Fashion Designers – Main Products – Country
ALBERTA FERRETTI – fashion designer, clothing for her – Italy
ALEXANDER – fashion designer, clothing, shoes -England
ANNA MOLINARI – fashion designer, clothing for her – Italy
ANNA SUI – fashion designer, clothing for her – US
ANNE KLEIN – sportswear fashion designer – US
ANTONIO MARRAS – fashion designer, clothing – Italy
ARMANI – Giorgio Armani fashion designer: clothing, shoes, fragrances, jewelry, sunglasses, home furniture – Italy
BALDININI – clothing for her – Italy
BALENCIAGA – Cristóbal Balenciaga fashion designer: – Spain
BALLY – shoes, accessories – Swiss
BELSTAFF – waterproof garments for motorcycles – England
BIKKEMBERGS – Dirk Bikkembergs fashion designer: clothing for him – Belgium
BLUGIRL – fashion clothing for her – Italy
BLUMARINE – fashion clothing for her – Italy
BOTTEGA VENETA – luxury bags, accessories – Italy
BRIONI – taylor, clothing for him – Italy
BURBERRY – clothing, fragrances, sunglasses – England
BYBLOS – clothing for him, clothing for her – Italy
CACHAREL – clothing for her, fragrances – France
CALVIN KLEIN – clothing, accessories, fragrances – US
CAPUCCI – Roberto Capucci fashion designer: clothing, fragrances – Italy
CELINE – clothing for her – France
CHANEL – Coco Chanel fashion designer: handbags, clothing for her, fragrances, make up, sunglasses – France
CHLOE – clothing for her, fragrances – France
CHRISTIAN DIOR – fashion designer, luxury handbags, clothing for her, fragrances, sunglasses – France
CHRISTIAN LACROIX – clothing for her – France
COSTUME NATIONAL – clothing for her – Italy
DIESEL – sportswear, clothing fo him – Italy
DOLCE & GABBANA – clothing, shoes, fragrances, jewelry, sunglasses – Italy
DONNA KARAN – clothing for her – US
DSQUARED – jeans, sportswear, clothing for her, clothing for him – Canada
ENRICO COVERI – fashion designer, clothing – Italy
ESCADA – clothing, fragrances – Germany
EMILIO PUCCI – fashion designer, clothing for her – Italy
ETRO – Kean Etro fashion designer: luxury clothing – Italy
EVISU – vintage style jeans – Japan
FENDI – handbags, clothing, shoes – Italy
FERRAGAMO – a pioneer Italian fashion designer: shoes, clothing, accessories – Italy
FERRE’ – Gianfranco Ferrè fashion designer: clothing – Italy
FLAVIO OLIVERA – accessories for her – US
GENNY – clothing for her – Italy
GIVENCHY – Hubert de Givenchy fashion designer: clothing for her, fragrances – France
GUCCI – handbags, shoes, fragrances, sunglasses – Italy
GUERLAIN – fragrances – France
GUESS – clothing for her, clothing for him, accessories – Germany
GUY LAROCHE – clothing for her – France
HELMUT LANG – clothing – Austria
HERMES – handbags, clothing, fragrances – France
HUGO BOSS – clothing for him – Germany
ICEBERG – clothing – Italy
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER – fashion designer, clothing – France
JIL SANDER – clothing – Germany
JIMMY CHOO – fashion designer, luxury handbags, elegant shoes – Malaysia
JOHN GALLIANO – fashion designer, clothing – England
KARL LAGERFELD – fashion designer, clothing – Germany
KENZO – Kenzo Takada fashion designer: clothing, fragrances – Japan
KRIZIA – clothing for her, fragrances, menswear, children’s wear, knitwear, glasses, handbags – Italy
LACOSTE – polo T-shirt – France
LA PERLA – clothing – Italy
LANCETTI – Pino Lancetti fashion designer, high fashion, luxury clothing – Italy
LANCOME – fragrances – France
LANVIN – Jeanne Lanvin fashion designer: clothing – France
LAURA BIAGIOTTI – Laura Biagiotti fashion designer: clothing for her, fragrances – Italy
LORO PIANA – clothing – Italy
LOUIS VUITTON – handbags, clothing, shoes, sunglasses – France
MALO – clothing -. Italy
MARINELLA – ties – Italy
MANOLO BLAHNIK – shoes for her – Spain
MARC JACOBS – fashion designer, clothing for her – US
MASSIMO REBECCHI – clothing – Italy
MAX MARA – clothing for her – Italy
MILA SCHON – clothing for her – Italy
MISSONI – clothing, fragrances – Italy
MISS SIXTY – jeans and accessories for her – Italy
MIU MIU – Miuccia Prada fashion designer, clothing for her – Italy
MOSCHINO – fashion designer, clothing, fragrances – Italy
NINA RICCI – clothing, fragrances – France
OLEG CASSINI – fashion designer, clothing – US
OSCAR DE LA RENTA – fashion desiger, luxury clothing – DomRep
PACO RABANNE – fashion desiger, luxury clothing, fragrances – Spain
PAUL SMITH – clothing – England
PHILOSOPHY – clothes for her by Alberta Ferretti fashion designer – Italy
PIERRE CARDIN – clothing, accessories – France
POLLINI – luxury shoes – Italy
PRADA – handbags, accessories, clothing – Italy
RALPH LAUREN – fashion designer, clothing, fragrances – US
