1. Coco Chanel
Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, known universally as “Coco,” was a groundbreaking French fashion designer and the visionary founder of the iconic CHANEL brand. Her revolutionary approach, emphasizing modernist thought, practical designs, and an understated elegance, cemented her status as a pivotal and influential figure in 20th-century fashion. Coco Chanel’s unparalleled impact led to her being the sole fashion designer recognized on Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century.
2. Donna Karan
Donna Karan’s deep-seated passion for fashion, nurtured from her early years, profoundly shaped her brand’s identity. This celebrated fashion icon debuted “Seven Easy Pieces” in her inaugural collection in 1984, fundamentally changing how women approached dressing and personal style. Donna Karan’s acute understanding of the contemporary woman’s needs and desires is evident in every exquisite garment she creates. A visionary in the industry, she is the creative force behind the DKNY label (Donna Karan New York), remaining a prominent and influential designer for over three decades.
3. Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani, a distinguished Italian fashion designer, is globally recognized for the impeccably clean and tailored silhouettes of his menswear collections. He established the fashion powerhouse Armani in 1975 and, driven by his remarkable success, was hailed as Italy’s most accomplished designer by 2001. “Successful” is a considerable understatement for Giorgio Armani, whose empire boasts an annual turnover of $1.6 billion and a personal fortune reaching $7 billion as of 2012. Armani distinguished himself further by being the first designer to prohibit models with a Body Mass Index under 18, initiating a crucial shift in the fashion industry’s perception of body image. Ana Roberts, style editor of Top Trends Guide, aptly notes, “Giorgio Armani is a true living legend, consistently reinventing himself and his company while maintaining his iconic status in the fashion world.”
4. Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein has reigned as a leading name in the fashion industry for over 75 years. Born in the Bronx in 1942, Calvin Klein honed his craft at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City before gaining practical experience as a coat and suit designer in New York’s garment district. Founding his company in 1968, he redefined style during an era dominated by hippie fashion. His enduring aesthetic, reflected in his collections, emphasizes classic modernity through effortlessly chic and fashionable pieces.
5. Donatella Versace
Following the tragic loss of Gianni Versace in 1997, his sister Donatella Versace skillfully took over, propelling the Versace brand to unprecedented recognition and success. She strategically expanded Versace‘s presence in key fashion capitals worldwide, notably Milan and New York, through boutiques and stores. Celebrated figures like Jennifer Lopez and Madonna have championed the brand’s exceptional range of apparel, accessories, fragrances, and home decor.
6. Ralph Lauren
With a net worth of $7.5 billion, Ralph Lauren is celebrated for his refined fashion sensibility, embodying timeless sophistication, classic innovation, and enduring style. The iconic Polo logo first appeared in 1970 on Ralph Lauren’s pioneering line of women’s suits, inspired by classic menswear tailoring. Two years later, the now-famous short-sleeved shirt, adorned with the signature Polo emblem, was introduced, quickly becoming a wardrobe staple. These shirts have since achieved global ubiquity, remaining a symbol of preppy-chic style.
7. Christian Dior
Born in 1905, Christian Dior, an iconic French designer, is revered for his revolutionary “New Look” silhouette. Introduced in 1947, Christian Dior’s suits and dresses dramatically reshaped women’s fashion in the post-World War II era. In a landmark move in July 2016, Maria Grazia Chiuri was appointed as the first female artistic director in Dior’s seven-decade history of male leadership. Within just two years, the former co-creative director of Valentino has significantly influenced the fashion house, utilizing the runway as a platform to advocate for women’s empowerment, feminism, and the arts.
8. Tom Ford
Tom Ford, widely regarded as one of the most influential contemporary designers, has created highly coveted high-fashion apparel and accessories. Before establishing his eponymous label, this designer served as creative director for both Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci. Though born in Texas and initially aspiring to an acting career, fate steered him towards fashion design. His prominence peaked in 2000 when he was honored with the Best International Designer award.
