From serendipitous breakthroughs to carefully curated sartorial stardom, for decades North American fashion icons have been turning their eye for style into their own fashion design business. They have used their unique vision to shape the fashion industry, creating timeless pieces that have graced magazine covers and turned heads around the globe. From pioneers to modern-day tastemakers, let’s take a look back at some of the notable North American fashion icons turned designers who continue to inspire us today.
1. Introducing North Americas Fashion Icons Who are Making Their Mark as Designers
North America is reaching its peak in the fashion industry with talented and ambitious design icons who are making a name for themselves. From the spread of vibrant designs and culture, here’s a glimpse into the 10 icons that have stamped their acknowledgment in the North American fashion scene:
1. LaQuan Smith
LaQuan Smith is an established NYC based designer who has gained attention thanks to his red-carpet-ready gowns, glimmering coats, and sultry lingerie. Smith has dressed some of the most iconic figures in popular culture like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Rihanna.
2. Christopher John Rogers
Hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Christopher John Rogers is shaking up the fashion scene with his impeccable collections. Riding on its success, his eponymous label started in 2018 gained him four CFDA nominations.
3. Monse
The creative output from the house of Monse is a force to be reckoned with. Founded by two Parsons alumni, Monse’s designs offer a unique mix of street style with traditional couture-house elements. Their signature style has graced the likes of Christine Teigen, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Kristen Wig.
4. Sally LaPointe
Sally LaPointe has expanded her brand rapidly since launching in 2013. Her success has earned her a CFDA nomination in 2018 and made her a favorite with stars like Zoe Kravitz, Lady Gaga, and Nicole Kidman. LaPointe’s collection features expertly tailored pieces ranging from modern knitwear to sultry and glamorous gowns.
5. FARRAH OPHTAL
FARRAH OPHTAL is a Toronto-based label celebrating diversity. Its collections revolve around modern luxury with a nostalgic twist. The label has caught the attention of some print publications like Vogue, ELLE, and Harper’s Bazaar.
6. Area
Area founders Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk have made a mark with their glamorous conceptual designs. Launched in 2012, their collections offer futuristic yet minimalist silhouettes that are popularized by A-List celebs like Dua Lipa, Cardi B, Olivia Munn, and Adriana Lima.
7. TOME
- TOME was founded by Ryan Lobo and Ramon Martin in 2011.
- Their impeccable craftsmanship and luxurious materials create modern pieces for the everyday.
- The collection ranges from flawless dresses and tops to stunning leather pants.
- TOME is beloved by stars like Zendaya, Carey Mulligan, and Emily Blunt.
8. Zero + Maria Cornejo
Chilean-American designer Maria Cornejo has been revolutionizing the fashion scene since 1997. Her labels ZERO + Maria Cornejo has been favored by celebrities like Naomi Watts, Michelle Obama, and Jennifer Aniston. From tailored pieces to her iconic Turkish-towel dresses, her designs evoke effortless elegance.
9. Rosie Assoulin
Dubbed as the ‘modern duchess’, Rosie Assoulin is renowned for her classic silhouettes and cutting-edge draping. Her beautiful pieces have been spotted on red carpets worn by stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Gigi Hadid, and Tracee Ellis Ross.
10. Pyer Moss
Pyer Moss is another revolutionary label founded by Kerby Jean-Raymond. His collections are a mix of streetwear and high-fashion that speak to social issues. His label is prominent in the industry, making him one of the top rising stars.
2. How These Iconic Figures are Changing the Face of the Designer World
When it comes to the world of fashion and design, there are some iconic figures that are changing the face of this ever-evolving industry. From the haute couture royalty, to the vintage masters of high end fashion, these influential industry pioneers are some of the most influential style makers in the world.
Giorgio Armani is one of the world’s most famous fashion designers, who has been transforming the industry since the 1970s. His signature look combines stylish suits with luxurious, high-quality materials, and his designs can be seen gracing the red carpet to this day. He has single-handedly revolutionised the way in which fashion designers are perceived and he continues to push the boundaries with his daring and innovative designs.
Karen Walker is one of the leading fashion houses from New Zealand. Always staying true to her own unique vision and irreverent style, Karen Walker has been offering pieces since the 1980s, combining illustrative design with vibrant colours and easy to wear silhouettes. Not only is she one of the biggest names in fashion right now, she is also an important role model for young fashion designers.
