With concerns that the fashion industry today is dominated by men it is worth remembering some of the greatest women designers of all time who collectively changed fashion forever.
Coco Chanel
The Chanel label is as well known today as when it first became synonymous with luxury clothing, accessories and other items, and is likely to remain so for many decades to come.
Madeleine Cheruit
While not widely known Cheruit was one of the women to head a major French fashion house and also for Paul Poirot to launch his career. Cheruit is credited with paving the way for women designers.
Barbara Hulanicki
With big names in the world of music as clients, Hulanicki was responsible for providing some of the great outfits of the time with items such as floppy hats, mini-skirts, feather boas and the classic velvet trouser suits.
Jeanne Lanvin
While not widely known Cheruit was one of the women to head a major French fashion house and also for Paul Poirot to launch his career. Cheruit is credited with paving the way for women designers.
Claire McCardell
With big names in the world of music as clients, Hulanicki was responsible for providing some of the great outfits of the time with items such as floppy hats, mini-skirts, feather boas and the classic velvet trouser suits.
Jeanne Paquin
Paquin is considered to be one of the very first female couturiers became known for her publicity stunts such as staging fashion parades, something now considered an industry standard.
Mary Quant
Quant is recognized as the inventor of hotpants and miniskirts, both items intended to be sexy and somewhat risqué. Quant’s designs gave the okay to women to bare more flesh than had been previously seen.
Elsa Schiaparelli
An exceptional tailoress, Schiaparelli was known for creating structured jackets for women. She was also considered what would be referred to today as an avant-garde designer. And interesting detail, Elsa being oriented into structure and details was a truly passionate poker player.