9. Pierre Cardin
Pierre Cardin, the Italian-born French designer, is acclaimed for his 20th-century creations that exuded a distinctive futuristic aesthetic. Rising to prominence during the space race era, Pierre Cardin’s designs perfectly captured the spirit of innovation, inventiveness, and modernism. His “bubble dresses” were particularly iconic, merging earthly elegance with otherworldly colors and avant-garde design principles.
10. Yves Saint Laurent
Yves Saint Laurent gained international acclaim for his innovative approach to fashion, skillfully reimagining masculine clothing into elegant, feminine pieces for women. Perhaps one of France’s most celebrated designers, Yves Saint Laurent pioneered “power dressing” for women, introducing fashionable and sophisticated power suits in 1966. This visionary designer is also credited with creating the men’s smoking jacket. His groundbreaking concept of ready-to-wear fashion has solidified his place in fashion history.
11. Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin, born in France in 1963, has flourished as a leading fashion designer for over two decades. Despite being expelled from school at 16, this event proved fortuitous, leading him to work with the renowned shoe designer Charles Jourdan. In the early 1990s, Louboutin launched his own line of women’s shoes, famously incorporating his signature bold red sole in 1993. The Christian Louboutin brand remains a favorite, captivating women with its striking high heels and instantly recognizable red soles.
12. Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld, one of the world’s most celebrated fashion designers, was born in Hamburg, Germany. As a young man, Lagerfeld spent four years at Balmain before joining Jean Patou, where he became artistic director at just 21. His impressive career portfolio includes roles at Chanel and Fendi, alongside his own eponymous fashion house. Known for his daring designs and constant reinvention, Vogue magazine has lauded him as the “unparalleled interpreter of the mood of the moment.” Karl Lagerfeld, often referred to as “King Karl,” was a multinational fashion phenomenon.
13. Roberto Cavalli
Born in Florence, Italy, in 1940, Roberto Cavalli demonstrated artistic talent from an early age. He unveiled his first collection in 1970, creating a sensation with his exquisitely printed, vibrantly colored leather gowns and denim. Exotic elegance became his hallmark, captivating fashion enthusiasts with bold animal prints and bohemian glamour. He has designed red carpet masterpieces for A-list celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham.
14. Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs, born in New York in 1963, has revolutionized the fashion world with his daring, high-fashion designs, favored by style icons such as Cara Delevingne, Dakota Fanning, Kate Moss, and Lady Gaga. Since launching his successful label in 1986, Marc Jacobs has remained at the forefront of fashion, consistently inspiring fashion aficionados globally.
15. Betsey Johnson
Connecticut-born designer Betsey Johnson’s childhood dance training deeply influenced her exuberant and lively brand, which has been a vibrant force in the fashion industry since the 1960s, celebrated for its unique and unconventional designs. Betsey Johnson’s inventive spirit is vividly expressed in her creations, which continually evolve with trends while staying true to her distinct aesthetic, characterized by enthusiasm, playfulness, and passion.
16. Sandy Powell
British costume designer Sandy Powell has received numerous accolades for her extraordinary and inspiring designs that vividly reflect character personalities and individuality. This acclaimed, Oscar-winning costume designer has won three Academy Awards for Best Costume Design and has been nominated an impressive 12 times. She crafts stunning, breathtaking masterpieces that elevate the art of fashion design within the film industry.
17. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana
For Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, female empowerment is a guiding principle, reflected in their powerful designs that celebrate the feminine form. The duo presented their first collection in Milan in 1985, quickly establishing themselves as a formidable new luxury brand. Dolce&Gabbana embodies a contemporary form of elegance, blending modern classicism with their signature timeless creations. Dolce and Gabbana are arguably among the most influential designers of our era, revolutionizing the fashion landscape.
18. Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen honed his tailoring expertise at prestigious establishments such as Anderson & Shepherd, Barmans & Nathans, and Romeo Gigli before launching his own brand in 1992. The designer was highly esteemed in the fashion world, recognized for his iconic style, extravagance, and exceptional design talent. His sudden passing in 2010 was a profound shock to the fashion community and beyond. The Alexander McQueen label gained further renown in 2011 when it designed Kate Middleton’s wedding gown, which received global praise for its exquisite artistry.
19. Valentino Garavani
Valentino Garavani, born in Italy in 1932, began his fashion education at a young age, training in Paris in 1950 and starting his celebrated line in Rome in 1959 after working for notable houses like Dessus and Laroche. Valentino is revered for his exceptional ability to make women appear utterly glamorous. This Italian maestro has dressed influential figures such as Jacqueline Kennedy and is historically significant for his signature fabric shade, Valentino Red, and his iconic studded designs.
20. Miuccia Prada
Miuccia Prada, born on May 10, 1949, is a prominent Italian fashion designer who once participated in the Italian Communist Party and studied mime. This remarkable designer first captivated the fashion world in 1985 with a collection of black nylon handbags and backpacks. Prada Milano has since evolved into a multi-billion dollar enterprise, transforming fashion through stylish minimalism characterized by streamlined design, innovative materials, and digitally enhanced patterns, achieving iconic influence.
21. Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger, known as a champion of all-American glamour, often features red, white, and blue in his designs. Since his first collection in 1985, no designer is more closely associated with Ivy League preppy style than Tommy Hilfiger. After building his company on modernizing classic American menswear and receiving the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award in 1995, Hilfiger introduced womenswear in 1996 and sold the company for $1.6 billion a decade later.
22. Carolina Herrera
Fashion icon Carolina Herrera possesses a refined sense of beauty. Her sophisticated yet dynamic style was cultivated from a young age, influenced by exposure to international culture and global fashion trends in her native Venezuela. This style authority and fashion enthusiast launched her renowned label in 1981, quickly gaining recognition for her polished and chic designs. Carolina Herrera continues to thrive, celebrated for her classic modernity in dressing celebrities and global leaders.
23. Jean-Paul Gaultier
Born in Val-de-Marne, France, in 1952, Jean-Paul Gaultier is a celebrated French fashion designer known for his sensual, irreverent style that consistently challenges conventional notions of femininity. His aesthetic defies traditional gender norms, embracing androgyny and sexual freedom. At 18, he joined Pierre Cardin before working at Jacques Esterel and Patou. Gaultier launched his first collection in 1976, and his own design house was established in 1982.
24. Herve Leger
Herve Leger gained prominence when his signature bandage dresses revolutionized the fashion scene during their initial run from 1989 to 1997 and again from 2008 to the present. Creator Herve Peugnet’s fashion credentials are truly impressive. At just 23, he earned recognition from fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld and was sought after by prestigious designers such as Chanel, Lanvin, Fendi, Diane von Furstenburg, Chloe, and Swarovski. When he launched the Herve Leger line at 28, his bandage dress, debuted at his 1989 runway show, captivated and inspired the fashion world. This instant sensation remains highly coveted today.
25. Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney’s signature style, characterized by natural confidence and sensual femininity, is both sharp and refined. Raised in London and the English countryside, the designer graduated from Central St. Martins in 1995. Two years later, after debuting two collections, she was appointed Creative Director of Chloe in Paris. This influential fashion icon launched her fashion empire in 2001. Since then, it has gained fame for its elegant designs and its commitment to being leather and fur-free. McCartney’s collections now include ready-to-wear apparel, accessories, lingerie, eyewear, and fragrances.
26. Ralph Rucci
When Ralph Rucci launched Chado Ralph Rucci in 1994, he set a new standard for luxurious fashion with an artistic flair. Ralph Rucci’s work transcends trends, establishing him as the quintessential American couturier. Rucci remains a favorite among high society figures due to his sculptural silhouettes, impeccable craftsmanship, and luxurious materials.