ROBERTO CAVALLI – Roberto Cavalli fashion designer: clothing for her, fragrances, sunglasses, home furniture – Italy
ROCHAS – clothing for her – France
ROMEO GIGLI – fashion designer, clothing for her – Italy
SERGIO ROSSI – top luxury shoes for her – Italy
STIJN DE BOECK – fashion designer, clothing for her -Belgium
THIERRY MUGLER – fashion designer, cosmetics, clothing – France
TOM FORD – fashion designer, clothing – US
TOMMY HILFIGER – clothing, fragrances – US
TRUSSARDI – Nicola Trussardi fashion designer: clothing – Italy
UNGARO – Emanuel Ungaro fashion designer: clothing – Italy
VALENTINO – fashion designer, clothing, fragrances – Italy
VERSACE – Gianni Versace fashion designer: clothing, fragrances – Italy
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD – fashion designer, clothing for her – England
YVES SAINT LAUREN – fashion designer, luxury handbags, clothing, fragrances – France
ZEGNA – Ermenegildo Zegna fashion designer: clothing – Italy
Alberta Ferretti – is one of the most inventive fashion designers in Italy, known for her soft silhouettes and the use of luxury fabrics in her creations, coupling romanticism with functionality. She designs the label Philosophy too, leading the powerful Italian fashion group Aeffe.
Anna Molinari – known for its modern and romantic look, Blumarine was launched in 1977 by Anna Molinari and her husband Gianpaolo Tarabini. Then directed by their daughter Rossella Tarabini. Rossella also launched the brand Anna Molinari in 1995, and another of the company’s feminine brands, Blugirl.
Anna Sui – daughter of Chinese immigrants, grew up in Michigan, was a good student, and always wanted to be a fashion designer. Anna Sui is the fashion designer that better represents the cool New York lifestyle. She studied for 2 years at Parsons School of Design in New York. Anna Sui worked at various sportswear companies before designing her own collection in 1991, appreciated for her eclectic stylings, mixing Chanel style with 70′s style. Anna Sui’s showroom is a splendid Victorian style store in Soho, New York City, but Sui’s funky and fun, clothes are sold in more than 200 stores all over the world, including Harrods in London, and is thinking about opening more stores in Japan. She also works as fashion designer for Cento X Cento, a Milan based Group
Anne Klein – was born as Hannah Golofski in New York City in 1923. She studied art at the Commercial High School and later fashion. She started working as a sketcher followed as a designer of women’s sportswear and apparel, and established Anne Klein and Co. in 1968. The fashion house was continued after Hannah Golofski death by Donna Karan until 1989, when she decided to dedicate all time on her own successful DKNY line. Anne Klein and Co is owned by Jones Apparel Group.
Giorgio Armani – was born in Placenza, Italy in 1934. Giorgio Armani studied medicine at the University of Bologna. Aafter serving the Italian army, he work as a visual merchandiser for a famous Italian chain store. In the 1960s he worked with Nino Cerruti as a fashion designer. In 1974 he launched his own label starting with a menswear line, followed then by a womenswear line. His fashion house became an international name after the movie American Gigolo, when Richard Gere worn Armani. The name Giorgio Armani is synonymous with international style beyond fashion trends.
Belstaff – founded in 1924 by Eli Belovitch and his son in law Harry Grosberg in Staffordshire, producing luxury weather protective jackets and gloves for motorcyclists and for the growing aviation market. Belstaff was the first company to use waxed cotton, in 1948 Belstaff became a subsidiary of James Halstead Co. famous for the success of the Australian brand. The company had problems due to the textile crisis of the 1990s precipitating the closure of Longton Stoke on Trent factory and reducing the production. The company grew again in 1994 introducing a waterproof breathable fabrics and relaunching the company image.
Blugirl – known for its modern and romantic look, Blumarine was launched in 1977 by Anna Molinari and her husband Gianpaolo Tarabini. Then directed by their daughter Rossella Tarabini. Rossella also launched the brand Anna Molinari in 1995, and another of the company’s feminine brands, Blugirl.
Blumarine – known for its modern and romantic look, Blumarine was launched in 1977 by Anna Molinari and her husband Gianpaolo Tarabini. Then directed by their daughter Rossella Tarabini. Rossella also launched the brand Anna Molinari in 1995, and another of the company’s feminine brands, Blugirl.
