Most influentual clothing designer

[DavidMn]

I'm not neccecarily an expert on this subject but I thought it would be fun to discuss who you all think is the most influential clothing designer.

[irishgrl]

Omar the Tent maker. especially at this point in my life!!

Seriously tho, I used to be really conversant in this topic because I got an Associates degree in Fashion Merchandising. That however was 14 years ago at least! and Ive forgotten much of what I used to know.

I do remember that it was a big thing when a woman designer cut all her fabrics on the bias, to allow for better draping.........and there was another old school designer who was known for all his pleating. I never did care for Coco Chanel, but she was a standout because she was one of the few women in the industry...Diane Von Furstenburg (sp?) was known for her surplice wrap styles..
what else??? I find myself liking the looks of a lot of Vera Wang.....dang, I cant think of any others right now...

[DavidMn]

Omar the Tent maker. especially at this point in my life!!

Seriously tho, I used to be really conversant in this topic because I got an Associates degree in Fashion Merchandising. That however was 14 years ago at least! and Ive forgotten much of what I used to know.

I do remember that it was a big thing when a woman designer cut all her fabrics on the bias, to allow for better draping.........and there was another old school designer who was known for all his pleating. I never did care for Coco Chanel, but she was a standout because she was one of the few women in the industry...Diane Von Furstenburg (sp?) was known for her surplice wrap styles..
what else??? I find myself liking the looks of a lot of Vera Wang.....dang, I cant think of any others right now...Oh I knew I wouldnt get them all thats for sure. It's too bad that Versace had to die so young casue of that freak Cunanan!:mad:

[irishgrl]

Oh I knew I wouldnt get them all thats for sure. It's too bad that Versace had to die so young casue of that freak Cunanan!:mad:
I think its interesting, too, how they each seem to specialize in either casual wear or evening wear or strictly runway fashion. I remember even back in the 90's it was pretty much a given that the days of the big fashion houses are numbered because nobody buys fashion like that anymore really......nowadays its all about off the rack or trunk shows and even then you see celebs wearing duplicate dresses! I think its so funny too!

by the way, I didnt vote in your poll yet because I forget what each is known for!!!

[DavidMn]

I think its interesting, too, how they each seem to specialize in either casual wear or evening wear or strictly runway fashion. I remember even back in the 90's it was pretty much a given that the days of the big fashion houses are numbered because nobody buys fashion like that anymore really......nowadays its all about off the rack or trunk shows and even then you see celebs wearing duplicate dresses! I think its so funny too!God I'm so ignorant but I have to ask, is Halston still alive?

[michelle2677]

david. Have you and ethan become best buds and I didn't know about it? :eek: :cool:

that is all. I know nothing about fashion...other than my own. :D

[mikeschmike]

As for the most influential, I would have to say Dior or Chanel. Possibly Balenciaga.

For modern day I choose Tom Ford. He is hot, in every sense of the word.

[irishgrl]

Why Chanel? her suits are hideous! I hate her styling!

Halston is refined and classic, Balenciaga is ornate but classy if I remember right.......but influential? I dont know..........I dont remember much about Dior...but isnt that mostly runway stuff? not much you'd see anywhere else if I remember right....

and Michelle:
Ethan is a David Wannabe. Nuff said.

[mikeschmike]

Why Chanel? her suits are hideous! I hate her styling!

Halston is refined and classic, Balenciaga is ornate but classy if I remember right.......but influential? I dont know..........I dont remember much about Dior...but isnt that mostly runway stuff? not much you'd see anywhere else if I remember right....

and Michelle:
Ethan is a David Wannabe. Nuff said.

Chanel, Dior and Balenciaga are classic! Their design houses have seen everything from post WWII frivolity all the way into this decade. What was Halston good for except for awkward pictures @ Studio 54?

[sasja]

I have NO idea. I wouldn't know anything any one designed.
I like my own designs. And clothes from India. :nod:

Sasja

[xdreamsunwindx]

Where's Vivienne Westwood? Mary Quant, curator of the miniskirt? Rudi Gernreich? Bueller?

[gldstwmn]

One word says it all: Chanel. :nod: No one has influenced modern clothing design the way she has.

[gldstwmn]

God I'm so ignorant but I have to ask, is Halston still alive?

No. He sold his name to JC Penney, hated the outcome tried to get it back and later succumbed to HIV. He was an early victim of the epidemic before anyone really knew how to treat it. He started out as a hat maker and was quite fabulous at it. He designed the famous "pill box" style that Mrs. Kennedy made so popular in the 60's.

[gldstwmn]

As for the most influential, I would have to say Dior or Chanel. Possibly Balenciaga.

For modern day I choose Tom Ford. He is hot, in every sense of the word.

Tom Ford is hot, hot, hot. I've been told by friends that he's also crazy, crazy, crazy and a bastard, bastard, bastard. :laugh: Serioulsy though, I love his work.
Vintage Balenciaga is to die for. Now I think they are more noted for their handbags which are fab, IMO. And how could I forget Dior? They're still not as influential as Chanel, IMO.

[irishgrl]

Chanel, Dior and Balenciaga are classic! Their design houses have seen everything from post WWII frivolity all the way into this decade. What was Halston good for except for awkward pictures @ Studio 54?
WRONG! Halston's strong suit is his specialization in sportswear/casual wear.

he will outlive all the runway designers IMO. they have a limited audience and Halston has already courted the young urban up and comers...............

[irishgrl]

One word says it all: Chanel. :nod: No one has influenced modern clothing design the way she has.
Yuck. Chanel Stinks. except for the fact she represents women in a man's field............her designs are crappy. I HATE the boxy look. There is This however, Chanel made it possible for Schiaparrelli and Edith Head to continue.
Thank Gawd for that.

