Influential Designers and Labels

Coco Chanel revolutionised women’s fashion in the early 20th century, with her comfortable, casual designs. She is known for creating the iconic ‘little black dress’ and the Chanel suit.
Christian Dior significantly impacted post-WWII fashion with the creation of the ‘New Look’, which embraced femininity and luxury. Dior’s designs marked a shift away from the austere wartime fashions.
Alexander McQueen became renowned for his dramatic and innovative designs. His work often challenged traditional norms, emphasising romantic yet edgy aesthetic.

Zara, as a fast-fashion brand, embodies modern and trendy fashion at affordable prices. Their rapid adaptation to current fashion trends has a significant influence on high street fashion.
Louis Vuitton, known for luxury leather goods, has been influential in high-end fashion. The utilisation of distinct branding and unique patterns made it a globally recognised luxury fashion label.
Uniqlo’s approach to providing quality basics at affordable prices revolutionised high street fashion. Their strategic collaborations with renowned designers also help drive contemporary trends.

Designers and labels frequently influence modern fashion trends, shaping the way we dress.
The bold and innovative designs of Alexander McQueen have influenced young designers to push boundaries and explore darker, gothic themes.
Coco Chanel redefined acceptable attire for women, promoting a casual yet chic style, which is still relevant in today’s fashion.
Brands like Zara influence high street fashion, often translating runway designs into more accessible and affordable clothing options.
Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton influence aspirational dressing and have a considerable impact on fashion norms at the higher end of the market.

Regularly read fashion magazines like Vogue or GQ, which often cover articles about influential designers and labels.
Attend or watch fashion shows to understand a designer’s latest collection and gain insights into changing trends.
Watch documentaries on fashion designers and brands to get better insight into their work and influences.
Follow official social media accounts of designers and fashion brands to keep updated on their latest collections.
Exploring a variety of fashion blogs and websites can also offer comprehensive reviews and information about different designers and labels.
Researching designers’ careers and labels’ history can give a broader understanding of their values, aesthetic and impact on fashion trends.

Portfolio work should reflect a good understanding of designers’ influence and evolution of fashion trends.
Sketches and designs inspired by an influential designer can highlight sophisticated understanding of their style and innovation.
A comparison of different designers’ style or different labels’ approach to fashion can also be a valuable exercise.
The recognition of how a particular designer or label has impacted a trend or changed the fashion industry can form a core part of the portfolio.
The thoughtful application of distinct design elements from a specific designer or label can demonstrate a deep understanding and personal interpretation of their work.