Capucci – was born in Rome in 1929, aftter graduating from the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Rome, he started working as a designer for Emilio Schuberth. In 1950, he established his own fashion house, designing unusual, sculpted dresses in original materials. In 1962 he opened a couture salon in Paris but after few years went back to Rome, establishing his fashion house in the via Gregoriana.becoming known as “the Givenchy of Rome”. From 1982 he stasrted presenting a single collection each year in a different city.
Cristobal Balenciaga – was born in San Sebastian, Spain on January 21, 1895. In 1915 he established his tailoring business, and got international fame after World War II. Balenciaga is known to be a master of illusion, and to introduce in 1957 the baby doll in fashion warld. Cristobal Balenciaga closed the doors of his couture house in 1968, and the brand was unknown form more than 20 years, till the 1997 when Nicolas Ghesquiere was became the creative director of Balenciaga. At 19, he worked for following fashion designer: Jean Paul Gaultier , Mugler, Trussardi. He launched combat pants and neoprene mini skirts for 2002 collection. In 2003 the house of Balenciaga was bought by the Gucci Group.
Dirk Bikkembergs – is a Belgian fashion designer, born in Germany in 1959. In 1982, after getting a diploma, Bikkembergs worked for various Belgian fashion groups. Four years later, Dirk Bikkembergs launched his own line of shoes in collaboration with a Belgian shoe manufacturer. The collection was a success thanks to revolutionary silhouette and style ideal for a specific man. He was a precursor of all the young designer’s line. In the 1988 Bikkembergs signed a full men’s collection. In 1992, Dirk Bikkemberg add also a woman’s line. His philosophy is to design clothes without any relation to fashion. His clothes don’t fade after 3 months, but can be used for years.
Bottega Veneta – was a family company founded in Vicenza, Italy in 1966 and run by Vittorio and Laura Moltedo manufacturing hand made bags. It quickly became famous thanks to Andy Warhol who bought a Bottega Veneta bag as X’mas gift. In 2001 the Gucci group became the biggest shareholder of the company and launched Bottega Veneta brand worldwide focusing on accessories and niche goods.
Brioni – the fabrics and the impeccable cuts have made the name stand for quality and style. Brioni expressed a new style of dressing for men since 1945 when master tailor Mr. Fonticoli and fashion designer Mr. Savini opened one of the first fashion houses in Rome. Brioni style mix renewal with classic stylish cut, and is one of the main ambassador of men’s fashion in the world. Many movie celebrities began to wear Brioni suits, Kirk Douglas, Rock Hudson, Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, John Wayne, to name just a few. Brioni at presenr opened shops in all the major capitals.
Burberry – British company founded in 1856, worldwide known for the classic gabardine trenchcoat for both men and women. After a decline, in 2001 Christopher Bailey has become the creative director of Burberry, and re launched the brand. After a Master’s degree at the Royal College of Art in London, Bailey worked for Donna Karan and for Gucci, before working for Burberry.
Byblos – Keith Varty and Alan Cleaver are Byblos designers, both born in 1952, and both attended the Royal College of Art in London. They started working for Genny Group in 1980 designing the man and women’s 1981-1982 Byblos collection. The unique fresh, ethnic and romantic styles are well appreciated by young clients worldwide.
Cacharel – Jean Louis Henri Bousquet changed his name into Cacharel (name of wild duck) after moving to Paris in 1950s. He worked at a men’s tailor shop before launching his label Jean Cacharel in 1964. Jean Cacharel was at the right place at the right time (Paris after the second war), where pret a porter and mass market took place of haute couture. Cacharel was the first fashion designer to see the noveau riche class and their needs, comfortable and easy of wear clothes.
Calvin Klein – graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology and started his own business in 1968 designing coats and sportswear. In 1973 Calvin Klein emerged as a top fashion designer, he realized that most women wanted to wear all clothing by the same brand. Calvin Klein began to design collections with the above concept. A woman could be dressed for any occasion, simply combining clothes of her wardrobe. Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan dominate the New York fashion scene.
Celine – the first Celine boutique was opened in Paris in 1945 focusing on children’s shoes. In the 1959 Celine started producing shoes, accessories and finery handbags for women. In 1998, the American Michael Kors became chief designer of the ready to wear womenswear, and the brand became renowned for ultra luxurious womenswear. Now Celine is one of the most famous deluxe brand.
Chanel – is a legendary name in fashion, founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1913. She is the most important fashion designer of the 20th century thanks to her use of sportswear for high fashion, the leather handbag, the little black dress, and Chanel No. 5 parfume created in 1921 and till popular. Chanel said: I am neither in the past nor avant garde. My style follows life.
Chloe – Gaby Aghionan, an Egyptian born, founded Chloe in Paris in 1952, producing a collection of women dresses. Christina Onassis, Maria Callas and Grace Kelly were some Chloe clients in the past. Stella McCartney in 1997 re launched the brand, when her best friends, Kate Moss, Madonna, and Cameron Diaz began to wear Chloe.
