Top 59 Best Fashion Designers in 2022

Fashion Designers

Coco Chanel

As a fashion leader, Chanel is known as one of the best designers in history for creating timeless designs and trends that revolutionized the industry. Believing that women needn’t be corseted to look elegant, she spent her career designing everything from relaxed suits to handbags. Her modernist approach to fashion made her an international sensation and she is even credited with introducing the famous little black dress to the market.

Her legacy lives on into the 21st-century with the enduring No. 5 fragrance, which has continued to be one of the most popular scents in the world. Thanks to Coco Chanel, women today can enjoy casual and elegant clothing options that are comfortable and stylish. She truly changed the fashion landscape forever and continues to inspire designers all over the world.

Donna Karan

Donna Karan is an American fashion designer who was exposed to the fashion industry at a young age because of her family’s background in tailoring and modeling. After working with the designer Anne Klein, Karan went on to launch her eponymous Donna Karan label in 1984, which later came to be known as DKNY.

This successful businesswoman always puts the female gaze first and specializes in comfortable and functional pieces that still look stylish. Since stepping down as the head of DKNY, Karan has been showcasing her creative chops with her lifestyle brand Urban Zen.

Donna Karan’s designs are loved by many for their comfortable yet stylish aesthetic. Her fashion sense has always been ahead of the curve, and she continues to wow the fashion world with her creative vision.

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani is one of the most successful and influential fashion designers of our time. He is best known for his impeccably tailored suits and commitment to traditional Italian craftsmanship. Armani was born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934. After working with Cerruti, Allegri and Bagutta, he established the Armani brand in 1975. Since then, he has become one of the richest men in the fashion industry.

Although this incredible designer is best known for his menswear lines, he has also dabbled in skiwear, cosmetics, eyeglasses, handbags and womenswear. Not only is Armani credited for revolutionizing red-carpet fashion, but he became the first designer to refuse to use models that had a BMI under 18. This singular action turned the tide in the runway world and opened doors for previously overlooked models.

Giorgio Armani is truly a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. His timeless designs and dedication to excellence have earned him a place among the greats.

Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein is one of the most popular American fashion designers in the world and is best known for his comfortable and minimalistic collections. Klein started his career as the protégé of the magazine editor and socialite Baron de Gunzburg. Thanks to regular introductions to New York’s fashion elite, this young designer quickly rose through the ranks and established his eponymous company in 1968.

Strongly rebelling against the vibrant hippie fashion of the late 1960s and 1970s, Klein became the first designer to be recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Not only has he appeared on Vanity Fair’s “International Best Dressed List” for his sleek personal style, but he’s received the American Academy of Achievement’s Golden Plate Award for his work. Calvin Klein is a true icon in the fashion world, and his designs have had a lasting impact on American style.

Gianni Versace

Gianni Versace was an Italian fashion designer, businessman and socialite who was known for his use of vivid colors, daring prints, and risqué cuts. He moved the industry away from previously favored neutral palettes and was always met with equal amounts of criticism and adoration. After creating a string of sexy lines for women, Gianni began to create jewelry, luxury furnishings and haute-couture pieces for the runway.

Throughout his career, Gianni also lent his expertise to stage productions at La Scala, claiming that this work gave him a sense of liberation. Despite the designer’s tragic murder in 1997, the company has continued to go from strength to strength under the watchful eye of his younger sister Donatella Versace.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is an American fashion designer and philanthropist who is known all over the world for his sophisticated cuts and signature sportswear line. Lauren was always partial to preppy outfits as a teen and started his fashion career while working for Beau Brummell. After successfully selling his necktie designs at large department stores, this headstrong designer was able to expand his business in 1968.

Never afraid to break boundaries, Lauren released an impressive range of women’s suits that showcased the Polo logo in 1970. Since then, the brand has exploded and is a favorite among young men and women who enjoy the classic fit of Lauren’s shirts. When he’s not working, this fashion mogul is building up his collection of automobiles or working with the Ralph Lauren Cancer Center. Ralph Lauren is truly an icon in the fashion industry.

Christian Dior

Christian Dior was a French fashion designer who was born in 1905. He is best known for his eponymous fashion house, which is one of the most successful in the world. Dior’s father wanted him to become a diplomat, but he was interested in fashion and art. When he was just 18 years old, he moved to Paris to pursue his dream of becoming a fashion designer.

