While the great fashion houses of Paris and Milan are certainly owed their due, American designers have made significant contributions to the world of clothing design, too. Some are luxury designers, while others have a more egalitarian approach, designing for “the rest of us.”
Swipe through to learn about 7 iconic American fashion designers.
Initially known for her internationally admired wedding gown designs, the New York-born Vera Wang gradually branched out into ready-to-wear fashion, fragrance, accessories and home goods. Her style is described as timelessly elegant, offering a blend of tradition and modernity.
Photography: Instagram/@verawang
Photography: New York Post Shopping via Pinterest
New Yorker Calvin Klein’s eponymous company became famous for its underwear and denim in the 1980s. Today, the company sells mass-market, ready-to-wear clothing to all types of people, as well as numerous other products, including popular fragrances.
Born near Detroit, Anna Sui is known for creating contemporary clothing inspired by vintage styles. Her brand encompasses several fashion lines, jewelry, fragrances, footwear, eyewear, cosmetics, jewelry, accessories and home goods. Sui has won numerous awards, honors and accolades in the American fashion industry.
Photography: Footwear News via Pinterest
Born on Long Island, New York, Michael Kors is the chief creative of his brand, which sells women’s and men's ready-to-wear clothing, watches, footwear, accessories, jewelry and fragrance. The brand embraces a sophisticated and stylish vibe while offering versatile pieces. His handbags are particularly well-known and loved.
Brooklyn-born Anne Klein began making a name for herself in 1940, designing for a ready-to-wear company. She eventually went out on her own, winning numerous accolades for her designs. She is credited with developing the “fully coordinated closet” concept, offering a range of jackets, skirts, slacks and blouses that could be assembled into many different outfits.
Photography: Pinterest/Harper’s Bazaar
Telfar Clemens is probably best-known for his famous Shopping Bag, which has been named by fashion publications as the “most significant accessory of the decade.” The Queens, New York-born designer is also known for his genderless designs that anyone can wear. His clothing lines emphasize affordability and accessibility.
Photography: Instagram/@christalfox5
Midwesterner Roy Halston Frowick rose to prominence in the mid-1970s with his clean, minimalist designs that often featured ultrasuede or cashmere. This was after an early success, when first lady Jacqueline Kennedy wore one of Halston’s pillbox hats to her husband’s inauguration. Halston became well-known for his association with numerous celebrities, including Andy Warhol.