27. Salvatori Ferragamo
Born in 1898, Salvatore Ferragamo made his name working with leading celebrities and Hollywood icons in the 1920s. This Italian shoe designer founded his iconic brand in 1927, revolutionizing footwear design. His innovative and scientific approach to shoemaking led to numerous inventions, including the wedge and cage heel.
28. Jimmy Choo
Jimmy Choo is a celebrated luxury lifestyle designer synonymous with empowered glamour and confident style. Born in Penang, Malaysia, in 1948, Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat crafted his first pair of shoes at just 11 years old. The London-based designer moved to England in the early 1980s to study at Cordwainers Technical College in Hackney. After graduating, Jimmy Choo remained in England and established Jimmy Choo Ltd in 1986 with friend and British Vogue accessories editor Tamara Mellon. The Malaysian icon has designed shoes for many prominent figures, including Princess Diana, Julia Roberts, and Renee Zellweger.
29. Alexandre Herchcovitch
Since debuting his collection in 1994, Brazilian designer Alexandre Herchcovitch has garnered attention in the fashion industry with bold looks and striking, politically charged ensembles. Alexandre Herchcovitch is a Brazilian icon known for his famous skull print collection and punk-inspired roots. His avant-garde aesthetic and daring sensibility make him a significant force in fashion.
30. Mossimo Giannulli
American fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli is globally recognized for his popular youth clothing line, Mossimo. Since its inception in 1986, the brand has flourished, known for its contemporary pieces and fresh collections that continually adapt to the latest trends. The designer is married to Full House star Lori Loughlin and resides in Newport Beach, California, where he established his company over three decades ago.
31. John Varvatos
Before embarking on a fashion career, Detroit native John Varvatos initially aspired to teach science. In 1983, fate led him to retail, where he began working for Polo Ralph Lauren. In 1990, he advanced to head menswear design at Calvin Klein. Varvatos returned to Ralph Lauren in 1995 as menswear design head and introduced the Polo Jeans line. This success motivated him to launch his menswear brand in 2000. Today, John Varvatos continues to thrive, drawing fashion inspiration from his passion for rock and roll and favorite musical artists.
32. Daphne Guinness
Daphne Guinness, born in 1967, is the daughter of brewery heir Jonathan Guinness and French beauty icon Suzanne Lisney. This legendary UK designer is an heiress, socialite, muse, and mother, with roles as a fashion stylist, film producer, designer, and perfumer. Guinness is celebrated for her love of couture and extravagant personal style.
33. Jonathan Jony Ive
Sir Jonathan Ive, born in London, England, in 1967, studied art at Newcastle Polytechnic, leading to a successful career as an industrial designer and a key executive at Apple Inc. As Apple’s Chief Design Officer, he designed many of Apple’s iconic products, including iMac computers, focusing on power, speed, and user-friendliness through meticulous attention to detail.
34. Kate Spade
Kate Spade, known for her distinctive aesthetic, was celebrated for her modern, sleek, and vibrant designs. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1962, this fashion designer and businesswoman gained fame for her Kate Spade handbag line in 1993. Her company soon expanded, including numerous retail stores, with her handbags featured in high-end boutiques. In 1996, the Council of Fashion Designers of America honored Kate’s timeless designs with the “America’s New Fashion Talent in Accessories” award. Kate Spade New York is globally recognized for its bold and stylish designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. The iconic designer tragically passed away on June 5, 2018.
35. Christian Audigier
French entrepreneur and fashion designer Christian Audigier, born in France in 1958, designed a wide range of items including trucker hats, jeans, t-shirts, bags, jackets, shoes, perfumes, motorcycles, and furniture for brands like Ed Hardy, American Outfitters, Guess, and Von Dutch. An international sensation, Audigier’s iconic designs are sold in over 3,000 stores worldwide.
36. Allegra Versace
Allegra Versace, born in Italy, has an estimated net worth of $800 million. As the niece of Gianni Versace, she inherited 50% of the Versace design empire after her uncle’s passing in 1997.
