Who are the Top 10 Fashion Designers in America Now?

America is the highest revenue-generating company when it comes to fashion. You have obviously heard the names of Christian Dior, Chanel, Armani, Tom Ford Louis Vuitton and more. The list goes on. These brands are the vanguard of contemporary fashion and bring us the crème de la crème of the fashion world. Here is a brief overview of the top ten big names in the American fashion market.

 

Ralph Luren - Ralph Lauren

 

Currently, in his 84th year of age, Ralph Lauren is one of the most important figures in the American Fashion Industry. He founded the multi-billion dollar fashion label after his name ‘Ralph Lauren’ in 1967. He is the creator of today’s ‘POLO’ t-shirts as we know it. His work had a touch of American aristocracy blended with the English elite. His designs focused on classic American clothing and the styles had contemporary elements that experimented with the roots of American heritage.

Lauren's vision focused on timelessness and longevity over fashion and trends. His work over the years has been extremely true to that vision. The brand became an international sensation when his designs were widely used in Hollywood films. Ralph Lauren is one of the biggest global fashion labels with valuations crossing 9.8 Billion USD.

Marc Jacobs - Marc Jacobs

 

Founded in 1984 by American fashion designer Marc Jacobs, it is one of the most prominent and critically acclaimed fashion lines to ever surface in the Fashion Industry. The Iconic designer is known for his creative genius, timeless designs and more popularly, as the creator of the grunge look. The designer is linked with countless influential works of fashion such as being the creative director for Louis Vuitton for a continued 16 years among other feats, that have gained outstanding recognition in the fashion world. 

Jean Paul Gaultier - Jean Paul Gaultier

 

The remarkably acclaimed French designer is known for pushing boundaries with his style, innovation and approach. One of the fundamental features of his work is the unconventional silhouettes, seen across his work. Known for his remarkable tailoring and unconventional choice of fabric, Gaultier drew inspiration from a wide range of subcultures like art and music, mixing seemingly opposite styles.

His work showed how styles can intermix to birth a new meaning. With designs focused on androgyny and inclusivity that indiscriminately celebrated diversity, he has blended street styles and haute couture that set new standards for the world . One of the first openly gay designers, his work shattered the binary ideas of fashion. His love for cinema has led him to work with multiple film directors. Understanding Gaultier is a deep rabbit hole, rich in highlights, storytelling and iconic spectacles. 

 

Paul O’Neill - Levi Strauss and Co.

 

Founded by Levi Strauss, a Bavarian immigrant coming to America in the 1850s, Levi Strauss is the reason we have the iconic blue jeans today. The need to create a durable pair of pants for the physically hardworking workers gave birth to the denim pants we know. Currently, the company is worth 7.8 Billion USD. 

The company primarily manufactures jeans for men and women and other clothing apparel and accessories. With a focus towards sustainability and environment conservation, the fashion brand is a global leader and widely acclaimed for its unbroken commitment to quality.

 

Giorgio Armani - Giorgio Armani, Armani Exchange, Emporio Armani

 

Giorgio Armani the name of one of the world’s largest and most elegant fashion labels, has an estimated net valuation of 13.6 Billion USD. One of the many revolutionaries in the fashion industry, Armani was born in Italy and previously studied medicine. Can you imagine asking for medicine from a person of his calibre? Well, thanks to his immense love for design and fashion, we have a brand that showcases multitudes of elegance and beauty without compromising comfort.

Also diversified under the labels - Armani Exchange, Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani with Armani Hotels and Restaurants, he is a cultural sensation who has won people over with his approach. 

 

Tom Ford - Tom Ford

 

The American-born fashion designer from Austin, Texas is one of the most celebrated designers today. His initial career began while studying architecture at Parsons School of Design, and he then switched his major to fashion in his final year. His works have prominently drawn parallels with architecture, emphasising elements like form, shapes, lines and textures.

One of the most acclaimed queer fashion designers in America, his interests also involve filmmaking alongside fashion. He has been associated with multiple movies. His designs incorporate a certain minimalist approach that has a strong elegant appeal to his audience.

 

Miccucia Prada – Prada

 

Everyone is familiar with the Italian luxury fashion line - Prada. The company was founded in 1913 when founder Mario Prada sold English animal goods. It is currently headed by Mario’s granddaughter - Miccucia Prada who is a billionaire head designer of the company. 

The fashion brand has revolutionised luxury fashion and has been a sensation in the global Glam scene. The brand is a status symbol in many societies and continues to be one of the most elegant and matchless labels in history. With designs sported by renowned global celebrities, Prada is known for its exclusivity and signature aesthetic.

 

Virginie Viard - Chanel 

 

Chanel is a giant in the global fashion scene with her influence continuing for decades even after her death. Founded in 1910 by Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel and named after herself, the brand grew to dominate the Parisian Haute Couture for decades. The brand featured comfort and leisure incorporated with luxury and elegance that was unmatched in its time. 

Even today, the brand remains true to its values of making iconic womenswear, incredibly more comfortable, in contrast with the corsetted and often strained fashion from the top drawers that might be inconvenient for the person. 

 

Pharrell Williams - Louis Vuitton

 

Fashion does not get any bigger. Headed by Bernard Arnault, the leader of LVMH, the luxury fashion conglomerate owns a range of exclusive fashion lines - Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Dior and Fendi. From owning leather goods to cosmetics, perfume, couture, retail, luxury goods and even hotels, the brand has grown immensely under Bernard Arnault. 

The brand is undoubtedly a global status symbol and an icon in the fashion world. Their work has been featured across multiple disciplines of art and culture including photography, music, fine arts and more. The biggest name in fashion lines, LVMH is currently worth a whopping 345.8 Billion USD, with some of the biggest names such as Marc Jacobs, Pharrell Williams, and Virgil Abloh having been the creative directors for the brand amongst others. 

 

Maria Grazia Chiuri – DIOR

 

Arguably the most influential fashion label of the 20th century, the House of DIOR has been around for decades. Owned by luxury fashion conglomerate LVMH, the company was born in Paris, France under Christian Dior. Dior brought the ultra-feminine look and introduced a range of elite fashion ranges for women of all backgrounds, setting it as a highly sensational brand.   

Dior’s design was often considered too bold and avant-garde by the audience, however being widely acclaimed in the fashion industry. The company is headquartered in Paris and functions under the creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri and CEO Delphine Arnault. The company currently has a market cap of a massive 118.9 Billion USD.

Conclusion:

These are the biggest names in fashion that are being celebrated by the American audience. The list goes on, so should your knack for fashion. The brands mentioned above are currently the biggest names in the industry, however, you should always let your spirits wonder and discover new labels!