Christian Lacroix – was born in 1956, moved to Paris in 1971 to study at the Sorbonne. He began designing for Hermes in 1978, 10 years later Bernard Arnault, president of LVMH offered Lacroix the opportunity to launch his own label. Lacroix was known to use painting by 18th century artists bringing Rococo back to couture. In 1998 Christian Lacroix launched his ready to wear productions. Madonna worn a jewelled corsets for her 2004 Reinvention Tour.
Christian Dior – was born in France in 1905, in 1931 opened a fashion gallery, in 1938 Dior started working as a designer in a fashion gallery. After World War II, Dior launched his own trademark and opened a fashion house on Montaigne Avenue in Paris. His romantic and feminine look celebrating the beauty of human body, with rounded shoulders and real skirts was a success. Dior contributed to establish Paris as the culture capital of the world. A few years later, Dior introduced ready to wear in his own boutique, and began producing also furs, ties, and perfumes. In 1957, Dior suddenly died and Yves Saint Laurent became the designer of the Dior House. The CD logo of Christian Dior is a legend. The Duchess of Windsor, Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich liked wear CD.
Costume National – Ennio Capasa, born in south Italy in 1960 launched the label Costume National in Milan in 1986 with his brother Carlo. He was influenced by oriental culture after a trip to Japan. After graduating in Brear, He went to Japan again where worked for three years (1982-1985). The first Costume National women’s ready to wear collection appeared in 1987.
Diesel – Italian brand renowned for its jeans launched by Renzo Rosso (born 1955). Mr. Rosso studied economics at university in Venice, in 1978, before his degree was completed, he founded a consulting company to develop new fashion brands, among them Replay and Diesel. In 1985 Mr. Rosso acquired Diesel. Diesel denim jeans remains 100 per cent made in Italy.
Dolce & Gabbana – Domenico Dolce was born in 1958 in Sicily, Italy. Stefano Gabbana was born in 1962 in Milan. Gabbana used to fly to Sicily on holidays meeting Dolce. In 1995 they launhed their label, today an empire that includes D&G line, children wear, accessories, underwear, eyewear, fragrance, watches.
Etro – Etro clothing industry was founded in 1968, mixing precious fabrics made with natural fibres, linen, cotton, cashmere, and silk, with designs, trendy colours, and chromatic intepretations. In the 90s, Etro became producing ready to wear collections unusual elegant cuts and finishings for both men and women. The creative center and main showroom is in Milan, the trademark distribution policy is opening of single brand stores in the most important capital cities of the world, including Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia.
Fendi – the Fendi group was founded in 1925 by Adele Fendi from a small leather goods shopn in Rome. The family business expanded in the 1954 when the 5 daughters Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla, and Alda, began to run the company. The double F logo designed by Karl Lagerfeld is now an icon of chic handbags and accessories. In 1987, the daughter of Anna Fendi created the Fendissime, a lovely line for young girls.
Ferragamo – born in Naples, Italy, Salvatore Ferragamo is a pioneer of the Italian fashion crafting elegant and comfortable shoes for the most famous Hollywood celebrities. When he was 14 he went to the US as immigrants, but he went to west rather than living in New York. After a short stint in a cowboy boots factory, he had become the “Shoemaker to the Stars” thanks to the Roman sandals made for the Cecil de Mille epics. Ferragamo studied the anatomy of the foot, and coupled high fashion design with comfort, and had as clients Anna Magnani, Gloria Swanson, Ava Gardner, etc. Back to Italy, Ferragamo established its headquarters in Florence, but in 1960 he died. His wife Wanda and his children have expanded the brand, launching a luxurious ready to wear collection.
Gianfranco Ferrè – Gianfranco Ferrè was born in 1944. After graduating in architecture, he worked as a designer for a furniture company. After working for a raincoats manufacturer in Genoa, in l978 he launched the first collection of Ferré ready to wear for women. The first high fashion collection was presented in 1986 in Rome, and highly appreciated. In the 1989 he became the designer of the French House Dior mixing the traditional Dior spirit with a modern fresh style.
Genny – the Genny group, based in Ancona, Italy, produces many brands including: Genny, Complice, Byblos Donna, and Byblos Uomo, with a company’s image not only in Europe but in the United States and Japan as well. Donatella Girombelli started to work as an assistant designer for the Genny group, after a few years she married one of the owners, and has been running the group. Genny distinctive look is for a career women who wants to be comfortable and elegant during the day, and feminine in the evening.
Guess – established in 1980, Guess is a family business headed up by Paul and Maurice Marciano, well known for sexy jeans and sexy ad campaigns. Maurice is the fashion designer while Paul think of the company image and advertising. He has established the Guess sex bombs, including Claudia Schiffer, Eva Herzigova, Laetitia Casta, Drew Barrymore, as a symbol of American pop culture.
