Designer Dictionary: Guide to Top Designers H-M

May 4, 2009 02:00 PM | | Posted in designer, louis vuitton, designer dictionary, isaac mizrahi, marc jacobs, hermes, betsey johnson, halston, calvin klein, alexander mcqueen

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 infamous Studio 54. He was to fashion in the 70s what Marc Jacobs is to fashion today (maybe even a little higher), bringing fabrics like ultra suede to the forefront of fashion. Everyone from Liza (Minelli) to Bianca (Jagger, Mick’s first wife) discoed the night away in his designs. However, when disco fell, apparently Halston’s status as the “it” designer fell with it. Recently, the line has started to gain prominence
via vintage stores and consignment shops.

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 even dissed Oprah (and course found out that nobody is bigger than Oprah). The Birkin bags (named after British actress Jane Birkin) and the Kelly bag (named after screen goddess and princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly) are two of the most expensive (upwards of $5000) and hard-to-get bags in the entire world. The French company is also known for their exquisite silk scarves.

** 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 preppy, with fresh-faced jocks and peppy cheerleaders modeling his lines. Tommy Hilfiger started his career with a store called People’s Place in his native, Elmira, New York, and in the early days of his career, turned down assistant positions at Calvin Klein and Perry Ellis to concentrate on his own work. Tommy Hilfiger names music as the inspiration for his designs and its no wonders that rappers and rockers alike are huge endorsers of the brand.

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 other governmental branches of Nazi Germany. Despite their nefarious past, the brand continues to offer immaculate business suits favored by many leading male celebrities like George Clooney and a solid collection for women. Less expensive versions of the suits can be found at stores like Nordstrom Rack, Filene’s Basement, and K&G.

**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 trailer park meets Rodeo Drive. The label is very popular with the Olsen twins and other members of the young, hip, SoHo set. For a while, Subkoff had a partnership with comfort shoe maker Naturalizers, for a high end comfort shoe line.

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 transforms the styles you wore in high school (bows, lace, prom like dresses, oversized tops) to styles you can wear as an adult. Jacobs designs not only his own labels- Marc Jacobs and, the less expensive, youth oriented line Marc by Marc Jacobs, but also designs the ready-to wear line for Louis Vuitton.

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 designs and flowing fabrics to inspire her style. Currently there are over 41 Betsey Johnson stores worldwide.

**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 for his jeans, made famous by Brooke Shields in the early 80s. The designer has found great success with mass market versions of his underwear (remember Marky Mark) and perfume lines

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 “real” women’s bodies and tend to shy away from extreme prints. She also has a well known denim/casual line called DKNY (Donna Karan New York).

**Kors, Michael
Pronunciation: My-kal Ko-ors

He may be best known as the beo-tchy judge on “Project Runway”, but Michael Kors is very successful fashion designer, designing classic luxury pieces since 1981. His designs tend to take a glamorous spin on sportswear, resembling a cross between preppy Ralph Lauren and glamorous Escada. He also has a very successful bridge line (a.k.a cheaper) called MICHAEL
by Michael Kors, which is sold at most major department stores.

Celebs who wear Michael Kors: Sharon Stone and Gwyneth Paltrow.

*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 recently Chanel, with his keen mixture of classic and street styles. An accomplished artist and photographer, he has also created lines for H&M and Neiman Marcus.

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 of the first designers to turn t-shirts into expensive couture pieces, spawning a whole generation of over-priced tees. His razor lines and use of high tech fabric makes him a favorite among the European techie set.

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 the greatest designer you never heard of. Starting out as a milliner late 19th century Paris, Lanvin used the dresses she designed for her young daughter as the basis for the design house that became the epitome of French elegance and style. She’s best known for her mother-daughter collections and robe de style dresses, dresses
characterized by a dropped waistline and a full skirt. Lanvin is now led by designer Alber Elbaz.

**Lauren, Ralph
Pronunciation: LORE-in

Designer Ralph Lauren was one of the first designers to build his brand into a “lifestyle brand” and is credited with bringing the preppy blue blood look into mainstream American fashion. The Polo brand, and its iconic logo of a polo player, symbolizes American wealth and leisure (think summers in the Hamptons and winters in Aspen). His more mass market lines focus on comfort,
causal looks with a slight nautical bent, but his higher end lines (Black Label) are known for their elegance, grace and sophistication for both men and women.

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 detailing) and accessible (most of the pieces are well under $500). According to her bio, Lepore’s designs are “suitable for a tea at The Ritz or a night out on the town”

Celebrities who wear Nanette Lepore: Hilary Swank, Sarah Jessica Parker and Eva Longoria.

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 self-tie below tacked on below the chin.  Stars such as Natalie Portman and Kate Hudson are frequently seen sporting his cutesy designs. Phillip Lim hasn’t stopped at 3.1 Phillip Lim; he now also designs menswear, eyewear and childrenswear.