Dior worked for several different designers before launching his own label in 1946. His first collection, which featured the “New Look” silhouette, was an instant success. The cinched waist and full skirt became an iconic look of the 1940s. Throughout his career, Dior designed clothing for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. He also collaborated with other famous designers, such as Pierre Balmain and Hubert de Givenchy.

Dior died suddenly in 1957, but his company has since been continued by other designers. Today, it remains one of the most prestigious fashion houses in the world.

Tom Ford

Tom Ford is an American fashion designer and filmmaker who first burst onto the scene in 2005. Having previously worked as the creative director for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, Ford launched his eponymous brand with plenty of industry experience. Not only is his personal style effortlessly suave, but he serves as the chairman of the Board of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

When he’s not working on the Tom Ford label, this talented individual is working with his film production company Fade to Black. Having directed the 2009 flick A Single Man and the 2015 movie Nocturnal Animals, this multi-faceted designer proves he’s anything but a one-trick pony. His success in multiple fields is a testament to his creative genius and drive, making him one of the most fascinating figures in the fashion world today.

Pierre Cardin

Pierre Cardin was an Italian-French fashion designer who was best known for his avant-garde designs, geometric shapes, and outlandish accessories. Cardin was a fan of unisex pieces and often disregarded the traditional female form in his designs. He released several futuristic and modish pieces inspired by space travel during his career, but Cardin’s finest creation remains the 1954 “bubble dress.” As an ambassador for UNESCO Goodwill and FAO Goodwill, this enduring icon was as kind as he was creative. Cardin passed away on December 29th, 2020 at the age of 98. He will be remembered not only for his contributions to the fashion world, but also for his humanitarian efforts.

Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent was one of the most influential fashion designers in the world. Hailing from France, Saint Laurent helped women embrace their natural beauty with comfortable and elegant pieces. In addition to designing the powerful “Smoking” tuxedo for women, he is also credited with creating the reefer jacket and the first iteration of the jumpsuit in the late 60s. Consistently praised for using diverse models on the runway and in print, this trailblazing designer leaves behind an incredible legacy.

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin is a world-renowned fashion designer best known for his namesake line of luxury shoes. Louboutin was born in 1963 in Paris, France, and began his career in the fashion industry working for renowned brands like Charles Jourdan, Chanel, Roger Vivier and Yves Saint Laurent. In 1992, he opened his first eponymous boutique in Paris, and has since expanded his brand to include stores all over the world. Louboutin’s signature style is defined by its use of bold colors and eye-catching details, as well as its infamous red soles – a detail that has become synonymous with high fashion. Today, Christian Louboutin’s stunning designs are coveted by celebrities and fashionistas alike, cementing his place as one of the most influential designers of our time.

Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld was a German fashion designer who served as the creative director at Chanel until his death. He is credited with revolutionizing Chanel’s ready-to-wear line and creating the brand’s iconic interlocking “CC” emblem. In addition to his work with Chanel, Lagerfeld also worked extensively with the leather goods specialist Fendi. He was known for his smart and on-trend designs, and he will go down in history as a major game changer in the fashion industry. Although Lagerfeld was subject to controversy over the years, he remains one of the most prolific fashion icons in the world.

Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli is an Italian fashion designer who has been making waves in the fashion world since 1970. After patenting a leather printing procedure early in his career, he quickly began to specialize in exotic prints, patterned jeans and rogue designs. Thanks to his excellent eye for beauty, Roberto Cavalli acted as a judge for the 1977 Miss Universe pageant where he met his future wife, Eva Duringer.

Always regarded for his unique approach to patterning and unwavering commitment to glamour, Cavalli remains a red-carpet favorite. His namesake label is known for its luxurious fabrics and dramatic silhouettes, and has become a go-to for Hollywood celebrities seeking to make a statement on the red carpet.

In addition to his work in fashion, Roberto Cavalli has also ventured into the world of interior design, creating a line of furniture and home accessories that bring his signature aesthetic to the world of interiors. With his bold approach to design and unrivaled vision, Roberto Cavalli is a true icon in the world of fashion.

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs is a prolific American fashion designer who is best known for his stylish handbags and luxury womenswear. Since bursting onto the scene in 1986, Jacobs has enjoyed immeasurable success. As a result, his designs have been worn by everyone from the edgy Lady Gaga to the decidedly demure Dakota Fanning. Before creating his own brand, this talented mogul held impressive positions at Louis Vuitton and Perry Ellis. Named one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” by Time magazine in 2010, Jacobs remains a shining star in the industry.

