Staying at the top in the fashion industry has been extremely challenging and daunting as well. It is because the fashion industry is one of the most competitive industries in the world. But, even after all the challenges, some designers manage to stay at the top in the fashion industry. Their names are remembered even after they are long gone. This is why they are known as one of the most iconic and renowned fashion designers in the world.
Want to know more about such fashion designers? We have listed the top 50 fashion designers below. Let’s check them out.
#01. Sandy Powell
Sandy Powell is a British costume designer. She is known for her inspiring creations all over the world and has won a lot of awards for it as well. Her collections are known to reflect her personality as well that is just as vibrant as her character. What’s more, Powell has even won Oscar for her costume designing. Not only this, she has won three Academy Awards for the best costume as well. Powell has even been nominated 12 times for the award. Her costumes are extremely beautiful and breathtaking. This is why her collections are known all over the world.
#02. Domenico Dolce (R) And Stefano Gabbana
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana live by the mantra of women empowerment. This is why they have been working hard to prove their motto. They have been proving their motto through their strong designs that reflect women’s empowerment. The two introduced their first-ever collection in Milan in the year 1985. Ever since the introduction of their first collection, they have been known as a luxury brand. The duo has introduced a new form of style with their designs that reflect both modernism and traditional style. The two worked tirelessly to make their name in the fashion industry and now they are one of the most renowned duos in the fashion industry.
#03. Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen assisted some of the most renowned fashion brands before launching his own collection. He has worked with some of the most reputable fashion names such as Anderson & Shepherdi. He launched his own brand in the year 1992. Ever since his debut collection, McQueen is highly regarded among other fashion designers. His clothes are not only iconic but are extremely extraordinary as well. Although McQueen was one of the most renowned fashion designers in the world, he committed suicide in the year 2011. But, even after his death, his label designed the wedding gown for Kate Middleton.
#04. Valentino Garavani
Valentino Garavani was born in the year 1932 in Italy. He had an interest in fashion designing from an extremely early age. This is why he started studying fashion designing from childhood as well. He trained in Paris in the year 1950. After training in Paris, he started his own collection in the year 1959 in Rome. Before starting his own collection in the year 1959, Garavani even worked with some of the renowned fashion designers of the industry such as Laroche and Desus. He is most famous for making women look elegant and glamorous in his breathtaking designs. This is why the fashion industry remembers his name even today as well.
#05. Miuccia Prada
If you are a fan of Italian fashion designers then you must have heard the name of Miuccia Prada. She is one of our most favorite Italian fashion designers. Born on May 10, 1949, she had been a member of the Italian Communist Party. She had been a mime student as well. She launched her first collection in the year 1985. Her first collection consisted of backpacks and nylon handbags. There was no looking back for her then. She transformed the entire fashion world with her brilliant designs that gained popularity all over the world.
#06. Tommy Hilfiger
Everyone that is interested in fashion and new trends must have heard the name of Tommy Hilfiger. He is one of the most renowned names in the fashion industry. This is why he is also known as the champion of glamour as well. Some of Hilfiger’s favorite trends are white, blue, and red. He introduced his first-ever collection in the year 1985. Right after his debut collection, Hilfiger was associated with Ivy League. He became closely associated with Ivy League. Hilfiger even won the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award in the year 1995.
#07. Carolina Herrera
Carolina Herrera is a fashion icon. She has an eye for beauty. This is why she has created extremely beautiful designs that speak her style. She had a sense of beauty from an extremely young age. This is why she attended many fashion trends in Venezuela as well. She is quite an expert in fashion. This is why she launched her own collection in the year 1981. Ever since the launch of her collection, she gained quick popularity in the fashion industry. She is most famous for her chic designs. This is why people from all over the world are seeking her designs.
#08. Jean-Paul Gaultier
Jean-Paul Gaultier is a French fashion designer. He was born in the year 1952 in Val-de-Marne. His designs are extremely sensual that challenges all the stereotypes of feminism. He even ignored all the traditions of gender roles and provides the freedom to sexuality. He has worked with some of the most renowned fashion designers in the world such as Pierre Cardin. Later he even worked at Jacques Esterel and Patou. After working with renowned fashion designers, he launched his first collection in the year 1982. Ever since the introduction of his first collection, there was no looking back for him.
