The Budget Fashionista

Posen, Zac

Pronunciation: Zak Poo-zen

This young fashion designer started his collection at the tender age
of 16 and got his big break when Demi Moore was photographed wearing his designs
while hanging out with Aston Kutchner. With the extensive fashion knowledge
and business skills he gained from his internships at The Metropolitan Museum
of Art’s Costume Institute and Nicole Miller, he was able to create a
unique and creative line for himself and get funding from Sean “Puffy”
Combs. Socialites, supermodels, and celebs all love his angular styles and 1940’s
Hollywood inspired designs.



Proenza Schouler

Pronunciation:pro-en-za skool-er

Former lover and design partners, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, created
the modern luxury label, Proenza Schouler (combination of their mother’s
maiden names), while students at New York’s Parsons School of Design.
After presenting their graduate thesis to great acclaim, buyers from Barney’s
New York quickly bought their whole line. Their line offers an edgy, youthful
take on high-end fashion and is worn by fashion forward Hollywood stars like
Demi Moore. The duo won CFDA’s Perry Ellis Award for new talent in 2003

Pucci, Emilio

Pronunciation: E-MEE-lee-o POH-chee

The socialite, Italian skier and designer Emilio Pucci was known for his use
of completely unique and infamous prints during the sixties. The brand is synonymous
with bold, brightly colored patterns with a kaleidoscopic psychedelic feel.
Think Austin Powers.



Reese, Tracy

Pronunciation: TRAY- cee Ree-s

Favored by celebs like Mira Sorvino and Carla Gallo, designer Tracy Reese’s
continues to gain prominence in the fashion world. With intense background training
from Martine Sitbon and Perry Ellis, her styles today reflect the elegance of
women with a hint of tradition and vintage-inspiration. She freely uses colors
and embellishments like beading and sequins in her designs.



Schiaparelli, Elsa

Pronunciation: EL-sa She-a-pa-REHL-lee

Elsa Schiaparelli, along with rival Coco Chanel, dominated the women’s fashion
scene in the early part of the twentieth century. It was Schiaparelli who designed
the famous pink suit Jackie (Bouvier) Kennedy (Onasis) wore the day her husband,
President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated. She was also of the surrealist
camp with the likes of Salvador Dali, and this influence can be seen in her
designs, especially in her trompe-l’oeil sweaters. Her collections were recently
exhibited at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.




Sui, Anna

Pronunciation: AN-na SOO-ee

Originally from Michigan, Sui is known for her “head-to-toe” looks, unique ability
to counter bright colors with black and liberal usage of rich fabrics. The New
York Times calls Sui a designer who “never panders” and her styles continue
to set trends and inspire other designers all around the world.




Ungaro, Emanuel

Pronunciation: Eh-MAHN-wayl Oon-GAH-ro

In the beginning, Italian born designer Emanuel Ungaro found himself struggling
for appreciation and even acceptance in the fashion world. Today, his works
continue to set trends for other designers. His clothing line is put together
to “remind women that they are the joy of every man.”




Versace, Gianni

Pronunciation : Gee-a-nee Verr-sha-chie

The late Italian designer, Gianni Versace, found his namesake label in 1978.
Although the label is most known for its mix of “grandiose sexiness” and “decadent
European-inspired styles” (remember the infamous J.Lo dress?), few remember
that the collection first started as a menswear line. Versace is now led by
Gianni’s sister, Donnatella, who’s often parodied on Saturday Night Live. It
also wins the award as “the designer mentioned most in corny hip-hop songs”.




Von Furstenberg, Diane

Pronunciation : DY-an Von FUR-sten-berg

Diane Von Furstenberg is known for turning the knit wrap dress into a closet
staple. The dress, which enhances the feminine body by accentuating its curves,
is sported by celebs like Kirsten Dunst and Cindy Crawford. If you can’t afford
the original wrap dress, try versions from Rampage, Max Studio, or Anne Klein.

Wang, Vera

Pronunciation : Veer- ra Way-ng

This former Vogue senior fashion editor and New York City native, launched her
first bridal collection in 1990. Since then, her name has become synonymous with
bridal and evening glamour. Her collection now includes footwear, fragrance,
eyewear and home furnishings.