37. Diane Von Furstenberg
Fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg is best known for her use of vibrant colors and flattering fits, particularly her debut wrap dress, which launched her career in 1974. Today, in what she describes as her “third act,” Diane focuses on empowering women globally through philanthropy, mentorship, and The DVF Awards.
38. Michael Kors
Michael Kors, born on August 9, 1959, in Long Island, New York, moved to New York City to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology but left after two semesters. Kors launched his women’s collection in 1981 and became a judge on Project Runway in 2004. His collections are widely worn globally. Even First Lady Michelle Obama wore a Michael Kors dress for her first official portrait.
39. Tory Burch
Famous for her preppy-bohemian, tunic-style designs over the past 13 years, Tory Burch has transformed her brand into a global household name, a celebrity favorite, and achieved billionaire status. With over 100 freestanding stores, a strong online presence, and availability in over 1,000 department and specialty stores, Tory Burch has experienced firsthand the challenges women in business face. This inspired her to launch the Tory Burch Foundation in 2009, which supports women-owned small businesses through programs and initiatives.
40. Phoebe Philo
British fashion designer Phoebe Philo is known for her elegant and understated designs. Her passion for fashion began early, leading her to study design at Central Saint Martins. After graduating, Philo moved to Paris to work as Stella McCartney’s design assistant at Chloé. She succeeded McCartney as creative director in 2001, presenting her first ready-to-wear collection in October of that year. In 2002, she launched the label’s accessories line. In September 2008, she was appointed creative director of French fashion house Céline.
41. Oscar de la Renta
Born in the Dominican Republic in 1932, Oscar de la Renta dressed virtually every prominent woman during his six decades as a fashion designer, from Hilary Clinton to Sarah Jessica Parker. His dresses were highly sought after, and a unique shade of red from his collections became known as “de la Renta red.” Oscar de la Renta will be remembered as a designer who deeply understood women’s desires and aimed to make them feel extraordinary.
42. Zac Posen
World-renowned for his modern American glamour, Zac Posen expertly blends couture techniques with innovative design. Born in New York City, he studied womenswear at London’s Central Saint Martins University. He presented his first runway show at just 21. In Fall 2014, Posen was named Creative Director for Brooks Brothers, overseeing a signature women’s collection and accessories.
43. Riccardo Tisci
Relatively new to the fashion scene, Italian-born Riccardo Tisci has already made a significant impact. A graduate of London’s Central Saint Martins Academy in 1999, he quickly became Creative Director for Givenchy womenswear and haute couture.
44. Vera Wang
Bridal gown expert Vera Wang began her career as the youngest editor at Vogue, where she worked for 17 years. At 40, after two years at Ralph Lauren, she launched her own collection. Vera Wang has since become a lifestyle brand offering a diverse range of fashion and home products.
45. Isabel Marant
Isabel Marant, born in Paris, France, in 1967, initially did not plan to pursue fashion design. However, after collaborating with friend and Hermés creative director Christopher Lemaire, she changed her career path. Isabel decided to study design at Studio Berçot fashion school instead of economics. She created her brand in 1994, establishing her studio in the Marais district of Paris. Known for her bohemian, tomboyish aesthetic, Isabel Marant offers effortless chic, making her designs a staple for off-duty models and fashion insiders.
46. Esteban Cortázar
Colombian fashion designer Esteban Cortazar gained recognition as the youngest designer to debut at New York Fashion Week. Based in Paris, Esteban Cortazar’s career includes his brand CORTAZAR, and a role as chief creative director at Emanuel Ungaro. Vogue has described him as “the most uninhibited designer showing in Paris.”
47. Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Isabel Swire, born in England on April 8, 1941, is regarded as one of the most unconventional and outspoken fashion designers globally. Westwood rose to prominence in the late 1970s; her early designs were pivotal in shaping the punk rock and grunge aesthetic. Her bold style has made her a fashion icon. Vivienne Westwood is truly a living legend in the fashion world.
