Chanel
Coco Chanel was born in 1883. She opened her first millinery shop in 1909 establishing the House of Chanel. Chanel was famous for using unique fabrics like jersey and tweed, introducing casual suits and rebelling against constricting fashions, like the corset rather designing for chic comfort. The Little Black Dress was introduced by Chanel in 1926 and considered to be one of her signature contributions to style. Chanel remained the cheif designer for the House of Chanel until she passed away in 1971.
Karl Lagerfeld is the current head designer.
“Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” Coco Chanel
Lanvin
Lanvin is the oldest Parisian fashion house established in 1889. Jeanne Lanvin (1867 – 1946) started creating french elegance as a young milliner. Lanvin is one of the most influential designers of the 1920s and 30s. Lanvin is best known for bead work, ornate and intricate trimmings, and floral colors.
Alber Elbaz is the current head designer.
“I think ‘modesty’ is a beautiful word today – and a beautiful attitude.” – Alber Elbaz
Dior
Christian Dior was born in 1905 in France, moved to the Soviet Union, then moved to Paris when he was out of military in 1941. In 1946 he started his own collection. Christian Dior’s main goal was to bring back femininity and beauty through his signature soft rounded shapes and full skirts.
John Galliano is the current head designer.
“I don’t love dolls. I love women. I love their bodies.” – John Galliano
Gucci
In 1906 Guccio Gucci originally opened a store for leather goods to sell to horsemen in Florence, Italy. In 1938, Gucci opened his first retail shop in Rome selling luxury handbags, shoes and luggage including his signature bamboo handle bag. Gucci became more popular in the 1960s when icons like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly began wearing the brand. In 1990 Tom Ford became the designer of womenswear for Gucci which helped make the brand even more successful.
Frida Giannini is the current creative director.
“Sexiness is in Gucci’s DNA but maybe I interpret it differently, being a woman and dressing women of my generation.” – Frida Giannini
Versace
Versace was founded by designer Gianni Versace in 1978. Versace is characterized by a strong European decadence, sexiness and glamour. His sister, Donatella Versace took over the brand in 1997 after Gianni was murdered outside of his Miami mansion. The men’s collection was originally launched first and was signatured by slim, sharp cuts. The Versace brand is best know for their exuberant colors, rich materials and alluring silhouettes creating an unmatched sexiness.
“I like the body. I like to design everything to do with the body.” – Gianni Versace
Valentino
Valentino Garavani was born in Voghera, Italy in 1932. After studying design in Milan, he moved to Paris in 1948. He worked as assistant designer to Jean Desses and Guy Laroche and returned to Italy in 1960 establishing his company in Rome. His clients include Jacqueline Kennedy, Princess Margaret and Elizabeth Taylor. His signatures include rich shades such as “Valentino red”, classic black and white, luxurious fabrics, and full-length skirts. Valentino retired from the brand in 2008.
Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli are the current designers.
“No extravagance is necessary. And most are tacky.” – Valentino Garavani
Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana is one of the youngest fashion houses. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana founded Dolce & Gabbana in 1982 with a women’s collection shown in Milan. Madonna is probably thier biggest client & greatest friend who helped the popularity of the brand when she wore one of their shirts in 1991 to the Cannes Film Festival. Dolce & Gabbana’s signature designs is the corset dress, leopard print, and three-piece pantsuit.
“We tell young designers that you need to believe in what you’ve made. You put all your love and passion into it and if you are good your dream will come true.” – Stefano Gabbana
Armani
Giorgio Armani was born in Piacenza, Italy in 1934. Armani launched his career as a window dresser at a department store in Milan after his military service. In 1974 Armani introduced his menswear label followed by a womenswear collection the next year. Armani is called the “prince of minimalist glamour” which is embodied by his signature power suit from the 80’s.
“The difference between style and fashion is quality.” – Giorgio Armani
Prada
Mario Prada began selling leather handbags, trunks and shoes in 1913 in Europe and soon after moved to the USA. His daughter Miuccia took over the company in 1979. The original Prada suitcase was made of heavy walrus skin and impractical. Prada began using luxurious items made of crystals, tortoise shell and wood. The signature black handbag of the 80s was a smashing hit. Signature designs and styles include knee length skirts, crunchy polyester and synthetic fabrics and skinny belts.
“My idea is always to avoid nostalgia,” Miuccia Prada
Givenchy
In 1927 Hubert de Givenchy was born in France. His fashion house was born in 1952 with a seperates womenswear collection. Givenchy created the famous “Bettina blouse” for the brand’s icon Bettina Graziani. Givenchy was great friends with Audrey Hepburn who was one of the designer’s biggest fans. His signatures include the bag-dress, the funneled fur collar coat, and the enveloped dress. John Galliano and Alexander McQueen were both chief designers for Givenchy.
Riccardo Tisci is the current head designer.
“I absolutely believe my talent is God-given. I ask God for a lot, but I also thank him. I’m a very demanding believer.” – Hubert de Givenchy
YSL
Yves Saint Laurent was born in 1936 in Algeria and left for Paris at age 17. He showed his sketches to Vogue which were published immediately. Saint Laurent was art director for Dior and left to create his own fashion house in 1962. His signature items include the smoking suit, reefer jacket, sheer blouse and the jumpsuit. Saint Laurent has won numerous accolades and is considered a national icon. He recently passed away in June of 2008.
Stefano Pilati is the current head designer.
“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” – Yves Saint Laurent
