Designer Dictionary: Guide to Top Designers A- G

May 4, 2009 02:00 PM | | Posted in designer, chanel, gucci, balenciaga, guide, designer dictionary, salvatore ferragamo, chloe, john galliano, giorgio armani

*Abaete
Pronunciation: A-Buy-A-Tey

Laura Poretzky’s line combines the femininity and sensuality of her Brazilian and French roots into an accessible resort collection for women. However, most TBF readers will recognize Abaete as the first designer to join the Payless designer shoe collection (they are no longer a part of the collection).

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.

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 dresses), and a couple of more brands. His lines tend to be heavily influenced by California High Fashion- printed jersey knits, shoes with a bit of bling, etc and tend to be more of a junior cut. You can often find pieces from BCBG at your local Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet.

{pagebreak}
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 wearing the designer-lover duo’s glamorous gowns and the world soon took notice. Badgley Mischka is most famous for its out-of-this-world bridal wear (remember the awesome bridal gown Charlotte York wore at her second wedding in Sex and the City? That was them.), and they also design glamorous daywear, sportswear and lingerie.

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.

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.
{pagebreak}
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 in England in 1856. He later
went on to invent Gabardine, the trench coat, and outfit the first dude to land at the South Pole. Can’t afford $1000+ for a trench coat? Head to the Burberry outlets (Kathryn once purchased a
Burberry trench from the outlet for $400, a 80% savings).

Cavalli, Roberto
Pronunciation: RO-ber-to Ka-VA-lee

Robert 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 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. He’s also pushed into the discount designer sphere with his limited collection for H&M. Cavalli is known for pushing the envelope, on the runway as well as his personal style.

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 revolutionized 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

“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. Chloe is especially known for its sexy handbags and shoes.

**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 sportswear for women. The brand soon appealed widely to the working woman with its streamlined and silhouetted pieces. Claiborne also revolutionized the department store shopping experience as she was one of the very first designers to demand that her collection be sold together, in one space. Isaac Mizrahi is currently the designer for the Liz Claiborne’s line, Liz Claiborne New York.

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.

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.

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 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 designerJohn 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 of 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.

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) with clean Italian tailoring (making it one of Kathryn’s favorite fashion lines).  Founded in 1968 by Gimmo Etro, the company has replaced Pucci (who obviously influenced Gimmo) as the Italian bold print brand of note. Now if only, they would produce a line for Target.

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. Established in Italy in 1925 as a handbag shop, Fendi is one of the most influential brands in the history of fashion, if for no other reason, the Fendi family “discovered” Karl Lagerfeld and gave him his first job at a major design house. While the line continues to produce a ready to wear collection, Fendi is really known for their iconic bags (the much copied “Spy” bag, the baguette, etc.).

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, 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.

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 in 1980 and created a name for herself with her free-flowing and feminine designs. The designer is famous for turning her staple materials—chiffon, draped georgette, charmeuse and satin—into red-carpet creations. In 1984, she launched a younger, more causal line called Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti which soon became a huge hit. Her brother Massimo, is also part of the company, and produces Moschino, Moschino Cheap&Chic, Jean Paul Gaultier, etc.

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 are 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’ll 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.

Gucci
Pronunciation: Goo-chee

The House of Gucci was started in 1921 as a leather goods store by Guccio Gucci. By the 50’s, Gucci had became a luxury-goods brand the world came to recognize through its iconic ‘G’ symbol. In the 70’s, the label started to deteriorate because of issues within the Gucci family but was revived by designer Tom Ford in the 90’s. Tom Ford’s sexy fall 1995 line turned things around for the company and put Gucci back onto the fashion roadmap. Frida Giannini is currently the head designer of the House of Gucci.

Click Here for More: Top Designers H-M

Are we missing an important designer? Do we need to update our information? Contact Us.

Net-A-Porter: Site I Like

July 17, 2006 09:59 AM | Comments (3) | Posted in online shopping, designer, gucci, websites, chloe, fashion_magazine, net-a-porter.com

I can’t afford anything on Net-a-Porter

I can’t fit into anything on Net-A-Porter

But I still love the site. Here’s why:

• 1. It’s the perfect site to browse to find the latest styles from top designers like Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, etc. Print out the designer looks on the site, take them into your local department stores, and try to recreate the looks for significantly less.
• 2. Net-a-porter’s online fashion magazine is better than most offline publications and it’s FREE. It even gives style.com a run for its money.
• 3. The site features up and coming designers who may not have the dough to get an ad in Vogue or Bazaar.
• 4. Every once and a while, they have a sale. Still too expensive, but I give them a “E” for Effort
• 5. A girls gotta dream . . .

Plaid is Back: Fall 2006 Fashion Preview

July 12, 2006 10:59 AM | Comments (2) | Posted in forever21, plaid, diane von furstenberg, chloe, h&m, project_runway, zara, intermix, fall fashion 2006

Inspired by the rise of British fashion houses like Chloe and Alexander Mc Queen (and the British pound), plaid is back for fall. Whether you’re sporting a traditional Burberry plaid or the lumber jack checkered plaid, you should have at least one plaid piece in your wardrobe.

A perfect example of the emergence of plaid is the Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress. I love this dress so much, that If I happened to have $500 lying around this fall (which I guarantee, I won’t), I would definitely add it to my closet. The dress, made from silk taffeta , is available online at Intermix for $465.00. 

Now, for those of us unable to spend $500 on a dress, by early fall I’m sure H&M, Zara, Forever 21 or even Jones New York will have a version (although probably not in silk) for a fraction of the cost.  If you happen to have the skill of sewing and/or are inspired by the return of Project Runway, then you can try to recreate this dress yourself. This is a pretty common pattern and the only obstacle may be finding the material.