1. American Designers

2. Tommy Hilfiger Highest paid fashion executive in the US in 2001. Self-taught designer of men’s tailored clothing.

3. Calvin Klein Paved the way for designer jeans. Known for risqué advertising. Considered by many to be the most prominent American designer.

4. Donna Karan Upscale women’s and men’s suits and sportswear. Seven CFDA awards. Sold financial aspect of business to LVMH.

5. Vera Wang Known for couture bridal designs for individual clients. Began career as a senior fashion editor for Vogue.

6. Sean “P Diddy” Combs Sean John collection for boy’s and men’s wear. Earner $100 million per year in his first two years.

7. Bill Blass First American designer to introduce pinstripes and houndstooth into womenswear. Died from cancer in 2002.

8. 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.

9. Ralph Lauren Classy “preppy” sophisticated styles for women and men. Began by designing wide neckties.

10. 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.

11. Italian Designers

12. Donatella Versace Sister of Gianni Versace, continued the business after his death. Features electric colours, sensuous fabrics, clingy silhouettes, and bold sexiness

13. Muccia Prada Mime performer turned fashion mogul. Added womenswear to the leather handbag lines after inheriting the family business

14. Consistent popularity for four decades. His vintage gowns are considered collectables. (Ex: Julia Roberts’ black gown with white piping Oscar Night 2001). Valentino

15. French Designers

16. Oscar de la Renta Known most for women’s streetwear and evening gowns. Designed first in Paris, then moved to New York.

17. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel Signature Chanel jacket. One version of the “little black dress.”

18. Cristobal Balenciaga Known for huge evening coats. Chemise dresses, pillbox hats, and long, full skirts.

19. 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.

20. British Designers

21. Mary Quant One of the originators of the Mod Look of the 1960’s. Miniskirts, vinyl boots, geometric patterns, strong colours.