[gldstwmn]

Yuck. Chanel Stinks.

Well you're certainly entitled to that opinion. I loved the whole long, flowy skirt look with fishnets and peeptoe shoes when I was thinner/younger. the boys liked it too. I could work the red lipstick look still. :laugh:

[mikeschmike]

Well you're certainly entitled to that opinion. I loved the whole long, flowy skirt look with fishnets and peeptoe shoes when I was thinner/younger. the boys liked it too. I could work the red lipstick look still. :laugh:

daaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnng.

sounds hot!:nod:

[Nico]

I really think Ralph Lauren should be on that list, for certain.

[irishgrl]

Well you're certainly entitled to that opinion. I loved the whole long, flowy skirt look with fishnets and peeptoe shoes when I was thinner/younger. the boys liked it too. I could work the red lipstick look still. :laugh:
well, I cant fault the fishnet/peeptoe look but the "boxy" suit look is nasty IMO. I dont recall Channel DOING a long flowy skirt/dress line :shrug: ever..........:shrug:

as for whatever works with the "boys" ???? GO FOR IT!

[estranged4life]

I have worn anything made by any of those in the poll. I have an allergy to fashion...

[goldie]

I think Calvin Klein only because his stuff is all over the place - from Hollywood to TJ Maxx.

[carrie721]

Chanel, Dior and Balenciaga are classic! Their design houses have seen everything from post WWII frivolity all the way into this decade. What was Halston good for except for awkward pictures @ Studio 54?

you are so ****en fabulous. marry me. :D

[gldstwmn]

well, I cant fault the fishnet/peeptoe look but the "boxy" suit look is nasty IMO. I dont recall Channel DOING a long flowy skirt/dress line :shrug: ever..........:shrug:



This is kind of what I'm talking about:

<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a397/peekingsleeping/ferry03.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

[gldstwmn]

This is from a Time profile on Chanel:

http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/chanel3.html

In fact, there were many Coco Chanels, just as her work had many phases and many styles, including Gypsy skirts, over-the-top fake jewelry and glittering evening wear — made of crystal and jet beads laid over black and white georgette crepe — not just the plainer jersey suits and "little black dresses" that made her famous.

[mikeschmike]

This is kind of what I'm talking about:

<img src="http://www.iloulive.com/portfolio/ferry/ferry03.jpg">

that certainly DOES NOT stink.

[gldstwmn]

Here are some of her (Chanel) designs showcased at The Metropolitan Museum:

<img src="http://www.metmuseum.org/special/chanel/images/Bluesilkgress1927-28.R.jpg">

<img src="http://www.metmuseum.org/special/chanel/images/Dress-and-Bolero-(bview).R.jpg">

[DrummerDeanna]

I'm fashion illiterate. I clicked Calvin Kline because that's the only name up here who's stuff I've actually owned (a pair of jeans and I had some CK One at some point in time).

Otherwise? I'm completely ignorant to fashion.

[gldstwmn]

More from The Met:

<img src="http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41113000/jpg/_41113035_220blackdress.jpg">

<img src="http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41113000/jpg/_41113033_200cocotall.jpg">

[gldstwmn]

From the 1920's:

<img src="http://www.historyofashion.com/historyofashion/images/chanel24.jpg">

<img src="http://www.historyofashion.com/historyofashion/images/chanel28.jpg">

[foxyluva]

I have zilch knowledge on fashion, so Id better stay out of this one :D

[michelle2677]

you are so ****en fabulous. marry me. :D
back up bitch! He's mine! :nod:

[irishgrl]

This is from a Time profile on Chanel:

http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/chanel3.html

In fact, there were many Coco Chanels, just as her work had many phases and many styles, including Gypsy skirts, over-the-top fake jewelry and glittering evening wear — made of crystal and jet beads laid over black and white georgette crepe — not just the plainer jersey suits and "little black dresses" that made her famous.
Well! I never remembered THOSE from my survey of Designer styles!

I like those too :nod:

I take it all back! Carry on Coco!

[GODDESS6]

i have to go w/ chanel:wavey: ~

[elie]

I would have to go with either Coco Chanel or Yves St Laurent.

[gldstwmn]

I really think Ralph Lauren should be on that list, for certain.

Ralph is one of the great American designers. :nod:

[SuzeQuze]

Have to say CK because he's ubiquitous. Love those Chanel designs, Chris!

[DavidMn]

Ethan is a David Wannabe. Nuff said.I'm not that big a star dear, trust me.:xoxo:

[skcin]

I would venture a guess that Chanel is one of the most influential. As far as my personal favorites, most of what I know is from celebrity awards shows and the occasional fashion mag. I like vintage Valentino and some Oscar de la Renta. Current designers that I like are Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera. I am not a fan of Versace (too loud, too gaudy, too often bordering on trashy.)

[gldstwmn]

Current designers that I like are Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera.

I like Carolina Herrera too. It seems like everyone wants their wedding gown from Vera Wang.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Coco Chanel for sure! :thumbsup:

and then I would probably say Lagerfeld.

But out of the ones to you gave us.. I'd say Halston! LOVE Halston!

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Yuck. Chanel Stinks.

look in my sig..

you think THAT stinks??? :confused:

[DavidMn]

Coco Chanel for sure! :thumbsup:

and then I would probably say Lagerfeld.

But out of the ones to you gave us.. I'd say Halston! LOVE Halston!

Thank god at least someone picked Halston.:lol:

[goldustsongbird]

I have zilch knowledge on fashion, so Id better stay out of this one :D

:laugh: I know, same here. I know jack **** about fashion designers!