Top 10 Most Iconic Fashion Designers

This French fashion designer revolutionized women's fashion with her modernist approach, introducing the little black dress, the Chanel suit, and No. 5 perfume. She also popularized the concept of ready-to-wear clothing and liberated women from corsets. In 2019, a Forbes study estimated that Chanel's brand value was around $15 billion. Coco Chanel was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1928 for her contributions to the arts.

This French fashion designer is credited with launching the New Look revolution in 1947, which transformed women's fashion from Utility Chic to feminine luxury. His designs featured padded shoulders, narrow waists, and full skirts that redefined glamour. In 2009, the House of Dior's brand value reached $30 billion, making it one of the world's most valuable luxury brands. Christian Dior passed away in 1957 at the age of 52 due to complications from a heart condition.

This French fashion designer is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative designers of the 20th century, known for his beatnik style and creative freedom. He introduced androgynous fashion, African prints, and iconic designs like the safari jacket and Le Smoking tuxedo suit. In 2018, the Yves Saint Laurent brand was valued at around $4 billion. Yves Saint Laurent suffered from mental health issues throughout his life and passed away in 2008 at the age of 66.

This German fashion designer became a household name after joining Chanel in 1983, where he spent over three decades revitalizing the brand. He also designed for Fendi, givenchy, and Rimmel, among others. In 2011, Karl Lagerfeld was appointed creative director of Fendi for the second time, cementing his status as one of the most influential designers in fashion history. At 85 years old, Karl Lagerfeld remains one of the oldest designers to have held such a prominent position.

This British fashion designer is known for his avant-garde and provocative designs that often explored themes of death, mortality, and social critique. He was praised by critics and fans alike for his runway shows, which were like mini-theatrical performances. In 2012, the House of McQueen went into administration due to financial difficulties after Alexander McQueen's tragic death in 2010 at the age of 40. His last collection before his death featured intricate designs adorned with thousands of hours' work.

This British fashion designer and activist is recognized for her pioneering contributions to punk fashion, challenging the status quo with provocative designs that tackled issues like sexism, consumerism, and politics. Her designs often incorporated elements of historical dress, reinterpreting them through a modern lens. In 2019, a survey found that Vivienne Westwood's designs had influenced over 80% of British celebrities. At 81 years old, she remains an outspoken advocate for climate justice.

This Japanese fashion designer is known for her innovative and conceptual designs that challenged traditional notions of beauty, often featuring deconstructed silhouettes and challenging proportions. Her brand, Comme des Garçons, has been a benchmark of modern fashion. In 2018, a report valued the Comme des Garçons brand at around $1 billion. Rei Kawakubo dropped out of school to work in a textile factory, demonstrating her early commitment to her craft.

This Japanese fashion designer has been praised for his avant-garde designs that celebrate individuality and self-expression. His runway shows often featured dramatic lighting and complex models' poses. In 2020, Yohji Yamamoto celebrated his 50th year in the fashion industry with a special retrospective show at Paris Fashion Week. The brand was valued at over $2 billion dollars, showcasing its enduring influence on modern fashion.

This British fashion designer rose to fame with Dior in the early 2000s, producing shows that were known for their dramatic, lavish themes and intricate designs. His provocative runway performances often featured dancers in elaborate costumes. In 2011, a court banned him from working as a CEO or creative director due to an incident where he allegedly assaulted a customer who disagreed with his opinion on the brand's style. This year marked a decade since his departure from Dior.

This Italian fashion designer is recognized for her vibrant and stylish designs that have been popularized through high-profile celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, who has modeled for the brand many times. She took over Versace after her brother Gianni's untimely death in 1997, redefining the brand with modernist approaches while maintaining its heritage values. In 2022, it was reported that Donatella Versace earns around $18 million annually, solidifying her position as one of the highest-paid designers.