Top 10 Iconic Fashion Labels

As the daughter of perhaps THE most recognized name in music, Beatle Paul McCartney, young Stella had a few obstacles to overcome in the fashion world. But once she became the creative director for Chloé in the late-‘90s, it was only a few years before she launched her own fur-free, leather-free, self-titled fashion line. With efforts that range from a completely organic skin care collection to a collaboration with Adidas, Stella has connected with the modern woman, even if some of her collections are most definitely exclusive. Hers is a versatile fashion label, one that often mixes tailoring with femininity, and it’s led by a woman that knows how to adapt her brand.

Born and raised in the Big Apple, the self-made man behind the Marc Jacobs line earned accolade after accolade while still in his early 20s. And ever since the early ‘90s, he’s somehow managed to capture the essence of American youth, season-by-season, trend-by-trend. Some designers thrive on high fashion stylings and only high fashion, yet Marc Jacobs tabbed the one and only Miley Cyrus to sell a recent Spring-Summer collection. That move might be considered ironic, since Jacobs has also stated that his clothes quote “are not hot. Never. Never.” Take some grunge, add a dash of preppy and a hint of couture, and you’ve got a Marc Jacobs line.

Known traditionally for its sophistication, lady-like aesthetic and high-style pieces, nothing says luxury like this brand. Founded in the early ‘50s by Mr. Hubert de Givenchy, this line was made famous by Audrey Hepburn in a variety of iconic films. Today, Givenchy stays in line with the zeitgeist by taking bold approaches to color schemes while retaining its elegant aesthetic from days gone by. Even if you’re not familiar with the history of Givenchy, the average MsMojo viewer has certainly witnessed the likes of Rooney Mara and Beyoncé displaying their love for the respected French brand.

From the Basque Country of 1919 Spain to the hottest boutiques of today’s most fashionable cities, the House of Balenciaga has long been a favorite of aspiring and established fashionistas. Decades ago, Cristóbal Balenciaga’s strong fabric game changed Haute Couture fashion – and by that we mean the designer was known for his experimentation with textures and materials. Not only that, the man was an innovator who completely revamped the accepted feminine silhouette, by playing with different waistlines and shapes. The brand that bears his name shows no sign of slowing today with stars like Halsey, Nicki Minaj and A$AP Rocky throwing shout-outs their way. Cristóbal passed away decades ago, but the Balenciaga name is alive and well.

A native of the Dominican Republic, the late Oscar de la Renta was originally trained by one Cristóbal Balenciaga, and while many may recognize his bridal wear of today, he was famously the man behind Jackie Kennedy’s style way back when. As such, he was a trendsetter who set and changed standards by blending the simplicity of the American style with the opulence of European fashion, especially after launching his eponymous brand in 1965. The name itself rolls easily off the tongue, and for many modern women, it’s a symbol of absolute elegance, a beloved brand that’s a dream to adorn yourself with and most definitely read-to-wear at all times.

Italian. Ready to wear. Versace. Already, some of you are drooling from the mouth, and hey – we can’t blame you. Founded in 1978 by Mr. Gianni Versace and carried on by his sister Donatella, this luxury brand is one that is not afraid to play with print or color – and lots of it. Known in some circles as the “Rock n’ Roll designer” because he’s dressed musicians like Elton John, Versace has also helped celebrities like Elizabeth Hurley and Jennifer Lopez earn themselves some major recognition by outfitting them in some of the most elegant Versace dresses. You don’t just look good in Versace; you look fantastic, or should we say “simply fabulous.”

You probably can’t put a face to Mario Prada, the label’s founder and yet another notable designer from Milano, but you’ve heard the phrase “the devil wears Prada,” a reminder that even horrible people have a special place in their hearts for the exquisite, ready-to-wear fashion label. Founded in 1913 to sell leather products, luggage and handbags, it took time for Prada to reach the prestige it carries today, as they only launched their women’s prêt-à-porter line in 1989. But Prada’s expertise and influence have made the company’s unobtrusive logo a status symbol. Despite being one of high fashion’s crowning brands, they still keep it fresh for the average consumer while showing a willingness to expand their demographic reach from year-to-year.

As the preeminent designer of Givenchy in the late-‘90s, the iconic Lee Alexander McQueen established his own self-titled clothing line as one of the most daring of the new millennia. And that’s because Alexander McQueen’s runway shows and fashion lines were legendary for their shock value and pageantry. Of course, that willingness to experiment earned McQueen the title of British Designer of the Year four times less than ten years. What’s more, David Bowie once hired Alexander McQueen for tour get-ups, which speaks volumes in terms of style. Just a glimpse at one of McQueen’s truly cinematic runway shows, and you’ll understand how the late designer and his label injected a heavy dose of hyperrealism into modern fashion.

Amid the ashes of World War II, one Frenchman set off to revolutionize the female approach to daily life. Dubbed “The New Look,” Christian Dior’s innovative vision quickly spread across the globe, appealing to the modern women of the day with its typically flattering hourglass silhouette and full-skirt design. But with each passing decade, the brand has managed to stay relevant. Today, Rihanna has become the first black woman to serve as the face of Dior, and while neither Christian Dior nor John Galliano directs the brand any longer, both men have certainly played an integral role in defining the modern woman’s relationship with the iconic label.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Calvin Klein
- John Galliano
- Armani
- Balmain
- Phillip Lim
- Tom Ford

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#1: Chanel

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Her name was Gabriel Bonheur Chanel, but the world knew her as “Coco,” and it was her use of jersey fabric that reinvigorated female fashion as post-WWI society embraced the coming changes. Chanel took a practical approach towards making women look and feel good. The fragrance. The handbags. The little black dress and the iconic Chanel suit. Coco just couldn’t stop working, and her constant hustle set a new bar for high-end fashion labels of yesterday, today and surely tomorrow. By shunning the 19th century’s structured and restrictive fashion, and embracing more wearable colors and cuts, she became the most influential designer ever. Modern fashion is derived from the innovations of Coco Chanel, and her label continues to influence women across the globe.

Do you agree with our list? What fashion label do you think is the most iconic? For more fabulous Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.