Guide to the Top Designers: A- G | The Budget Fashionista

Don’t know Lagerfeld from Lanvin? Then read my guide to fashion’s top designers and fashion houses. In part one of the three part series, we give you a brief tutorial on those whose first names/labels begin with the letters A-G.

Armani, Giorgio
Pronunciation: Jor-ji-o Ar-ma-nee

Known as the Prince of minimalist glamour, Giorgio Armani chucked a career in
medicine for the life of a fashion designer. Although he started his labels
in the mid 70s, most consider his styling of Richard Gere in “American
Gigolo” in the early 80’s as his break into mainstream fashion. Armani is
now a global brand with numerous sub labels from the couture Giorgio Armani
to the mass market A/X Exchange.
When thinking about Armani, think Italian tailoring with a bit of classic American
style.

Blahnik, Manolo

Pronunciation: Muh-no-low blah- nick

When Carrie Bradshaw, the main character on HBO’s popular series “Sex and the
City”, begged a mugger not to take her Manolos, a love affair was born. The
high end shoe maker, who is responsible for the design and prototype of every
shoe that bears his name, and his 30 year old company is THE shoe of record
for those who want (and can) be fabulous in 3+ inch stilettos (Manolo does make
flats and lower heeled mules). The shoes, made of silk, lace, satin and other
nice materials, cost upwards of $300. Blahnik is solely responsible for the
design and prototype of every shoe that bears his name. Can’t afford the 300+
price tag? Save up to 80% off the retail price of a pair of Manolo’s by shopping
at the Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus Outlet stores.

Courreges, Andre

Pronunciation: AN-Dre Courreges

Courreges invented the mini skirt in 1964 (which he paired with white go-go
boots), the swing coat, and the A-line mod dress—making him one of the most influential
designers of the last fifty years. After leaving Balenciaga in 1961, he started
his own line and helped defined the “sixties” look through his liberal use of
white, straight lines, cut-outs, and his SPACE AGE collection.

Balenciaga

Pronunciation: Bal-en-see-AH-gah

Spanish designer, Cristobal Balenciaga (1895-1972) is a true inspiration for
twentieth century designers. His designs created illusions, while outlining
the perfect silhouette of a woman’s body. Balenciaga favored mute colors like
black and brown, as well as an asymmetrical design. He’s influenced designers
as diverse as Andre Courreges and Marc Jacobs. The house is mostly known for
its excellent leather goods, particularly the famous motorcycle bag.

Bottega Veneta

Pronunciation: Bo-TAY-ga Ve-NE-tah

The high-end leather goods company Bottega Veneta is known for its fabulous
purses and exceptional design. Highly reputed for quality and exclusiveness,
this designer is known for the signature Intrecciato Line. In July 2001 the
company merged with the Gucci Group.

Cavalli, Roberto

Pronunciation: RO-ber-to Ka-VA-lee

Robert Cavalli styles combine rock and glam, with a touch of color and sexiness.
He not afraid to mix textures and prints, like leather with animal prints, denim
with feathers, and silk with fur. Roberto Cavalli wearers include: Kimora Lee
Simmons, Beyonce Knowles, Alicia Keyes, Bono, Jennifer Lopez, and Lenny Kravitz.

Chanel

Pronunciation: Sha-nel

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is perhaps one of the most influential fashion designers
in the history of fashion (Time Magazine honored her as one of the 20 most influential
artists, entertainers of the 20th century.) Born in 1881, it’s hard to believe
that the woman who made jersey knits elegant was met with a cool reception when
her first collection was introduced. By the time she died in 1971, she had revolutionize
the fashion world and left a design and business legacy that can be found in
some of the most famous fashion houses in the world.

Chloe

Pronunciation: KLO-ee

“Sassy”, “sexy” and “ultra cool” are the adjectives often associated with the
designer label Chloe. Chloe’s designs portray extreme romance, luxury and elegance.
The French quintessential design house received worldwide exposure when it employed
Stella McCartney (daughter of ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney) as Karl Lagerfeld’s
replacement as head designer.

Comme des
Garcons

Pronunciation: KUM de Gar-SOHN

Tokyo born Rei Kawakubo founded the clothing line Comme des Garcons in1973.
According to Infomat, “Comme des Garcons specializes in anti-fashion, austere,
sometimes deconstructed garments, sometimes lacking a sleeve or other component.”
Her color choices are often simplistic: black, dark gray, and white.

Dior, Christian

Pronunciation: KRE-shtaan DEE-or

Whether it’s the saddle bag or a vintage couture evening gown, Christian Dior
is the designer of choice to Hollywood’s elite. Launching the line in 1949,
Dior directed the fashion world to the extravagantly feminine look, one that
is provocative, ultra-sexy, and refined grungy. The house is currently led by
designer John Galliano. The house is currently led by designer John
Galliano.

Dolce & Gabbana

Pronunciation: DOL-chay and Gab-BAH-nah

Former lovers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are the designers
to the world’s rock royalty. Using strong, sensual designs with bold animal
prints paired with fluorescent accents and traditional fabrics like denim, the
boys aren’t afraid to mix it up and specifically design clothes for strong,
confident, cosmopolitan, and powerful women.

Ellen Tracy

Pronunciation: EL-lin TRAY-see

Starting out as a blouse company, Ellen Tracy later flourished into a full range
classic separates, shoes, eveningwear and accessories company. The line focuses
on classic office and night-on-the-town wear for professional and sophisticated
women. Look for this line at Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and at Off Fifth, Saks Fifth
Avenue Outlet

Ferragamo, Salvatore

Pronunciation: Sal- va- tor Ferr-A-ga-mo

The King of footwear, Salvatore Ferragamo, has been providing the elite with
luxury consumer goods for years. Launching his career in the ever-so-wonderful
Hollywood, his designs were initially utilized in film productions, like the
ruby red slippers he created for Dorothy in the 1939 version of the “Wizard
of Oz”. Today, Ferragamo takes a more conservative approach to shoe and accessory
design (ex: continued use of block heels during the era of the stiletto). Each
vision is portrayed in each well-manufactured shoe and the design house has
expanded its line to bags, eyewear, silk, accessories, watches, perfumes and
a ready-to-wear clothing line.

Ferre, Gianfranco

Pronunciation: Gee-an-fran-ko Ferr-ay

Italian designer Gianfranco Ferre is not one to follow trends. A former architect,
Ferre’s designs are heavily influenced by the form and structure of garments
from Asian countries like India. This designer also produces a very high end
plus size line.

Galliano, John

Pronunciation: Gall-lee-a-no

Imaginative and creative, John Galliano’s designs are deeply rooted in history.
Almost all of his collections have a strong link to a particular period in history
and often on the cutting edge of fashion (he reintroduced crinoline in the 1990s).
The British fashion designer was appointed designer of Givenchy in 1995 and
left Givenchy in 1996, to head Christian Dior. He continues to be the designer
of record for fashion forward celebrities like Gwen Stefani (he designed her
wedding dress).

Givenchy

Pronunciation: Gee-von-she

Best known as the man who dressed Audrey Hepburn,
Hubert de Givenchy combined elegance and classicism to all of his designs. Think
Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and you understand this design house.
In 1954, Givenchy was the first designer to create a luxury collection of women’s
ready-to-wear. Former heads include John Galliano and Alexander McQueen.