Hermes – was established in 1837 by Thierry Hermes producing fine harness and accessories for horse riders. In the ’20s, Hermes began to make sportswear clothing, but it was in the ’50s and ’60s that Hermes became famous for its clothing thanks to its printed silk ties first and the Kelly and Birkin handbags later. Today the fashion company based on rue du Faubourg Saint Honore in Paris, is worldwide known for luxury and expensive handcrafted leather goods and exquisite tailoring ready to wear clothing.
Hugo Boss – an Austrian tailor founded in 1923 as a manufacturer of workwear. In the ’60s it began making suits for men and in 1985 was listed on the German stock exchange. Today Hugo Boss is one of the most recognisable suiting label in the world with about 700 stores worldwide.
Hubert de Givenchy – one of the biggest fashion designer, was born in Beauvais, France in 1924. His first collection in 1952 was considered revolutionary, emphasizing the silhouette. His clothes were very simple for the time, and was the first to design clothes that accentuated the woman. Givenchy’s clothes were choosen by many stars of Hollywood such as Audrey Hepburn who worn Givenchy in all her famous movies.
Guccio Gucci – founded the House of Gucci as a shop of leather accessories in 1906 in Florence. His original clientele were horseback riders. After World War II, Guccio’s sons opened Gucci shop in Rome, Milan, and New York, introducing the characteristic double G motif. In the 1960s the Gucci brand was one of the status symbols of the times.
Donna Karan – while student at the Parsons School of Design in New York, she got a summer job in Anne Klein company. 3 years later, Karan became Klein’s successor, and in 1984 launched her own brand (DKNY Donna Karan New York) with her husband emphasizing simple and sophisticated designs. In 1992 was launched a menswear line followed by fragrances, children’s clothing, eyewear, and home furnishings.
Dsquared – Dean and Dan Caten twins of Dsquared mix American pop culture and superior Italian tailoring. The Milan debut of the men’s line was in 1994, and became popular thanks to Lenny Kravitz, Justin Timberlake and Ricky Martin. In 2003 launched the women’s line with Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzigova, Madonna and Christina Aguilera.
Jean Paul Gaultier – was born in 1952, in the early ’70s he worked for Pierre Cardin and in 1976 launched his own brand with ready to wear collections. Jean Paul Gaultier is one of the most trendy designers of French fashion, became worldwide famous in 1990, making the wardrobe for Madonna’s Blonde Ambition tour (mind the corset with conical bra cups).
Jil Sander – is a German born designer associated with minimalism. He opened her first shop in Hamburg, when was 24 years old, and launched her first women’s collection with fabrics used for menswear. Jil Sander is still renowned for the development and use of high tech luxurious fabrics. In 1979 was launched Jil Sander Cosmetics and 5 years later a leather collection.
Jimmy Choo – born in Penang in 1961 into a Chinese and Malaysian family of shoemakers. He made his first shoes when 11 years old. He graduated from Cordwainers Technical College (now part of the London College of Fashion) in 1983. While student Choo worked part time at restaurants and as a cleaner at a shoe factory. His craftsmanship and designs were noticed when Jimmy Choo worked in London Borough of Hackney, East London, opened in 1986. In 1996, he cofounded Jimmy Choo Ltd with Tamara Mellon, the British Vogue editor. In April 2001, Choo sold his 50% and concentrating his work on the exclusive Jimmy Choo Couture line. The ready to wear line expanded including handbags and accessories. Choo lives in London, and is involved in a project to set up a shoemaking institute in Malaysia.
John Galliano – was born in 1960 to a Gibraltan family, at the age of 6 moved to London. Attended Wilson’s Grammar School and graduated in 1984. In 1990 Galliano started to show in Paris, in 1995 Galliano succeeded Hubert de Givenchy at the maison. 2 years later, Galliano became creative director at Christian Dior.
Karl Lagerfeld – was born in Hamburg in 1938, at the age of 14 moved to Paris, and when 17 he got his first job, at Pierre Balmain first and Jean Patou later. Lagerfeld didn’t establish his own brand, but preferred a career as a freelance fashion designer. Lagerfeld designed Chloe from 1963 to 83 and 1992-97. He also designed for Fendi and Chanel. In 1984 he launched his own label, and the Lagerfeld Gallery, is a platform for his hobbies, such as photos, books, perfume, and art.
Krizia – Mariuccia Mandelli chose the name Krizia for her fashion house getting the name from the title of a Plato’s dialogue,a man who sspent all money on jewelry and clothing for a beautiful women. With a friend, Flora Dolci, she rented a room in Milan which became her first workshop. The Krizia label was born producing fresh young style skirts. Krizi leit motif is freedom of choice, a fashion adaptable to any lifestyle and situation maintaining the feminine touch. Today collections include several Krizia labels, menswear, children’s wear, knitwear, glasses, handbags, ties, fragrances, furniture, etc.