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 compared to a work of art.  His styles range from Georgian and Oriental to Wedgwood porcelain and Louis XV. You can identify Louboutins’s by their trademark bright red soles. The shoes can be quite pricey, so get them on sale at Bluefly.com

Louis Vuitton
Pronunciation: Lu-wee Vee-tuhhh

What started off as a luggage store in Paris in 1854, is now a global status symbol. In fact the brand’s iconic “LV” logo is considered one of the first designer labels and was created in the late 19th century to, believe it or not, prevent counterfeiting. According to the brand’s Wikipedia page, only 1% of Louis Vuitton branded products sold around the world are authentic. The brand, which now includes clothing, shoes, and other accessories, conveys a sense of classic luxury and wealth (summers on the French Riviera) and is led by designer Marc Jacobs.
 
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 create irresistible clothes that make a woman desirable, clothes that a man just wants to discreetly take off, clothes to keep as a secret, clothes that stay darling to you forever.” And forever is just what she delivers, because actresses Demi Moore, Julia Roberts, and Halle Barry swear by her designs. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find her pieces at Off Fifth, the Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet.

*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 in 2001 became the chief designer for Givenchy. McQueen’s famous “bumster” trousers helped him receive the British Designer of the Year award in 1996.  He is known for his liberal and non-traditional use of plaid and recently premiered a limited edition line at Target.

Miller, Nicole
Pronounced: Na- Koal Mill-r

Miller’s is known for mixing bold prints with very feminine cuts, resulting in trendy, yet wearable garments. She’s a big, Hollywood favorite (everyone from Halle Berry to Angelina Jolie wear her designs).  To find Miller’s higher end line for less, check out Bluefly.com or Smartbargains. For those of us who are “living-it-frugal”, check out her Nicole by Nicole Miller line at JCPenney.

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 would create garments that would become the epitome of high end knitwear. In 1958, the label “Missoni” was finally sewn on to the products. The classic zigzag designs in bold and rich colors are a trademark for this designer’s work. Missoni wearers include: Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz, and Sharon Stone.

**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 several Broadway shows. He’s also the man who brought the high/low look to the masses. His line for Target revolutionized the fashion world, bringing high-end fashion to the masses and creating classic clothing that real women can wear at prices they can afford.

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 clothing like kimonos and sashiko coats and “Pleats Please” dresses printed with works by Miyake’s favorite contemporary artists. As one first Asian designers to gain global prominence, he lead the way for other major Asian designers like, Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcons’ Rei Kawakubo, to become global fashion powerhouses. From a fashion perspective, his pieces are more like works of art than ready-to-wear, and most of his couture pieces are considered collectors items.

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Louis Vuitton Wins Suit Against eBay

July 1, 2008 04:30 PM | Comments (1) | Posted in louis vuitton, fake handbags, designer knockoffs, lawsuits

What: French courts ruled in favor of Louis Vuitton in a lawsuit the luxury brand filed against eBay concerning the knockoff Louis Vuitton merchandise sold on the auction site, according to ValleyWag. The amount of the award? 40 million euros, or 63 million dollars. Now that’s a lot of purses.

What We Say: Every woman has an opinion on knockoff designer merchandise.  We’ll leave this debate up to you guys in the comments and forums—are knockoffs an acceptable way to get designer-looking merchandise for cheap? Or should buyers hold off until they can afford the real thing? Finally, does eBay have a right to sell fake designer bags? If you want to know how to spot a fake, check out The Budget Fashionista’s guide to figuring out if a Louis Vuitton bag is fake.

Image from louisvuitton.com

 

How to Tell if Your Louis Vuitton is Fake

February 8, 2006 10:44 PM | | Posted in discount designer, louis vuitton, fake handbags, fake debate, how to

Many unsuspecting budget fashionistas spend up to $1000 on “authentic” Louis Vuitton bags that turn out to be fakes. Before purchasing your bag, read these basic rules to determine whether or not your louis vuitton is fake.

How to Tell if Your Louis Vuitton is Fake

• If it claims to be “brand new” and costs less than $300, most likely it is fake.
• If the “LV”  logo is upright on both sides, it might be a fake.
• If it’s “brand new” and being sold on eBay or Yahoo! Auctions, there is a good chance it’s fake.
• If the piping is not leather, it is fake.
• If the seams are uneven, frayed, the monogram is off or the bag is poorly sewn, it is definitely fake.
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• If there is no date code (a.k.a date number) provided or if the seller is reluctant to provide a date code or receipt, it could be fake.
• If it’s a new bag and the bag’s handle is a different color leather than that of the piping, it’s fake.
• If the seller doesn’t allow returns, most likely it’s fake.
• If you bought it in your local Chinatown or from a street vendor, it’s fake.
• If the dust cover has rounded edges and/or it doesn’t come with a dust cover, it’s fake.
• If the bag has a hanging tag (of any type) or a bright yellow tag or envelope, it’s definitely a fake.
• If you bought the bag on an ecommerce site other than eluxury.com (be careful of eBay), it’s fake.