Olivier Rousteing has transformed the House of Balmain into one of the most talked about fashion houses of this decade. His collections are lauded for their baroque sensuality and the way they blend androgynous power dressing with refined glamour. As the brand’s Creative Director and one of the youngest designers in the world, Rousteing is leading an exciting new era in fashion.
Hedi Slimane is the French-born designer who is behind Celine’s grown-up glamour look. With an edgy simplicity, Slimane introduces modernised versions of many classic designs. His approach to modern fashion is an ever-changing mix of styles and genres, blending vintage, rock-and-roll and contemporary designs to create effortless luxury.
These iconic figures have all made a lasting mark on the designer world. Their unique and timeless designs have revolutionised the industry, and continue to influence new generations of style makers. With their innovative designs, these avant-garde creators are truly changing the face of fashion.
3. Exploring the Innovations These Icons are Bringing to the Fashion Industry
The innovative fashion icons mentioned here have been leading the way in pushing the envelope in fashion. From using technology. Here are three of those innovations:
- Connected Fashion- Connected fashion is making waves by allowing consumers to personalize details on clothing before it’s made. Connected fashion combines wearables with Augmented Reality (AR) and 3D scanning. For example, consumers can see how a dress looks on them while shopping online without having to try it on.
- Circular Fashion- Change can be good and that’s certainly the case with circular fashion. This innovation is all about designing garments from used, or ‘vintage’ fabrics and clothing with a focus on sustainability. It encourages customers to buy fewer, higher quality items that are more likely to last.
- Customization- In a world full of one-size-fits-all, customization is emerging as a game-changer. This innovation is all about personalization of fashion items. Consumers can create a unique fashion experience for themselves by customizing everything from fabric, colors, styles, and prints to accessories.
These revolutionary fashion icons are urging everyone to step outside of the box and think more about the future of fashion than ever before. We’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these icons and their innovative ideas could bring to the fashion industry.
The potential that connected fashion holds could very well revolutionize the way customers shop. It could result in pieces that are personalized to each individual’s preferences, leading to fewer returns, more precise measurements, and a better user experience overall.
Circular fashion’s main advantage is sustainability. Not only is it good for the environment, but it’s also good for consumers’ pockets. By encouraging consumers to buy fewer, higher quality items with a longer lifespan they can save money while still having fashionable pieces.
Customization has the added advantage of being able to create pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. The user is in control of what they create, as opposed to the big brands creating something that may not fit everyone’s exact style.
It’s clear that the fashion icons of today are revolutionizing how we view fashion, and all for the better. With these three major innovations, the potential of the fashion industry is virtually unlimited and consumers have much to be excited about as we move forward into the future of fashion.
4. Looking at How These Fashion Icons are Inspiring the Next Generation of Designers
As fashion continues to evolve and change, it’s always inspiring to see how iconic figures of previous eras are inspiring the next generation of younger, ambitious creatives. From modern-day superstars to timeless classics, these fashion icons have revolutionized the industry, setting trends and trends of a generation.
The style and legacy of Coco Chanel continue to inspire modern-day fashionistas. Whether it’s embracing the famous tweed jackets, her classic style signatures or adding a modern twist to the iconic look, designers everywhere continue to draw inspiration from the Chanel aesthetic.
The reversible and interchangeable design icons of Yves Saint Laurent, have also become iconic looks synonymous with high-end couture fashion. His iconic tuxedo suit for women will forever be an eternal piece of fashion history.
The delicate designs of Alexander McQueen set him apart from his contemporaries. His designs focused on exquisite tailoring and feminine elegance, with a rebellious edge that continues to ignite the imaginations of fashion fans around the world.
And when looking at the ongoing influence of Alexander Wang, it’s no secret that he’s been a huge influence in the world of streetwear and sportswear. His sleek, urban designs continue to make waves as more and more people embrace the style.
No matter who you look to for inspiration, it’s clear that the biggest fashion icons of all time are still inspiring generations of young fashion designers to this day. These icons have truly changed the face of fashion as we know it today.
From Cara Delevingne’s sportswear to Pharell Williams’s denim, many North American fashion icons have evolved from runway models or music stars to successful fashion pioneers and fashion designers. These talented influencers have shown us that there are no limits in creativity and determination, and it has yielded exciting results in the fashion world.