#09. Herve Leger
Are you a fan of bandage dresses? If yes, then you must have heard of Herve Leger. He is extremely famous for bandage dresses all over the world. He even took the fashion world by storm with his iconic bandage dresses. He launched his first collection in the year 1989. He stopped his production in the year 1997. He came back into the fashion world in the year 2008. Even though he remained inactive for so many years, his resume is still effective than a lot of fashion designers out there. This is why he is one of the most sought-after fashion designers in the world.
#10. Stella McCartney
Do you want to reflect sexy feminism and a sense of natural confidence through your dressing? If yes, then you must go to the collection of Stella McCartney. She is known all over the world for her sharp and sophisticated collection. Stella was born and raised in London. She even spent some of her childhood in the countryside as well. She graduated from Central St. Martins in the year 1995. Just two years after her graduation, she launched her first-ever collection. There was no looking back for her then. Today, she is one of the most iconic fashion designers in the world.
#11. Ralph Rucci
Known exclusively for his Chado Ralph Rucci brand, he is one of the best American fashion designers. Bagging several major awards for his contributions to the fashion industry, Ralph and his clothing lines have set new standards for luxury clothes. Ralph was born in Philadelphia and continues to get his designs featured in crucial exhibitions around the world. The 63-year-old thrives on his talent and his detailed line of clothing and rich textures in design have had a huge impact on the fashion industry. His silks tailored in an enhanced way are jaw-dropping and the reason for his success.
#12. Salvatori Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo is a well-known name in the fashion industry. The Italian artist was the founder of his brand in 1927 and is well known to date. He was a creative show designer who established a successful business dealing with high-end goods. There was a time in the 1920s when he was the primary designer for many celebrities in the US. There is no doubt that his reputation as one of the best designers is justified. Salvatore’s luxury goods were loved and appreciated by the entire industry and his brand continues to be more successful, despite his passing in 1960.
#13. Jimmy Choo
The Malaysian designer is based in England and has a reputation for coming up with iconic designs from time to time. His company specializes in hand-stitched products, especially footwear for women. Through his classy designs and adding great details in his products, Jimmy has gained a lot of fame. His company, created in 1986, is known for producing bold styles and unique designs that can bring attention to anyone who wears them. Jimmy is also famous for designing footwear for many prominent figures including members of the royal family. With his glamorous designs, he is sure to get more success.
#14. Alexandre Herchovitch
Alexandre Herchovitch is a famous Brazilian designer whose work made him an icon in his home country. His bold style, paired with glamorous designs, has caught the attention of many people in the fashion industry. Being featured in major fashion shows around the world, his brand of luxurious clothing has made its mark in the industry. One of the major reasons for Alexander’s huge success was an exposure to fashion and designing at a very early age by his mother. This could explain his dedication to come up with incredible, unique designs and styles that can catch anyone’s attention.
#15. Mossimo Giannulli
Mossimo Ginnulli is a famous fashion designer based in the USA. His works include professionally designing his clothes with the latest trends in the fashion world to get the most of what the customers would like. He is known for his famous fashion line after his name. His brand creates luxury designs that are unique in their own ways and able to turn heads around the world. The designer can showcase his immense talent and create absolute masterpieces. He is married to Lori Loughlin and is living a happy and successful life with his partner in Newport Beach, California.
#16. John Varvatos
Fashion designing was not the first choice of John Varvatos. Before launching his career in fashion designing, he wanted to pursue a career in teaching science. But, fate had something else in mind for him. He landed in fashion designing in the year 1983. He started working for Polo Ralph Lauren. Later, he even worked for Calvin Klein as the head of the department. He returned to Ralph Lauren in the year 1995 and worked as the design head. Due to all the success gained by working in the fashion industry, he launched his own collection in the year 2000. Today, he is one of the most renowned fashion designers in the world.
#17. Daphne Guinness
She was born in the year 1967. She is one of the most legendary UK designers in the world. She is not only a fashion designer but an heiress as well. Guinness is a multi-talented person. She is a mother, muse, heiress, film producer, and stylist as well. Her most prominent style is couture and her extravagant designs.