48. Paul Smith
Born in Nottingham, England, in 1946, Paul Smith initially aspired to be a professional cyclist. However, a serious accident at 17 ended his racing dreams. During his hospital stay, he befriended local art students who introduced him to art and fashion. His design aesthetic is synonymous with classic British tailoring and style. Simplicity is his guiding principle, focusing on “well-made, good quality, [and] simple cut” fashion.
49. Jil Sander
German fashion designer Jil Sander created her first collection in 1973. She quickly became known for designing sophisticated, stylish workwear crafted from luxurious fabrics with expert tailoring. Her collections featured neutral color palettes and emphasized simplicity and practicality, contrasting with the brightly colored, embellished styles that followed in the 1980s.
50. Anna Sui
American fashion designer Anna Sui is celebrated for her boho-chic style and ready-to-wear collections. The Detroit native is skilled at combining vibrant colors with black. Her designs often feature bold fabrics that reflect her Asian heritage and unique creativity.
51. Hubert de Givenchy
Count Hubert de Givenchy, founder of Givenchy, is best known for his collaborations with Audrey Hepburn. While Givenchy initially started with perfumes, he became increasingly involved in designing Hepburn’s wardrobe. The iconic black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s was a Givenchy creation. Givenchy’s designs were characterized by square necklines, streamlined silhouettes, and classic accessories. Givenchy was also highly successful in ready-to-wear and haute couture.
52. Jeanne Lanvin
Jeanne Lanvin, a French fashion designer, founded her fashion house in the early 1900s. Lanvin was among the first couture designers to launch a children’s line, inspired by her daughter, who became her muse. She incorporated a variety of materials, from satin to furs, into her dresses. Inspired by contemporary painters and artists, Lanvin favored using color contrasts against black and white, and she often used geometric patterns with her signature “Lanvin blue.”
53. Bill Blass
American designer Bill Blass is renowned for his focus on comfort and elegance. In the 1970s, Blass established his own company, aiming for beautiful, sophisticated designs that were also comfortable and functional for active women. His popular designs in New York earned him the title “the Hardest Working Man on Seventh Avenue.” His style was modern yet fashionable. Today, the brand offers stylish and practical shoes for working women.
54. Halston
Roy Frowick, famously known as Halston, was an American designer with a different style from Bill Blass. Halston’s designs were for the 1970s disco era, often featuring suede. Though reflective of the 1970s, his designs were minimalist and clean-cut, using diverse fabrics and materials. Halston was known for frequenting Studio 54 with Andy Warhol and other artists of the time. His pieces were flowy, loose, and very stylish.
55. Elie Saab
Lebanese icon Elie Saab is a relatively recent name in fashion, but his work is highly acclaimed. Starting in the 1980s, he initially became known for bridal couture and elaborate wedding dresses. Saab gained significant recognition in American fashion after dressing Halle Berry at the Oscars. The dress, featuring a mesh sequined top and a wine-red satin skirt, was a sensation, propelling Saab to greater fame. He was also the first Lebanese fashion designer represented at the Oscars.
56. Pierre Balmain
Pierre Balmain, another French designer on this list, founded the House of Balmain. He collaborated with Hubert de Givenchy and Christian Dior, influencing his future designs. Balmain’s style was hyper-feminine, utilizing fabrics and silhouettes that accentuated the female form. His post-war designs attracted Hollywood actresses, and his sweeping ballgowns became popular in the 1950s, embodying beauty, grace, and the desires of women at the time.
57. Manolo Blahnik
Lastly, Manolo Blahnik, a Spanish fashion designer, creates some of the most globally recognized shoes of this century. After receiving endorsement from the Met Costume Institute director, Blahnik’s career took off. He popularized the stiletto during the era of clunky wedges in the 1960s and 70s. Blahnik continues to push fashion boundaries while maintaining the elegance of his shoe collections.
