his use of silhouettes from the 1920s, 1930s,
and 1940s, the tuxedo style for women he
showed in 1966, and creating the first prêta-porter or “ready to wear” line. Today, YSL
not only showcases a women’s wear collection
but handbags, sunglasses, jewelry, and of
course, shoes. The “Tribute” pump may very
well be the most recognizable shoe with
an almost cult like following of celebrities
including Victoria Beckham, Eva Longoria,
and Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen
Cate Blanchett rocked the Golden Globes
Red Carpet earlier this year in a stunning
black lace Armani Prive gown. Giorgio
Armani has long been renowned as one of
Italy top designers for his use of clean lines
and impeccable tailoring. Despite his success
in women’s wear and couture, Armani is most
well known for his men’s wear. His perfectly
fitting tuxedos are worn by every leading man
in Hollywood on Red Carpets, time and time
again. The brand has expanded to include: AJ
Armani Jeans, AX/Armani Exchange, Armani
Prive, Emporio Armani and ArmaniCASA for
home furnishings.
No list of International designers would be
complete without the mention of Alexander
McQueen, the British designer whose line
debuted in 1992. McQueen designed the
wardrobe for David Bowie’s 1996-1997 world
tour and was the genius behind the Union
Jack jacket worn by Bowie on the cover of his
1997 album, “Earthling”. McQueen quickly
developed a reputation for creating lines
that were both shocking and controversial.
In 1997 McQueen began a brief stint as
chief designer for Givenchy which ended in
2001. After McQueen’s tragic and untimely
death in 2010 his long time assistant, Sara
Burton, was named creative director of the
fa