#18. Jony Ive
Jonathon Ive was born in the year 1967 in London. He studied fashion designing at Newcastle Polytechnic. He took all the necessary courses to become a famous industrial designer. What’s more, he is Apple Inc.’s one of the most important workers. He has designed a lot of iMac computers that we currently use. This is why he is one of the most renowned industrial designers in the world.
#19. Kate Spade
Kate Spade is known for her distinctive and aesthetic styles. She is celebrated all over the world for her vibrant and colorful styles. This businesswoman was born in the year 1962. She gained popularity in the fashion world with her launch of Kate Spade handbags in the year 1993. There was no looking back for her then. She expanded her business after her debut collection. Today, she is one of the most sought-after designers in the world.
#20. Christian Audigier
Christian Audigier is a French fashion designer. He was born in the year 1958 in France. He has designed a lot of hats, T-shirts, jackets, perfumes, furniture, motorcycles, and a lot of other things as well. This is the reason that he is known as an international sensation nowadays.
#21. Allegra Versace
Born in Italy, Allegra Versace is the niece of Gianni Versace. She is the daughter of Donatella Versace and Paul Beck. Donatella and Paul both belonged to the fashion industry as well. Paul was an ex-fashion model whereas Donatella was an Italian fashion designer. Today, she has an estimated net worth of more than $800 million. She is one of the most prominent names in the world of fashion industry. The renowned fashion designer acquired 50% of the Versace Empire after her uncle was mysteriously murdered in the year 1997. There was no looking back for her then. She worked extremely hard to make her name in the fashion industry.
#22. Diane Von Furstenberg
If you are into bold designs and colors, then you must have heard the name of Diane Von Furstenberg in the fashion world. This fashion designer is extremely famous for her use and choice of unique and bold colors. Apart from this, she creates an extremely unique fits too. That’s the reason that her first-ever debut dress was bold and unique too. She launched her debut dress in the year 1974. Nowadays, Diane is more focused on women’s empowerment. For this purpose, she has gone all over the world to raise her voice for the less fortunate women. This is why she calls it her third-act as well.
#23. Michael Kors
Born on August 9, 1959, Michael Kors is one of the most prominent fashion designers of New York. He moved to New York to study fashion designing at the Fashion Institute of Technology. But, he left just after two semesters. The renowned fashion designer launched his most famous women’s collection in the year 1981. What’s more, he even judged the Project Runway in the year 2004. He has a vast collection that is known all over the world. For those of you who do not know, his dress was even worn by Michelle Obama for her first-ever official portrait. This gave more rise to his popularity.
#24. Tory Burch
If you are into bohemian style, then you must know Tory Burch as well. She has made her name in bohemian tunic style for over a decade now. It was not an easy journey for her. She worked extremely hard to turn her local brand into an international name. Today, she is known all over the world for her preppy style. This is why she has open over a hundred stores and has an online presence as well. Although she did face obstacles in her initial journey, she did not give up. We all should learn from her and continue to chase our dreams.
#25. Phoebe Philo
Phoebe Philo is one of the most renowned British fashion designers. Although her designs are extremely beautiful and stunning, they are quite understated. She took interest in the world of fashion from a young age. This is why she even went to study fashion designing at Central Saint Martins. After graduating from Central Saint Martins, Phoebe went to live in Paris. In Paris, she worked as Stella McCartney’s assistant in the house of Chloe. In the year 20011, Philo was promoted as the creative director. This was the time when she launched her first ready-to-wear collection as well. There was no looking back for her then.
#26. COCO CHANEL
Coco Chanel was a famous French fashion designer (1883 – 1971) whose legacy is still going on as the well-known Chanel brand. She was quite an important figure during her time in 20th Century as she revolutionized the fashion with her expensive simplicity and contemporary thoughts. Her unique approach towards fashion and style got her named at the Time 100 as The Most Important People of The Century. Receiving this title was a big accomplishment because she was the only one during that century to be named in Times 100. Coco Chanel’s prolific fashion sense was not only in clothing but also towards jewelry, fragrance and handbags; even the monogram for her brand that is being used till now was designed by her.