Lacoste – worldwide known for the Polo T-shirt, recognised for his fresh, flawless cuts and elegant tailoring, with graphic, pure, relaxed style.
Lancetti – Pino Lancetti has been one of the main creators of high fashion since 1963 when he introduced a change in the women dressed. Famous for the luxury and fine quality printed fabrics, inspired by works of art. After 30 years of success in high fashion, Pino Lancetti decided to renovated his strategy and marketing, being more flexibility and international oriented in the today marketplace.
Lanvin – the couture house was founded by Jeanne Lanvin in the 1880s in Paris known for silk dresses, satin ribbon details and costume jewellery. Under Elbaz direction, born in Casablanca, Morocco, and raised and graduated in Tel Aviv, Lanvin has developed jewellery, shoe and handbag collections and feminine chic clothing.
Laura Biagiotti – born 1943 in Rome, Italy. She studied literature in Rome, later she started to help out at her mother’s dressmaking business (in 1964 Delia Biagiotti designed the uniforms for Alitalia staff), and in 1972 had her first fashion show. She was the first Italian designer to present a collection in China in 1988, and she received many an awards for her contributions to fashion, also the Marco Polo from the Chinese government for promoting fashion in China. The Italian post office issued a 41 Euro cent stamp with her name in 2002.
Marc Jacobs – was born in New York in 1963. As a teenager, Jacobs began to join club culture, meeting upper class people at the Studio 54. The sources of inspiration for cloting have been the cool girls that surround him, guessing what women want to wear all over the world. Jacobs completed a fashion degree at Parsons School of Design in New York in 1984. In 1986 was launched the first Marc Jacobs collection. In 1997 Jacobs was hired in Louis Vuitton as artistic director, he re launched the luggage company’s image.
Missoni – was founded in 1953 by Rosita and Ottavio Missoni opening a small knitwear factory. The traditional Italian handicraft techniques coupled with innovation evolved into a luxury fashion world. In 1967 it took place in Florence the first Missoni catwalk. In 1970 the Missoni launched the recognisable motifs, stripes and zig zags on its collections. In 1997 Angela Missoni renovated the brand image, introducing florals and even denim without losing the essence of luxury.
Moschino – Italian fashion house was estabilished in 1983 and owes much to Mrs. Rossella Jardini who has re launched the brand, after the death of its founder Franco Moschino in 1994.
Paul Smith – was born in Nottingham in 1946, and became fashion designer after a serious accident while riding his bike interrupted his carrier as professional cyclist. Smith began studying fashion design at evening classes, and in 1970, opened a store in his native city with his wife. In 1976 launched his own brand with a menswear collection in Paris. In 1987 Smith opened a store in New York and 1993 in Paris. In 1994 was launched a womenswear collection and clothing for kids.
Philosophy – Alberta Ferretti is one of the most inventive fashion designers in Italy, known for her soft silhouettes and the use of luxury fabrics in her creations, coupling romanticism with functionality. She designs the label Philosophy too, leading the powerful Italian fashion group Aeffe.
Pierre Cardin – was born in 1922, near Treviso, Italy, but it is known as a French fashion designer. Cardin was known for his avant garde style, his geometric shapes and unisex fashions. Cardin moved to Paris in 1945. There, he studied architecture and worked with Elsa Schiaparelli until he became head of Christian Dior in 1947. He founded his own house in 1950, and he gave his fortune when designed 30 costumes for “the party of the century”, a masquerade ball in Venice in 1951. He began with haute couture in 1953. Cardin was the first couturier to turn to Japan as a high fashion market when he travelled there in 1959. In 1959, he was expelled from the Chambre Syndicale for launching a ready to wear collection as the first couturier in Paris, but he was reinstated soon. Cardin expanded into other markets that included a contract with American Motors (AMC).
Louis Vuitton – was born in Anchay, France in 1821. In 1837 he moved to Paris. His approach in designing luggage was unrivaled. In 1875 the couturier Charles Frederic Worth said Louis Vuitton an important secret and Louis Vuitton turned this information into the first furniture used for travelling, the famous LV Wardrobe. Over one hundred years after his death, the firm Louis Vuitton presently owned by LVMH, is still the best fashion luxury house for bags and accessories.
Manolo Blahnik – is a Spanish fashion designer, synonymous with the finest footwear in the world, turning shoes from fashion into art. His shoes are extremely comfortable and well made, thanks to finest materials, and elegant colours. For many years Manolo Blahnik was unknown, but he suddenly became famous to millions thanks to television series in which his name was mentioned several times. Blahnik’s shoes reflected women urban style. His clientele is Jerry Hall, Diana Ross Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell.
