What Gloria Vanderbilt Did for Women’s Jeans
To sum up the life of Gloria Vanderbilt in just a few words would not do her justice. Indeed, her story is one of true starry-eyed enigma: she was a …
Our fashion designer directory gives you the quick scoop on today’s most popular designers, plus more in-depth articles on Budget Fashionista favorites like Gucci, Jason Wu and more.
Browse the quick guide below for some cocktail party knowledge — or to help you decide which shows to follow when fashion week rolls around.
If you’re an up-and-coming designer yourself or fascinated with how big fashion brands are built, explore our fashion designer articles below. Our more popular pieces include Jason Wu: What You Didn’t Know About this Fashion Icon and Designer Spotlight: Michael Kors.
Reach out and let us know if you’d like us to add any labels to this directory!
To sum up the life of Gloria Vanderbilt in just a few words would not do her justice. Indeed, her story is one of true starry-eyed enigma: she was a …
The name alone is enough to conjure images of the famed double G logo and sleek, timeless accessories. Yet Gucci is so much more. The Italian luxury fashion house is …
When you think of a Mulberry bag, you likely think of words like timeless and classic. You’re 100% correct on both counts — the storied brand is one of the …
Founded by Elio Fiorucci in 1967, Fiorucci is an iconic Italian fashion label best known for its on-trend selection of jeans, graphic tees, and statement vinyl trousers. Over the last …
With his distinguished sports-luxe aesthetic, Michael Kors (pronounced: My-Kal Ko-ors) is one of the world’s best known fashion designers. The New York-based entrepreneur focuses mainly on midrange women’s fashion, but …
American fashion designer Anna Sui (pronounced: AN-na SOO-ee) is best known for her ready-to-wear collections with a boho-chic aesthetic. Originally from Detroit, Sui has mastered the art of combining bright …
On April 16, iconic designer label Bottega Veneta (pronounced: Bo-TAY-ga Ve-NE-tah) launched its newest home collection during Milan’s Salone del Mobile. The home line-up was born with a single bench design …
New York Fashion Week brought many up-and-coming fashion designers to the forefront, including Georgine, Kempner, Vivienne Hu, as well as some industry professionals like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Rachel …
In the history of American fashion there have been many fascinating, influential, talented women who innovate and create amazing fashions. Here at Budget Fashionista we’d like to highlight just a …
In the history of American fashion there have been many fascinating, influential, talented women who innovate and create amazing fashions. Here at Budget Fashionista we’d like to highlight just a …
A brief glance at anything designed by Reem Acra is a visual study in luxury. The eponymous label started with a bridal collection in 1997. Today, it includes timeless, elegant, …
Akris Pronunciation: Ah-kree This Swiss, family-run, company has come a long way from designing polka-dotted aprons in 1922. Considered as Switzerland’s largest clothing company, Akris showcases elegant and perfectly tailored …
Amsale Pronunciation: Ahm-sah-lay Her frustration in finding the right wedding gown in 1985 led Ethiopian Amsale Aberra to launch her bridal line. With a vision of creating timeless wedding gowns …
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 …
Azria, Max Pronunciation: Ma-x As-ree-a Azria is the head of a family run fashion empire that includes the BCBG lines, The Rave,G+G stores, Herve Ledger (you know those iconic bandage …
Azrouël, Yigal Pronunciation: Yee-gal As-roo-elle Even without formal training in fashion design, Israeli born Yigal Azrouël has been successful in being critics’ favourite for his expertise in draping modern silhouettes …
Badgley Mischka Pronunciation: Badge-lee-mish-ka Mark Badgley and James Mischka do Old-Hollywood evening wear like nobody else. Teri Hatcher and Winona Ryder created a storm on the red carpet in 1996 …
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 …
Beene, Geoffrey Pronunciation: Jof-ree Bee-n American designer Geoffrey Beene fashion career spans more than 40 year career, opening his own company in 1963. Beene garnered success for his bolero jackets, …
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 …
Burberry Pronunciation: Burr- bar-re Before the iconic plaid check became the ultimate symbol of British high style, Thomas Burberry was a lowly apprentice who opened his small outfitter (coat) shop …
Tory Burch Pronunciation: Tor-ree Berr-ch American fashion designer and socialite Tory Burch founded her namesake lifestyle brand in 2004. By mixing timeless vintage style with modern bohemian and ethnic details, …