#27. DONNA KARAN
Donna Karan is an American fashion designer who started her own brand in 1985 where she launched Seven Easy Pieces which became popular in her essentials line. She started off her fashion career with Anne Klein as an assistant and later became the head designer too. But she wanted to design futuristic clothes for modern people and that is where Donna Karan’s own brand came into existence. The fashion diva is also the creator of DKNY (Donna Karan New York) label in which she added a less expensive apparel line for younger women. She has been putting her creative mind and fashion skills to a good use since past three decades.
#28. GIORGIO ARMANI
Giorgio Armani is an incredible Italian fashion designer, known for his sleek and dapper menswear collection. He took off his fashion line in 1975 and by the year 2001 he was the top of the game designer from Italy which is still an understatement as his annual earnings are in billions. He was the first ever designer who changed the set standards of models to be under 18 BMI (Body Mass Index), completely setting new trends in the fashion industry and modernizing the thoughts about body image. His success truly represents the living breathing fashion legend that he is.
#29. CALVIN KLEIN
Calvin Klein is a name well-known to all since 75 years. He has been dominating the power house, Calvin Klein, because of exceptional experience he gaged by apprenticing at a coat and suit manufacturing factory at a garment district in New York after completing his education in Fashion. He was a trend setter at the time where hippie and funky fashion was a style statement; he transformed that with his modern classic wear which was simple yet fashionable. His timeless aesthetic fashion sense can be seen by looking at all the fashion he has blessed us with over the decades.
#30. DONATELLA VERSACE
Donatella Versace is the younger sister of late Gianni Versace, who took over the Versace brand after the murder of her brother and elevated it to new heights with further fame. Along with having a remarkable fashion sense she has got a great business sense too as she ensured to establish Versace brand at the hubs of fashion centers all over the world but especially at New York and Milan. Another smart move was to get the brand’s collection of fragrances, accessories, home furnishings and clothing endorsed by famous celebrities such as Madonna and Jennifer Lopez. All and all, she outshined what Gianni Versace started.
#31. Oscar de la Renta
ÓscarArístidesRentaFiallo, more popularly known as Oscar de la Renta, was a Dominican-born American fashion icon. He designed gowns and dresses for socialites, First Ladies, and a multitude of Hollywood stars for about four decades. Oscar De la Renta’s specialty was eveningwear as well as elegant daytime suits, his signature is the intricate embroidery and vibrant colors always present in his work. The legend lives on in his remarkable collections, Oscar De la Renta will be remembered fondly each time his masterpieces grace an audience.
#32. Zac Posen
Zac Posen, the American fashion designer known worldwide for his innovative techniques in anatomical composition and textile manipulation as well as artisanal mastery. His most popular work is his dazzling evening gowns and cocktail attire, and Posen’s dresses have been worn by several celebrities such as Rihanna, Naomi Watts, Gwyneth Paltrow, and even Michelle Obama. At only 20, he held his first fashion show which jumpstarted his career as retailers such as Henri Bendel began selling his work and in 2004, he even won the Swarovski’s Perry Ellis Award for Womenswear.
#33. Riccardo Tisci
Riccardo Tisci is the Italian fashion designer that restored Givenchy to its past glory. He graduated from Central Saint Martins in 1999 and was declared the creative director of Givenchy’s womenswear and haute couture lines only 6 years later, in 2005. Making strides in the fashion industry, the lover of sensuality and romanticism even designed the dresses for Madonna’s 2008 tour of Sticky and Sweet. Tisci has worked with labels such as Versace and was selected to be the chief creative officer of Burberry in 2018.
#34. Vera Wang
Vera Wang is an icon of the 21st century and one of the most popular names in the recent history of fashion. This woman has dressed everyone from Michelle Obama to Mariah Carey and is best known for her fabulous red-carpet designs and iconic wedding collections. With a personal love for the art form, she has designed costumes for multiple figure skaters that have been worn in the Winter Olympics. The look Wang carves out signifies blending modern and traditional designs, and of course a timeless elegance. The legend has even made appearances in movies and television series as, of course, herself.
