Fashion designers not only reflect an era's culture but help shape it, too. From Coco Chanel (and her famous little black dress) to Calvin Klein, Alexander McQueen, Tommy Hilfiger and Donatella and Gianni Versace, fashion designers give us the freedom to express ourselves through clothing and accessories.
Iconic French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy was known for his elegant haute couture designs and years-long professional relationship with Audrey Hepburn.
With her trademark suits and little black dresses, fashion designer Coco Chanel created timeless designs that are still popular today.
Fashion designer Christian Louboutin has developed an international following for his distinctive red-soled footwear.
Fashion designer Jimmy Choo rose to fame for the quality and style of his handmade women's shoes.
Christian Dior was a French fashion designer whose post–World War II creations were wildly popular, and whose legacy continues to influence the fashion industry.
American fashion designer Kate Spade became known for launching a successful line of handbags in the 1990s.
Fashion designer Betsey Johnson developed her edgy, offbeat style during the new wave/punk era of the late 1970s.
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John Galliano is a British fashion designer who has served as head designer of the French haute couture houses Givenchy (1995-1996) and Christian Dior (1996-2011).
A designer to celebrities and royalty such as Princess Diana, Gianni Versace brought vitality and art to an industry considered out of touch with street culture.
Designer Marc Jacobs is powerhouse in the fashion world fueled by the success of his own eponymous label.
Alexander McQueen was a London-based, English fashion designer who was head designer of the Louis Vuitton Givenchy fashion line, before starting his own line.
Jean-Paul Gaultier is a French designer known for his influential designs, especially the creation of Madonna’s infamous conical bras for her 1990 Blond Ambition tour.
American fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger created a brand of clothing that was extremely popular with several different communities in the 1990s.
Ralph Lauren is an American clothing designer best known for his sportswear line Polo Ralph Lauren, the centerpiece of his fashion empire.
Fashion designer Stella McCartney is the daughter of ex-Beatle Paul McCartney and his late wife, Linda.
Giorgio Armani is an iconic Italian fashion designer best known in America for his popular men's suits.
Oscar de la Renta was one of the world’s leading fashion designers. Famous for his women's evening wear and suits, his line is distinctly modern yet feminine.
Levi Strauss started an enduring fashion empire, which he launched by making one of the world's most durable and popular clothing items — the blue jeans.
Fashion icon Donatella Versace has been the artistic director of the Versace Group since 1997.
London designer Mary Quant is immortalized by fashion iconography as the originator of the miniskirt.
Miuccia Prada is an Italian fashion designer best known as the head of Prada, a fashion powerhouse that specializes in luxury goods for men and women.
Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood helped set the style for modern punk and New Wave music.