Burrows, Stephen Pronunciation: Stee-ven Berr-rows Recognized as the first African-American fashion designer to have achieved international fame, Stephen Burrows name has been etched in New York City’s Fashion Walk of …
Caten, Dean and Dan (D2 fashion line) Pronunciation: Dee-n and Daa-n Kae-ten Canadian twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten are the duo behind the fierce and sexy DSquared2 line. The …
Cavalli, Roberto Pronunciation: RO-ber-to Ka-VA-lee Roberto Cavalli styles combine rock and glam, with a touch of color and sexiness. He’s not afraid to mix textures and prints, like leather with …
Chai, Richard Pronunciation: Ree-cha-erd Ch-eye Often mentioned as one of the “new asian” influences in fashion, Korean-American Richard Chai is known for his youthful, modern minimalist approach to style. Chai, …
Chalayan, Hussein Pronunciation: Who-say-n Cha-lah-yan Cyprus born designer Hussein Chalayan launched his own label in 1994 and was twice named as British Designer of the Year (1999 and 2000). Chalayan’s …
ChanelPronunciation: 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 …
Chloe Pronunciation: KLO-ee “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 …
Claiborne, Liz Pronunciation: Liz Clay-Born Liz Claiborne was as shrewd a businesswoman as she was a designer. Established in 1976, Liz Claiborne, Inc. started off as a line of moderately-priced …
Ossie Clark Pronunciation: Os-see Klar-k 60’s fashion icon, Ossie Clark is one of Britain’s most influential designers. The only first-class degree graduate among his batch from the Royal College of …
Comme des GarconsPronunciation: 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 …
Costume National Pronunciation: Cost-thum Na-sho-nal Founded in 1986 in Milan by Ennio Capasa, Costume National‘s design point of view can be described as Couture meets Street meets Evening wear- a …
Courrèges, André Pronunciation: AN-Dre Courreges Courrèges 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 …
Dell’acqua, Alessandro Pronunciation: Al-less-san-droh Del-ah-kwa Inspired by the sensuality of Italian screen sirens like Sophia Loren, Alessandro Dell’Acqua designs collections that pay tribute to the powerful yet feminine touch of …
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 for Hollywood’s elite. Launching the line in …
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 …
Doo.Ri Pronunciation: Doe-Ree Stunning jersey with unique and perfect drape has been Doo.Ri Chung’s ticket in penetrating the competitive world of fashion. Former head designer of Geoffrey Beene and a …
Ellen Tracy Pronunciation: EL-lin TRAY-see Starting out as a blouse company, Ellen Tracy later flourished into a full range of classic separates, shoes, eveningwear and accessories company. The line focuses …
Etro Pronunciation: Ae-tro This family run textile and fashion company is known for mixing bold printed fabric (think bright pink paisley on purple background on a piece of jacquard fabric) …
Fendi Pronunciation: Fen- dee In terms of American pop culture influence, Fendi is right up there with Gucci and Louis Vuitton as the brand most frequently mentioned in rap songs. …
Feraud, Louis Pronunciation: Loo-wee Feh-roh French fashion designer Louis Feraud creates sophisticated suits and tailored dresses that err a bit on the traditional side (think Ladies Who Lunch). Feraud started …
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 ever-so-wonderful Hollywood, …
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 …
Ferretti, Alberta Pronunciation: Al-bur-ta-fer-re-tee The ‘Queen of Chiffon’ opened up shop at the tender age of 18 in Cattolica, Italy and there was no looking back. Ferretti started her line …
Fetherston, Erin Pronunciation: Air-ren Feth-err-ston American designer Erin Fetherston is known for designing super feminine clothes that are playful and whimsy. A product of UC Berkeley and Parson’s School of …
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 …
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 …
Halston Pronunciation: Hall-stun If you lived in the 1970s, then you know Halston. Roy Halston Frowick was the guy that dressed pretty much anyone who entered the door of the …
Herchcovitch, Alexandre Pronunciation: Ah-le-zan-dreh Hair-ch-co-vich From designing clothes for drag queens and transvestites in his native town of Säo Paolo to creating clothes shown on the runaways of the fashion …
Hermes Pronunciation: Air-mez Since 1837, the Parisian luxury goods company Hermes has made the most exclusive, most coveted bags in the world. So high is a Hermes handbag, that they …
Herrera, Carolina Pronunciation: Ka-ro-lee-na Hair-air-ra Venezuelan designer Carolina Herrera‘s designs combine noble and charming with elegant yet simple styling. She launched her first collection in 1980 received great reviews and …