#35. Isabel Marant
Isabel Marant is a French fashion designer who won the Award de la Mode in 1997, only 3 years after launching her own brand – Isabel Marant. At the Elle Style Awards in 2014, she was titled Contemporary Designer of the Year. Her collections are generally comprised of simplistic pieces such as straight trousers and unstructured shirts and blouses along with tailored coats and jackets combined with a chic modern style and a hoydenish aesthetic. Her company is extremely successful and has about 13 shops worldwide in major cities such as Beijing, Madrid, Paris, Rome, New York, and London.
#36. Esteban Cortázar
Esteban Cortázar is a Colombian-American fashion designer who is well known for being one of the youngest designers to ever debut at the esteemed New York Fashion Week. He holds strong roots with his birth country, Colombia, and this is apparent in his work in which he incorporates famous Colombian symbols and iconography. As a young child, he met fashion icons such as Gianni Versace, Cindy Crawford, and Todd Oldham, who later went on to become his mentor. The Colombian prodigy’s style is known for being modern, slick, and flowing with ease.
#37. Vivienne Westwood
Dame Vivienne Isabel Westwood, more commonly known as Vivienne Westwood, is a daring British fashion designer, responsible for incorporating the punk music of the 1970s into a new wave of fashion.
In 1971 she set up a stall in London with Malcolm McLaren known as Let it Rock, soon this little venture turned into a sensation and their store became the heart of Punk fashion. Their ripped t-shirts, rubber clothes, anarchic symbolism, and bondage imagery became a visual representation of the movement. Vivienne Westwood is a living legend and a huge influence on how fashion has turned out today.
#38. Paul Smith
Paul Smith is one of the most popular designers to come out of Britain, starting out with a little corner shop in Nottingham in 1970, he has made his name in the fashion industry. Smiths’ work is a combination of modern and traditional aesthetics, bind by his creative sense of style. He won the Outstanding Achievement Award by British Fashion Awards in 2011 and was named as one of GQ’s 50 best dressed British men back in 2015. His fashion brand, named after himself, is wildly successful although he’s famous for his contribution to men’s clothing, he has expanded his business into other areas of fashion as well.
#39. Jill Sander
HeidemarieJiline Sander, commonly known as Jill Sander, is a German fashion designer. She founded her own fashion brand in 1968 called Jill Sander, however she departed from it later on. In the beginning, her work consisted of neutral colors with an air of simplicity and ease but as she matured, her style geared more towards bright and vibrant colors with an intricate and heavily decorated look. The Guardian noted her as one of the fifty best-dressed over 50s in 2013 and she was awarded the Bundesverdienstkreuz by Germany for her contributions in the fashion industry.
#40. Anna Sui
A graduate of the renowned Parsons School of Design, Anna Sui is an American Fashion designer that was included in Time Magazines “Top 5 Fashion Icons of the Decade” list. She discovered her own style, which consists of pairing dark colors in contrast with bright ones along with bold fabric choices, and launched her first runway show in 1991. Particularly popular in Japan, she has designed costumes for an anime series as well. Her dresses have been worn by many celebrities such as Madonna, Cher, and Christina Ricci, Anna Sui’s success story is definitely one for the history books.
#41. RALPH LAUREN
The iconic Ralph-Lauren Polo shirt became famous for its differentiated style and identity. The brand started from a polo shirt and reached the height of fame. After that, it converted into a complete fashion house, adding new ideas. The quality of Lauren’s brand is exceptional. The brand covers all sorts of garments and accessories. It combines the sophistication of the old times with innovation of the modern world. Ralph Lauren’s polo shirt was the embodiment of the American Dream. Through his classic innovation, he tried to make America great again. The shirt also became a status symbol in the 70’s, while adding style and comfort to life.
#42. CHRISTIAN DIOR
The main reason of Dior’s fame was his contribution in women empowerment and feminism. He created suits for women that were not made ever before. Right after the First World War, he had his debut in the fashion world. Before 1947, the appropriate dress for a woman was a short skirt or frock. Dior gave the idea a new significance by introducing the silhouette of “New Look” for women. This look included full skirt, rounded shoulders and a cinched waist. He was worshipped in France, not as a man but as an institution. The craftsmanship and artwork of this French designer is unmatched.
