The other day I was reading about the importance of wear ability factor in fashion and I came across some names primarily the huge American design houses. It was not until late 1970’s that the American fashion scene made some ripples at the International level. Designers like Calvin Klein, Donna Karen, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and Dianne Von Furstenberg never knew that in the years to come they would change the face of American fashion. Creating less of a drama on stage and concentrating on the prêt lines the new fashion houses were a big success . In the years to come these names rocked the ramps and made huge fortune.They not only created clothes but changed the American lifestyle which normally got influenced from the European couture houses. In the years to come ‘simple blue denims with a white cotton shirt’ became a symbol of Americanism, experimentation which structure,cuts and fabrics resulted a creation of ready to wear collections which were an instant hit as they suited the very American need of shopping without spending much time and money .Today American designers have an enormous fan following across the world brands like CK, Tommy Hilfiger and Levis Strauss form an essential of every youngster’s wardrobe across the world.
However according to me there are three designers who have paved a concrete way for the very American sense of fashion on a global level. Michael Kors, Donna Karen, and Calvin Klein are three designers who have a wide range of business, be it accessories, footwear, inner wear or eyewear they have conquered it all. Today they have a cult status and have made an indelible mark of their talent in the fashion history.
MICHAEL KORS
Michael Kors started his label in 1981, becoming an instant hit with the women’s wear, he is known to create super hit sports line in his initial days and women’s ready to wear for a number of high profile stores in United States. He also became the head of the French fashion house ‘Celine’. His specialty is to create edgy designs which are simple yet classy; his play with colors is very experimental. His outfits are fit for the very American elite, like most of his counterparts he is known to play subtle, serious and sexy.A drop out of Fashion Institute of Technology, earned and learned simultaneously when he travelled across America participating in a lot of private Fashion Shows for the upper class organized at their houses. Another highlight of his life came when he designed a gown for his mother’s second wedding. A winner for Men’s wear Council of Fashion Designers of America Award, is heading towards fame at a great pace. Oprah Winfrey called him the next big thing in fashion.
In the year 2004 he was asked to a judge at ‘Project Runway’ hosted by Heidi Clum. He has a star studded galaxy of his clients which include the First Lady Michelle Obama, Catherine Zeta Jones, Cate Blanchet, Gyneth Paltrow, and supermodel Iman.
His fall 2011 collection was so amazing that i just could not resist uploading some pics. I can imagine, those blue eyed, tall blondes who have effortlessly created a class for them. I would like to see somebody like Ivanca Trump, Ellen Pampeo and Elle McPherson in these clothes.
Michael Kors Fall 2011 image courtesy: fashion inquisitive.comMichael Kors Fall 2011 image courtesy: fashion inquisitive.comMichael Kors Fall 2011 image courtesy: fashion inquisitive.comMichael Kors Fall 2011 image courtesy: fashion inquisitive.comMichael Kors Fall 2011 image courtesy: fashion inquisitive.comMichael Kors Fall 2011 image courtesy: fashion inquisitive.com
DONNA KAREN
This New York’s ‘Seventh Avenue Queen’ , a Parson’s graduate and the creator of DKNY ( Donna Karan New York) is a multitasking American great who is involved in the business of cosmetics, fragrances and hosiery . She sold her company to french luxury conglomerate LMVH and is still the designer for the brand.Driven by the 1980’s clothing for American women (which was essentially tight fitting long coats, unfurnished jeans wear), she wanted something fresh and new. Taking inspiration from her daughter, she created DKNY which was meant for liberated American women, who were brave, economically independent and fearless. She is known to have experimented with the classic short black dress and create some of the iconic designs.A true American royalty, gets most of her ideas from the city she lives in i.e New York, her designs are sharp, well cut and unconventional. She brought the stretchy dresses in fashion and has design out lets in almost all leading stores in USA and London.From Bill Clinton to Penelope Cruz she has designed for all, impressed all and has made her position stable as the QUEEN OF AMERICAN FASHION .
Donna Karen Resort 2012 image courtesy: fashion inquisitive.com
CALVIN KLEIN
He has been referred to by many as the ‘King of Minimalism’. He established his brand as early as 1968 and up till the success story continues. He was the brain child behind putting the name of the his brand at the back pocket of the jeans, which was later followed by a lot of design houses.Another publicized product of his has been his under garments for men and women both. Made in a way that revolutionized the world of innerwear’s he was responsible for bill board size snaps of leading male models of his times as early as 1990’s. Leading Hollywood men have modeled for him the latest being Dgimon Honshou who modeled for his underpants at the 25thanniversary of the brand.He changed the world of Jeanswear by creating his own designer wear jeans which were a great hit in America. The designer is known for his excellent business strategies and challenging other American designers, ventured into television by sponsoring ‘America’s Next top Model’. Many Hollywood stars and supermodels owe their skyrocketing career to him. Brooke Shields, Emily Blunt and Dianne Kruger are some of the stars who are included in the high profile clientele.
Calvin Klein Resort 2012 image courtesy: fashion inquisitive.comCalvin Klein Resort 2012 image courtesy: fashion inquisitive.comCalvin Klein Resort 2012 image courtesy: fashion inquisitive.comCalvin Klein Resort 2012 image courtesy: fashion inquisitive.comCalvin Klein Resort 2012 image courtesy: fashion inquisitive.com