A true visionary, Jacobs has always championed the importance of individuality and self-expression. “I think people are born wanting to be different, and society does its best to turn us into clones,” he once said. It is this resistsence to conformity that has helped Jacobs remain at the forefront of fashion for over two decades. And with no signs of slowing down, it seems likely that Marc Jacobs will continue to wow us for years to come.

Betsey Johnson

As any fashionista knows, Betsey Johnson is one of the most iconic American designers. She is best known for her playful and feminine designs, which often incorporate bold colors and patterns. Johnson began her career as an intern at Mademoiselle magazine, where she met the legendary editor Edie Locke. After working as an in-house designer for the Manhattan store Paraphernalia, she launched her own fashion line in the late 1970s. Over the years, she has been inducted into the Fashion Walk of Fame and awarded the Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement in Fashion by the National Arts Club. These prestigious accolades are a testament to Johnson’s incredible talent and enduring influence in the fashion world.

Sandy Powell

Sandy Powell is a British costume designer who has worked on an impressive range of Hollywood blockbusters. She has been nominated for the Best Costume Design Academy Award an astonishing fifteen times and has won for Shakespeare in Love, The Aviator and The Young Victoria. You may also spot her handiwork in The Favourite, Cinderella, and Mary Poppins Returns. Praised for her unique ability to channel character through fabric, Powell is one of the film industry’s brightest gems.

Sandy Powell began her career as a runner for a theatrical costume company in London. After working her way up to assistant costume designer, she made her big break with the film adaptation of  Interview with the Vampire. Powell’s designs for The Wings of the Dove and Velvet Goldmine earned her Oscar nominations, and she finally took home the gold for Shakespeare in Love.

She has since gone on to receive critical acclaim for her work on films such as The Aviator, The Young Victoria, Cinderella, Carol, and The Favourite. In addition to her three Academy Awards, Powell has also won four BAFTAs and three Saturn Awards. Sandy Powell is a true visionary in the world of costume design, and her contributions to film are sure to be remembered for years to come.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are two of the world’s most renowned fashion designers. They met in 1980 and founded their eponymous brand in 1985. Their first collection was titled “Real Women” and fully represented their inclusive approach to fashion. Designing bespoke pieces for Monica Bellucci, Kylie Minogue, Isabella Rossellini and Angelina Jolie, their elegant pieces can be spotted on most red carpets. Believing strongly in female strength and individual expression, their designs emphasize a woman’s form without overwhelming it. As a result, they have become two of the most celebrated designers in the industry.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen was a Scottish fashion designer and couturier who founded his popular fashion label in 1992. Before catapulting to fame as a designer, McQueen was working as a skilled tailor. Alongside the release of the incredible “bumster” trousers and edgy skull print clothing at his label, McQueen was working as the chief designer at Givenchy between 1996 and 2001.

Although he tragically took his own life in 2010, this artist’s creative influence continues to be felt under the fashion-forward direction of Sarah Burton. McQueen was known for his avant-garde designs and dark, romantic aesthetic. He often pushed the boundaries of fashion with his bold creations, which were both beautiful and controversial. His use of unusual materials, like feathers and beetle wings, also set him apart from other designers. Even though he is no longer with us, Alexander McQueen’s legacy continues to live on through his iconic designs.

Valentino Garavani

Valentino Garavani is one of the world’s most renowned fashion designers. Born in 1932, Valentino began his career working for some of the biggest names in fashion, including Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche. In 1959, he finally launched his own fashion house, and it wasn’t long before he was dressing some of the most famous women in the world.

Elizabeth Taylor was a big fan of Valentino’s designs, and she often wore his pieces while filming Cleopatra. Today, Valentino is known for his timeless, elegant designs. He favors classic shapes and colors over bolder statements, and his goal is always to make women feel beautiful and confident. Thanks to his impeccable tailoring and luxurious fabrics, Valentino remains one of the most sought-after designers in the world.

Miuccia Prada

Miuccia Prada is an italian fashion designer and businesswoman who has become famous for her design work at prada and her founding of the luxury brand miu miu. prada first gained recognition in the fashion world with a woven nylon handbag, which quickly became a sought-after item. she then expanding her line into ready-to-wear garments, known for their minimalistic designs and flattering cuts. under prada’s creative direction, both prada and miu miu have remained at the forefront of the fashion industry, setting trends and defining what it means to be luxurious. as a result, prada is widely considered to be one of the most influential designers of our time.

Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy Hilfiger is an iconic American menswear designer. His clothing is characterized by its classic style and use of the colors red, white, and blue. Hilfiger’s designs often focus on Ivy League shirts and polos, which reflect his own preppy style. In 1995, he was awarded the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year Award, which recognizes his significant contributions to the fashion industry. Hilfiger is a strong advocate for menswear and believes that it is just as important as womenswear. As a result, he has become a go-to designer for many young men who are looking for stylish and well-made clothing.

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera is a Venezuelan fashion designer known for her elegant and chic clothing designs. Herrera was born in 1939 in Caracas, Venezuela and began her career working as a publicist for Emilio Pucci. In the early 1970s, she became associated with Mick Jagger and Andy Warhol, which led to her becoming known for her outlandish and dramatic style.

Throughout her career, Herrera has designed pieces for prolific clients, including Diana the Duchess of Cadaval, Jacqueline Kennedy and Renee Zellweger. She is better known for her womenswear pieces, but Herrera has also released several successful fragrances. Carolina Herrera is truly a fashion icon, whose timeless designs have made her one of the most sought-after designers in the world.

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Jean-Paul Gaultier is a French fashion designer who has never been afraid to embrace androgyny. His designs typically blur the boundaries between masculinity and femininity and incorporate unusual motifs like tin cans and corsetry. Before founding his self-titled label, Gaultier was working with established designer Pierre Cardin as his assistant. Between 2003 and 2010, this multifaceted haute-couture designer also worked as the creative director for Hermès. When he’s not working on his brand, Gaultier can be found rocking along to the Eurovision Song Contest as France’s primary dresser. A true visionary, Gaultier’s unique perspective has earned him a reputation as one of the most boundary-pushing designers of our time.validate their feelings of self-worth and love through their work.

Herve Leger

Herve Leger was a French fashion designer who started his decades-long career as a hairstylist for Jean-Marc Maniatis. After a successful stint making hats for Tan Guidicelli, he became Karl Lagerfeld’s assistant for several years before starting his label in 1985. Preferring to highlight the female form instead of hiding it, Leger’s eponymous fashion house created the iconic bandage dress which remains one of the most popular dress styles today.

Herve Leger was known for his use of tight-fitting, body-hugging dresses which often incorporated bold colors and prints. While some criticized his designs as being too revealing, Leger believed that fashion should be about celebrating the female form. His unique point of view helped to make him one of the most influential designers of his generation, and his dresses are still revered by fashion lovers around the world.

Stella McCartney

English fashion designer Stella McCartney has natural artistic talent running through her veins. In her early years, McCartney interned for Christian Lacroix before working with the Savile Row tailor Edward Sexton to refine her approach to dressmaking. After working as the creative director of Chloe from 1997 to 2001, she launched her eponymous line in 2001. Since then, this talented designer has released everything from high-quality womenswear and childrenswear to fragrances and chic handbags.

As a staunch supporter of animal rights, McCartney refuses to use fur or leather in any of her collections. Consequently, many of McCartney’s designs are made with sustainable, eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester. In addition to being a successful fashion designer, McCartney is also an accomplished musician and businesswoman.

She currently serves as the chief creative officer for Adidas’s performance line, which includes developing new products and overseeing marketing campaigns. With her natural talent and drive, it’s clear that Stella McCartney will continue to make her mark on the world for years to come.

Ralph Rucci

Ralph Rucci is an American fashion designer best known for creating the luxury fashion line Chado Ralph Rucci. Most of his pieces are haute-couture designs that are extremely lavish, making him a popular choice among celebrities and society’s elite. Throughout his career, Rucci has been nominated twice for the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s “Womenswear Designer of the Year Award”. If you’d like to take a closer look at his perfectly crafted designs, several of his impressive gowns are on display at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Rucci began his fashion career in 1972, working as an apprentice to legendary designer Halston. He then went on to launch his own label in 1994, debuting his first collection at New York Fashion Week. While Rucci is mainly known for his women’s wear, he also designs menswear, home goods, and accessories. His designs are often inspired by art, nature, and architecture, resulting in collections that are both sophisticated and unique. If you’re looking for a high-end designer with a truly distinctive point of view, Ralph Rucci is definitely worth checking out.

Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo was an Italian shoe designer who was first known for his use of exotic leathers and for his designed platform sandals. He rose to fame in the 1930s and became a Hollywood favorite. His brand is now run by his son Ferruccio Ferragamo, but the company remains committed to producing high-quality, perfectly crafted shoes. These shoes are