Hilfiger, Tommy Pronunciation: Tom-ee Hill-Fig-ur There’s no denying that the urban crowd made the Tommy Hilfiger brand what it is today. Hilfiger’s clothes are also commonly seen as All-American and …
Hugo Boss Pronunciation: He-you-go Bo-s German clothing brand Hugo Boss has been around for almost 70 years. During WWII, the company designed and manufactured uniforms for the Army officials and …
Imitation of Christ Pronunciation: Em-ma-ta-shun of Cry-st Created by designer and sometime actress, Tara Subkoff, the designs are described as “painfully hip” and aims to “transform undesirable into desirable.” Think …
J Mendel Pronunciation: Jay Men-dell The family owned company, J Mendel, was established in 1800 by Joseph Breitman in Paris as manufacturer of exceptional furs favoured by Russian aristocrats. The …
Jacobs, Marc Pronunciation: Ma-rk Jay-kob-s From coveted handbags to pretty party dresses, Marc Jacobs continues to be one of the most influential young designers in fashion. A media darling, Jacobs …
Johnson, Betsey Pronounced BET-see JON-sun Designer Betsey Johnson has always followed her own set of rules. Known for her brightly colored hair and catwalk cartwheels, Johnson utilizes sexy silhouettes, whimsical …
Karan, Donna Pronounced Don-NAH KA-ran The ultimate New Yorker, Donna Karan saved professional women worldwide from the agony of the “career suit”. Her styles focus on classic lines that fit …
Kayne, Jenni Pronunciation: Jen-nee Kay-n American sportswear designer Jenni Kayne launched her eponymous first line in 2003 at the age of 19. Creating collections that are inspired by nature and …
Khan, Naeem Pronunciation: Nah-eem- Kah-n Starting his eponymous label in 2003, Indian born fashion designer Naeem Khan combines classic glamour designs with rich embellishments. After learning about fabrics and the …
Klein, Calvin Pronounced CAL-vin KLYIN Born on November 19, 1942, this minimalist designer is known for his use of neutral colors, classic, timeless cuts and styles. However, he’s most known …
Lacroix, Christian Pronunciation: Kris-chan La-kwa Best known for inventing the “le pouf” (ball skirt) gown, French high-end fashion designer Christian Lacroix makes use of his background in historical costume to …
Lagerfeld, Karl Pronunciation: Ka-ral La-ger-fell-d Karl Lagerfeld is perhaps the most influential fashion designer alive today. The German born designer has transformed the design house of Fendi, Chloe, and most …
Lam, Derek Pronunciation: Derr-rik La-m Chinese-American fashion designer Derek Lam‘s interest in the world of fashion grew out of a childhood surrounded by garments. An alumna of Parson’s School of …
Lang, Helmut Pronunciation: Hell- Mut Lay-ng Helmut Lang’s razor-sharp lines and high-tech fabrics are especially catered to those with specific body types (okay, to REALLY skinny people). He was one …
Lanvin, Jeanne Pronunciation: John La- vin From her storied feud with fellow french fashion visionary Coco Chanel to building one of the first haute couture fashion empires, Jeanne Lanvin is …
Laroche, Guy Pronunciation: Gee La-row-sh French designer Guy Laroche rose from an assistant position at Jeans Dresses in Paris to starting his own eponymous brand in 1956. Laroche was known …
Ralph Lauren is synonymous with classic American style. Even those not intimately familiar with fashion or anything remotely trendy recognize the name at first mention. Indeed, his moniker has become …
Lepore, Nanette Pronunciation: Na-net LA-pour Mixing femininity with wearability, Nanette Lepore is like the “chick lit” designer of fashion. Her clothes are fun (they often feature embroidery, lace or other …
Lhuillier, Monique Pronunciation: Mo-nee-ck Loo-lee-ay Philippine born fashion designer Monique Lhuillier captured the bridal couturier industry as the bridal gown designer to the stars. A graduate of LA’s Fashion Institute …
Lim, Phillip Pronunciation: Fill-lip Lem Lim is known for taking ordinary fashion and giving it some extra bling—case in point; the Swarovski-encrusted headband or the silk blouse with an oversized …
Louboutin, Christian Pronunciation: KRI-shtaan Lu-bu-TAHN If you are a fan of the movie “Sex and The City” you know about footwear specialist Christian Louboutin, whose high heel shoes are often …
Louis Vuitton Pronunciation: Lu-wee Vee-tuhhh Louis Vuitton started off as a luggage store in Paris in 1854 and is now a global status symbol. In fact the brand’s iconic “LV” …
Malandrino, Catherine Pronounced KATH-er-in Mal-an-DREE-no Combining “the energy of Manhattan with the romance of Paris”, designer Catherine Malandrino creates clothing with a soft elegant style. Malandrino states, “I want to …