For more information on how to tell the authenticity of your Louis Vuitton bag, visit an authorized Louis Vuitton retailer like (Neiman Marcus or a boutique at your local high-end mall), call the Louis Vuitton headquarters at (212) 758-8877 or visit My Poupette, a site dedicated to the promotion of real LV bags.

** TBF Note: I have no opinion one way or the other on the whole fake bag issue. However, most people assume if you’re carrying a Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas, it’s a fake. So why bother purchasing the fake OR the real thing? My advice: head to the nearest Loehmanns, Marshalls, Off Fifth, Saks Fifth Avenue, or Last Call Neiman Marcus, purchase a real, high quality bag (Coach, Marc Jacobs, Longchmap, Cole Haan) for cheap and put the money you save into your retirement account. **

Style vs. Substance: David Weinberger on Fake Louis Vuitton Handbags

February 2, 2005 02:10 PM | | Posted in louis vuitton

What’s the ugliest bag you’ve ever seen? Close your eyes, I’ll remind you. Start with an unfashionable color, add a poorly executed two-letter-combination logo and top if off with some flowers that look like clip art. Can you picture it? Need another hint? It’s also the bag on the top of your wish list.

Target.com

If you live in New York, you see it everywhere. Everywhere. The subway, the elevator, and chances are, your apartment. Thousands of them line the walls and ceilings of shops down on Canal Street where you can buy movies on DVD two weeks before they hit theaters. You can buy baby turtles, Rolex watches and silk kimonos in all sizes. You can buy a $5 CD clearly labeled Jay-Z, “The Black Album,” although chances are when you hit play, it’ll be “ABBA’s Greatest Hits”.  You can buy a massage, on the street, or pose for a live portrait. And, you can buy 100% authentic Louis Vuitton replica handbags.

OK, maybe the Louis Vuitton “Alma” isn’t the ugliest bag you’ve ever seen, but it does cost over seven hundred dollars. Seven Hundred F***ing Dollars! Do people buy bags for seven hundred dollars? Why? You can buy 25 Isaac Mizrahi bags from Target for the same price and have gifts for all of your friends. They probably even hold the same amount of stuff.

“So I have this business plan. I’m going to sell leather purses at a 6,000 percent markup to rich people.”
“Cool, I’m going to do the same with coffee”
“Cool.”
“Cool.”

That conversation can never happen without branding. I know, you’re sick of branding. For the last few years, brands are all you’ve heard about. Everything’s a brand. Some experts say the brand phenomenon is fading. Some people even make fun of the word. It happened to me the other day. That’s just fine. “The New York Times”, that’s a brand. “Oprah” is a brand. I’m pretty sure “Sex and the City” is a brand. Get over it. They’re all brands and they all use branding. Louis Vuitton is a great BRAND.

Louis Vuitton started in 1854 as a manufacturer of trunks in Paris and is currently owned by LVMH, an ultra-luxury holding company, which includes companies and brands such as Dom Prignon, Veuve Clicquot, TAG Heuer, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, and Kenzo, among countless others. Pretty impressive, huh?

Louis Vuitton bags are very well made. Extremely well made. I’m not dismissing the value of craftsmen, but luxury brands are about association more than craft. If you can instill thoughts of hipness or royalty or whatever happens to be a desirable association for your product, into your product, then everything else, including craft, can take a back seat. Don’t believe me? How about the craftsmen (factory workers) that make $400 Dolce & Gabanna jeans? Or the bartender that hands me a $12 Heineken with attitude in an Ian Schrager hotel? Or the line cooks who make the food at a Wolfgang Puck Express? Yep, brands are about association.

The point, and I find it remarkable, is that this is a highly sought after product which sells for a lot of money, but is essentially ugly. That’s amazing to me especially because this is a fashion product. So, what are you buying for seven hundred f***ing dollars? It certainly isn’t the leather. It is the lifestyle, the envy, the feeling of success and accomplishment. Being established. The name, the identity, the image of sitting in the middle of Ducasse sipping tea. Lounging by the pool with Mommy and Philippe. Walking Muffy on Park Avenue. It is a Harry Winston necklace, Mikimoto pearls and having the driver pull the car around. It is a presidential fundraising luncheon. It is everything, all rolled into a seven hundred dollar bag.

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David Weinberger is a graphic designer and brand consultant based in New York City. At FutureBrand, New York, David creates visual and strategic branding programs for clients such as General Motors, Rubbermaid and United Way. He is also an author for Speak Up,” graphic design’s most widely-read and influential online forum. Parts of this article previously appeared on “Speak Up.” David Weinberger can be contacted at info@davidweinberger.com.