Oscar de la Renta – born Oscar Aristides Renta Fiallo in Dominican Republic, a Dominican mother and a Puerto Rican father. At the age of 18 he moved to Madrid, Spain to study painting at the Academy of San Fernando. He was interested in the world of fashion and design and began working for a few Spanish fashion houses, including Balenciaga. Later, he left Spain to become a fashion desiger for Lanvin in Paris. From 1963 to 1965 he worked as fashion designre for Elizabeth Arden, and for Christian Dior. Later he launched his own label. In 1993 to 2002, Oscar de la Renta designed the collection for Pierre Balmain, becoming the first Dominican to design for a French fashion house.
Paco Rabanne – born Francisco Rabaneda Cuervo in 1934 in Basque Country, Spain. He left Spain for France with his mother during the Spanish Civil War. He had an architect education, but in the 1960s he became the enfant terrible of the fashion world creating jewellery for Givenchy, Dior and Balenciaga. He launched his own fashion house in 1966 using unconventional materials as metal, paper and plastic for his collection. In 2005, Rabanne opened the first exhibition of his drawings, in Moscow. He said “I have not shown them to anyone except Salvador Dalí 30 years ago who told me to keep going.”
Pollini – Armando Pollini founded the company in Vigevano, producing luxury shoes that bears his name. He said: I made a factory to produce myself. Only 3 years after it was founded, Pollini’s sales quadrupled, both worldwide and in the United States. The success of his company proves it.
Prada – was established in Milan in 1913 by Mario Prada producing luxury leather goods. Miuccia Prada in 1978 inherited the firm, and after a PhD in Political Science together with her husband Patrizio Bertelli launched Prada fashion house, ready to wear and accessories, becoming one of the first fashion group in the world. Prada is famous to mix different fabrics and leather for both clothing and accessories.
Ralph Lauren – Ralph Lifshitz was born on October 14, 1939 in the Bronx, New York. He studied at the College of New York and served in the US Army till 1964. In 1967, he launched his famous Polo Ralph Lauren label, becaming designer and chairman of Polo Fashions New York. He reached international success designing the men’s costume for The Great Gatsby in 1974 (movie by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel). Ralph Lauren was the first one to sell his lifestyle not just clothing, when Ralph Lauren designs a collection, he thinks of all clothes and accessories of the entire wardrobe.
Roberto Cavalli – was born in Florence in 1940, and founded his own fashion company in the ’60s. Aa a student at Florence’s Academy of Art. Cavalli experimented printing on leather, as a decorator of textiles. Cavalli was one of the first to put leather on a catwalk. His collectiocs are unique combination of sex appeal and artisanal prints.
Romeo Gigli – was born at Faenza, Italy, after classical studies at high school and architecture at university, he started travelling to know other countries. In 1979 he moved in New York and worked in an atelier, where he could learn all secrets of fashion design. After going back to Italy, he launched his brand redesigning the female body with his destructured jackets and coats. In 1988 was opened the Spazio Romeo Gigli in Milan, Corso Como 10 for the selling of Romeo Gigli collection and accessories, as well as other important designers’ collections. In 1989 it started a collaboration with Ermenegildo Zegna Group for the production and distribution of the Men’s ready to wear collection in quality stores worldwide. In 1991 the fragrance Romeo di Romeo Gigli wins the Award of the “American Fragrance Foundation” for the best packaging.
Sergio Rossi – started working with his shoemaker father in Romagna, Italy in the 1950s. Later he moved to Milan for two years and started selling his own shoes. He is best known for his collaborations with Gianni Versace in the 1970s, and Dolce & Gabbana in the 1990s. The first Sergio Rossi boutique was opened in Ancona, and in few years the company expanded internationally till 1999, when it was bought by the Gucci Group. Presently Sergio Rossi brand is a leading Italian fashion designer and distributor of women’s shoes and handbags. In 2007 Sergio Rossi stands with operating over 41 stores internationally, with 6 locations in the United States; New York, Beverly Hills, Costa Mesa, and Boston. In 2009, to demonstrate that luxury and fashion can be combined with sustainability, Sergio Rossi launched the Eco Pump, a biodegradable fashion shoe made using Liquid Wood in the heel and sole, and leather uppers tanned using eco sensitive tanners.
Stijn de Boeck – born in Antwerp, the Belgian fashion city. On his way to art college he found a broken sewing machine on the side of a road, took it home, and tried to make a dress, within a few months, one of his design was chosen for a fashion contest. Along with a group of young fashion designers, he started an organisation for young fashion talents and took charge of public relations for the enterprise. In a very short time, the group was reaching more people, and they were featured in all of the important Belgian fashion magazines. Lately, Stijn was contracted by some luxury fashion shops to design and provide couture dresses. ” Suddenly my clothes were featured between the world’s biggest names like Chanel and Dior. ”
Thierry Mugler – was born 1948 in Strasbourg, France. Mugler was as a ballet dancer while studing design. In 1970 He moved to Paris and launched his first line Café de Paris in 1973. and founded his own label for women 2 years later, and for men in 1978. In his collection, shoulders were wide; waists were wasp like. Mugler’s clothes came in solid, dominating colours. PVC was often used, as robot themes. Mugler’s fashion house did not survive the 1990s. The clothing brand was reopened only in the 2008. In 1997 was launched the Thierry Mugler fragrances “Angel” with the partnershipof the French cosmetics and skincare company Clarins. Thierry Mugler has since turned to other artistic interests. He has published 2 books of his fashion designs and photography, In 1992, Mugler directed the video for George Michael’s single, “Too Funky”. More recently, Mugler collaborated with Cirque du Soleil on its 2003 show.
