with a series of bold and grand, extremely extravagant haute couture collections which redefined luxury fashion.
Vera Wang
Former competitive figure-skater Vera Wang moved into fashion, spending 17 years working at Vogue before joining Ralph Lauren. in 1989, she opened her own bridal boutique, revolutionizing wedding dress wear with the very best in high-end, elegant design.
Miuccia Prada
Prada was originally founded by her grandfather Mario Prada in 1913 as a leather goods brand. with the arrival of Miuccia Prada in the 1970s and after some watered downs to turn it into an official supplier to Italy’s royal family, the company is now a luxury fashion empire. her nylon handbags from 1985 seared a mark deep into the fabric of international fashion history, and today Prada is worth billions.
Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood is a British design powerhouse; she introduced punk rock fashion into public view. her work is a fusion of artistic expression and social themes such as might have been addressed by Zola or Dickens in their day. Vivienne Westwood is one of the most revolutionary designers of our era.
Coco Chanel
Today’s catwalks are packed with styles that Coco Chanel introduced, an androgynous classicism although wristwatches also started to get noticed and the little black dress (LBD) revolutionized women’s wardrobes. Chanel was not only a designer but also a cultural icon who changed women’s way of life as well as their apparel.
Christian Dior
Dior’s New Look brought haute couture to post-war fashion, restoring tailored bodices with full skirts and defining the look of the 1950s. his designs brought in a sense of glamour and romance that continues to inspire today.
Giorgio Armani
Well known for his sophisticated, tailored suits, Giorgio Armani also has a much wider influence. is streamlined design virtually defined 1980s menswear—especially after Don Johnson was firmly established in the TV series Miami Vice. Armani’s range of products runs from everyday clothes to top-end luxury fashion items, making him a household name.
The success stories of these fashion icons show that in the industry, good work always wins out over bad luck. whether you are an aspiring designer or just a fashion enthusiast interested in their history, their lives offer so much both for you to learn from and admire.
