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]

Originally Posted by 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...

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!

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by DavidMn

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!

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]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

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?

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

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

Sasja

[xdreamsunwindx]

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

[gldstwmn]

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

[gldstwmn]

Originally Posted by DavidMn

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

Tom Ford is hot, hot, hot. I've been told by friends that he's also crazy, crazy, crazy and a bastard, bastard, bastard. 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]

Originally Posted by mikeschmike

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...............