Marchesa Pronunciation: Mar-kay-sah Founded in 2004 by British fashion designers Georgina Chapman (wife of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein) and Keren Craig, the Marchesa label is a luxury brand inspired by …
Marni Pronunciation: Mar-nee Italian brand Marni was launched in 1994 by Swiss-Italian fashion designer Consuelo Castiglioni as the sister brand to her husband’s family-owned fur company. With furs, bold colors, …
MaxMara Pronunciation: M-ax Ma-ra World renowned Italian brand MaxMara is one of the pioneers in mass-producing designer clothes. Launched in 1951, family-owned MaxMara has been synonymous with clean lines, elegant …
McQueen, Alexander Pronounced: Al-ex-AHN-der Mac-KWEEN Born March 17, 1969, in London, McQueen isn’t your typical designer: shaved head, tattoos, and risque-yet-fun catwalk shows. He’s known for his master tailoring and …
Miele, Carlos Pronunciation: Car-lows Mi-ye-le If unique sexy clothes is what you’re looking for, then do not forget to add Brazilian fashion designer Carlos Miele’s collection on your must see …
Miller, Nicole Pronounced: Na- Koal Mill-r Miller is known for mixing bold prints with very feminine cuts, resulting in trendy, yet wearable garments. She’s a big, Hollywood favorite (everyone from …
Milly Pronunciation: Mee-lee Michelle Smith founded Milly in 2000 after working for big fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Dior . Offering contemporary feminine clothing with youthful flair, …
Reese, Tracy Pronunciation: TRAY- cee Ree-s Favored by celebs like Beyonce, Carrie Underwood and even First Lady Michelle Obama, designer Tracy Reese continues to gain prominence in the fashion world. …
Missoni Pronunciation: Me-son-nee Missoni is one of the premier knitwear design houses in the world. When Ottavio Missoni designed his first tracksuit in the 1940s, little did he know he …
Mizrahi, Isaac Pronunciation: Eye-zak Miz-ra-hee With a new TV show on Bravo, it’s easy to forget that Isaac Mizrahi is also a very talented fashion designer and costume designer for …
Miyake, Issey Pronunciation: E-say Me-ya-kay Art, nature, and technology are the inspirations behind influential Japanese designer Issey Miyake’s line of clothing. He past collections included updated versions of traditional Japanese …
Moschino Pronunciation: Mo-ski-no Launched by fashion designer Franco Moschino in 1983, Moschino’s satirical take on high-end fashion brands is the main inspiration for his innovative designs. Known mostly for taking …
Mouret, Roland Pronunciation: Rol-lan More-rey French designer Roland Mouret launched his line in 1998 and is known for his iconic hourglass creations such as the galaxy dress, a large celebrity …
Nina Ricci Pronunciation: Nee-na Ree-chee Launched in Paris in 1932 by Maria Nielli Ricci and her son Robert, the House of Nina Ricci has blossomed into one of the most …
Owens, Rick Pronunciation: Ree-k Owe-whens American designer Rick Owens is a known for glamour-meets-grunge style, designing rock inspired edgy feminine outfits with sculptural folds. After establishing his own label in …
Panichgul, Thakoon Pronuciation: Ta-koon Pa-neech-gool Thakoon’s designs are eccentric yet charming, which is precisely why he’s often a Michelle Obama pick. This former fashion editor puts original spins on ordinary …
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 …
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), as students at …
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 …
Ralph Rucci, Chado Pronunciation: Sa-do Ralf Rue-chi A master craftsman who aside from the clean architectural shape of his collection also creates his own art and fabric, Ralph Rucci’s great …
Rodarte Pronunciation: Roe-dar-tey Founded in 2005 by California natives and sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy, Rodarte was launched with an initial ten pieces collection and soon became a favorite for …
Ronson, Charlotte Pronunciation: Shar-lot Ron-son With celebrity friends such as Gisele Bündchen, Kate Moss, Lindsay Lohan (who dated her sister), Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and Mischa Barton, Charlotte Ronson is …
Rowley, Cynthia Pronunciation: Send-thi-a Raw-lee A Perry Ellis Awardee for New Fashion Talent in 1994 by the CFDA, Cynthia Rowley became known for her very feminine yet charming vintage styled …
Roy, Rachel Pronunciation: Rey-chel Roi Californian fashion designer Rachel Roy launched her eponymous label in 2004 after making a name for herself as freelance stylist for music videos and magazines. …
Saint Laurent, Yves Pronunciation: EEV San-LAWRON Yves Saint Laurent breathed new life onto the French fashion scene in the 60’s. At the age of 21, he was the youngest designer …