Designer Dictionary: Guide to Top Desgners N-Z

May 4, 2009 02:00 PM | | Posted in designer, diane von furstenberg, guide, vera wang, designer dictionary, anna sui, proenza schouler, tracy reese, zac posen, emilio pucci

Prada, Miuccia
Pronunciation:  Mee-U- cha Pra-dah

Prada was originally founded as a leather goods shop by Mario Prada in 1913. But, his daughter, Miuccia Prada,  with the help of her husband, is really the one responsible for turning Prada into a fashion powerhouse in the 80’s. Miuccia’s innovative designs, such as the nylon backpack, became an infamous fashion symbols of the 90’s, with starlets and socialites alike, carrying the coveted ‘it’ bag. Miuccia’s designs have continued to be ground-breaking yet practical—no wonder the devil is said to have worn Prada.

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 with 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), as 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 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.

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 to ever head the house of Dior. YSL’s iconic couture creations include the women’s tuxedo (the memorable Le Smoking), the ultra-chic trench coat, peacoat, shirt-dress and the safari-chic trend. He was also one of the very first designers to use black models in his shows. In 1983, he was the first living designer to be honored with a solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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 NewYork Times calls Sui a designer who “never panders” and her styles continue to set trends and inspire other designers all around the world.

* Thakoon Panichgul
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 pieces—i.e. a knee-length cocktail design with sequins streaked across haphazardly. Last year, Thakoon’s line at Target flew off the shelves as quickly as they were put on them.
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-sa-chay

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, Alexander
Pronunciation: Alex-an-dur Way-ng

The Parsons’ dropout showed the high-end design school that he could make it even without their stamp of approval. Alexander Wang’s first collection, launched in 2007, was edgy, cool and a little bit grungy. Impeccable cashmere sweaters, shrunken vests and distressed jeans make up an Alexander Wang special and his list of fans include model and muse Erin Wasson.

**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.

Wu, Jason
Pronunciation: Jay-son Wu

The twenty-six-year old became a household name when First Lady, Michelle Obama, chose the newbie designer’s white chiffon dress for the inauguration ball. Prior to becoming the premiere designer of choice by the First Lady, Wu was the creative director for a line of designer dolls called ‘Fashion Royalty’, sold at F.A.O Schwartz.  He started his own fashion label in 2006 and was recognized by Vogue editor, Anna Wintour, as a promising new talent. Wu’s designs are distinctly feminine and polished.  His teacup skirts, floral dresses and dainty jackets create nostalgia of an earlier era while keeping it decidedly modern. No wonder the First Lady was bowled over by his clothes.

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