#43. TOM FORD
Winner of the Best International Designer Award, Tom Ford is one of the contemporary most-liked couturiers. He worked as a creative director for multiple brands, Gucci being one of them. Millions of followers that Gucci gained were a result of his struggle and creative genius. He saved Gucci from going bankrupt and therefore, his time there was termed as the golden era. The tailoring of his outfits is exceptional. Owing to his well-designed clothes and unisex scents, he left a huge impact in the creative world. In addition to his expertise in fashion, he possesses the experience of filmmaking too.
#44. PIERRE CARDIN
There are not many highly revered names who created high fashion for men and women. Pierre Cardin, the Italian born French designer who recently took his last breath, is one of the most admired names in the fashion industry. He assisted in designing the costumes for Beauty and the Beast movie. He also worked at the Christian Dior fashion house. He is known for introducing the Space Age look. These attires included hats similar to helmets which resembled the astronauts’ headgear. Hence, the name Space Age. He used large zips and materials like silver fabrics and vinyl as an innovation.
#45. YVES SAINT LAURENT
Ever heard of the concept of “power dressing” for women? Saint Laurent was the one who initiated this thought in the universe of fashion. He broke a stereotype that defined specific dressing style for women. He made masculine clothing for women in 1966. No wonder it was an extremely controversial move at that time. But now, the history of fashion is incomplete without him. He proved through his creativity that gender is a social construct and can be overturned using fashion. Saint Laurent grew with time and now sells all kinds of products and has become Kering’s second largest brand.
#46. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
Christian Louboutin is the man who introduced women to the dazzling red sole in heels. His shoes are pricey but the resale value is significantly good too. Princess Caroline of Monaco and Madonna wore his dangerously high heels and red statement soles to give him the awe and admiration he deserved. His footwear has evolved overtime. It is not famous just in France but has gained him a decent repute all around the world. Louboutin launched nail polishes, handbags, men’s shoes, fragrances and lipsticks in the last two decades. All the products are premium quality and fancied by most fashionistas.
#47. KARL LAGERFELD
Born in Germany in 1933, the German designer Karl Lagerfeld is best known for his redesigning of Chanel. He is also known as the Kaiser which means “the emperor” in fashion industry. He taught his successors that luxury is a state of mind. He was a remarkable photographer as well. Lagerfeld believed that the strategies of digital marketing are crucial for creating a fixed perception of luxury. Moreover, the reason behind his success is also his determination and persistence to create something useful and better. He had a strong spine and resisted all negative criticism to reach the acme of success.
#48. ROBERTO CAVALLI
If red carpet outfits have ever caught your attention, you must know Roberto Cavalli too designed outfits for Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Lopez. His expertise is to produce “classy yet sexy” outfits and accessories for both men and women. His animalier prints on different textiles and sand-blasted jeans gain significant admiration by people all around the world. His leather accessories are no less. This man is a trendsetter when it comes to exotic designs. When he introduced his creative patchworks in Paris, Cardin and Hermes, both admired his work. His designs are not just confined to clothing. His brand also creates amazing watches, eyewear, perfumes, underwear, beachwear and jewelry.
#49. MARC JACOBS
His inspiring creations in fashion industry exude boldness and confidence. He crafts brilliant masterpieces for fashion lovers. Lady Gaga, Kate Moss, Cara Delevinge, Dakota Fanning, Selena Gomez, Marsai Martin and many other celebrities wore his luxe designs. Jacobs also worked at Louis Vuitton as a creative director. His area of expertise was popular culture. In 1990’s, grunge rock was prevalent. He produced an entire collection by the name of “grunge” collection and that earned him high name in the industry. It included modern combinations like a flowery dress with military boots. These unorthodox mixtures of clothing helped in gaining an individualistic appearance.
#50. BETSY JOHNSON
Betsy’s radiant designs in clothing resulted in her success. Her style is unique, vibrant and uplifting for many. The confidence she exudes through her dressing line is unparalleled. The creativity lies in the fact that she is brave and ready to take on the world. Despite the dull and drab human existence, she added countless flavors in her brand. Many of her outfits are branded as over-exaggerated or extreme. She set the American fashion industry on fire by styling embellished whimsical outfits. The uniqueness of Johnson’s style is so profound that anyone can differentiate her outfit from the others.