Tom Ford – was born August 27, 1961 in Austin, Texas. At age 17, he moved to New York City to study art history at New York University for only a year, preferring to concentrate on acting in television commercials. Ford then began studying interior architecture at New York City’s Parsons School of Design and contribute to launch the legendary nightclub Studio 54. Then Ford spent 6 months in Paris, where he worked for Chloé. In 1994, Ford was promoted to creative director in Gucci. In April 2004, Ford left Gucci and opened the fashion house, becoming ,with accessories. In 2006, he also established a fragrance line called Tom Ford Beauty.
Tommy Hilfiger – was born in New York in 1952, and started to sign his own collection in 1984 in New York. Tommy Hilfiger said that Americans are my inspiration, his collection reflects American flag using the red, white and blue, and real people needs. Tommy Hilfiger is more a businessmen than a fashion designer, understanding that clothes will sell better if well advertised.
Nicola Trussardi – was born in Bergamo, Italy. In 1970 after graduating in economics at the Catholic University of Milan, expanded his family’s glove making business into luxury accessories, and creating Trussardi’s greyhound logo. Later, Trussardi launched a luxury line of leather jackets,and a ready to wear line including womenswear, menswear, sportswear and children’s wear. Trussardi’s Fashion House contributed to the popularity of the made in Italy label in the world, designing also interiors for the airline company Alitalia, cars for Alfa Romeo, and even helicopters.
Emanuel Ungaro – born to Italian parents who moved to France from Brindisi, Italy because of the fascist Italian government. As a young boy, Emanuel Ungaro took to sewing like his father, Cosimo. At the age of 22, he moved to Paris and 3 years later, he began designing for Cristobal Balenciaga fashion house. In 1965 with the assistance of Swiss artist Sonja Knapp and Elena Bruna Fassio, Emanuel Ungaro opened his own fashion house in Paris. In 1968, he created his first prêt à porter collection, and opened a store in Paris, later Ungaro launched his first menswear collection, Ungaro Uomo. In 1997, Emanuel Ungaro, Salvatore Ferragamo and Bulgari created a new company, the Emanuel Ungaro Parfums launching Fleur de Diva, Desnuda, and Apparition. In 2004, Emanuel Ungaro retired and in 2005 the brand was sold to Asim Abdullah.
Valentino Garavani – was born in Voghera, Italy in 1932. He studied fashion design in Milan, then moved to Paris. Here he worked as assistant fashion designer to Guy Laroche. In 1962, he established his fashion house in Rome and launched his collection in Florence. His clientele is a list of the most famous women in the world such as Jacqueline Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor to name just a few. Valentino’s signature is luxury fashion, elegant, the best of made in Italy.
Gianni Versace – was born in the South of Italy on December 2, 1946. After getting a degree in architecture, he moved to Milan and worked as a fashion designer for Genny. In 1979, Gianni Versace started working with Richard Avedon, an American photographer who will shoot all his catalogs, and launched his menswear collection. Gianni Versace had a passion for the opera, and we can notice the grandiose costumes translating into his sensuality collections.
Yves Henri Donat Mathieu Saint Laurent – was born in the Algeri in 1936 from a rich French family. In 1955 Saint Laurent started working in Christian Dior as a fashion design assistant. In 1957 Saint Laurent succeeded Dior, after his death. In 1961, he founded his own fashion house inventing the trouser suit, the tuxedo as a fashion item, the transparency on the catwalk.
Vivienne Westwood – was born in Derbyshire in 1941, and became a legend, an innovative fashion designer who inspires many other designers. She invented the punk uniform, and Sex, Pirates, and Buffalo Girls printed on all clothing of her collections. She became an icon of fashin world without any formal training. Today she shows her ready to wear women’s collection in Paris and a menswear collection in Milan, but the interest in vintage Westwood has never been so intense.
Ermenegildo Zegna – was founded in 1910 by Ermenegildo Zegna in the North of Italy. England and Scotland dominated the textile market, but Ermenegildo Zegna decided to launch his own fabrics brand that thanks to impeccable quality in raw materials, design, and craftsmanship, was exported worldwide. In the 1960s, his sons launched also a ready to wear collections. And in the 1980s started opening brand stores in Europe, US, and Asia.