Fashion Designers

Paris is often labeled as the unofficial capital of the fashion world. Fashion designers, models, stylists, and in general, all fashion enthusiasts, flock to France to see and experience the latest designs in the world of fashion. The contribution of France, and in particular, French fashion designers, towards the fashion industry has been phenomenal. Here we showcase some of the legendary French names in the world of fashion designing.

Christian Dior
The name instantly rings a bell, no matter whether you're a fashion freak or not. One of the best known fashion designers of France, Christian Dior was inclined towards art right from his childhood. He started his career in fashion, working as an assistant designer to Robert Piquet. Post World War II, Dior rose to global fame with his new revolutionary design which was appropriately named the New Look. Dior dominated the fashion world until his death in 1957. He is credited for launching and commercializing French fashion on the world stage.

Pierre Cardin
Another well-known name, Pierre Cardin shot to fame mainly due to his innovative and space-age designs. Pierre had an affinity for geometry and it reflected in many of his designs. Pierre Cardin came into the limelight when he launched his new creation, The Bubble Dress. He is also credited for being the first fashion designer to launch a unisex range of clothing, as well as the concept of street fashion.

Chanel
Chanel's tryst with fashion began as a seamstress during her childhood. She later moved on to selling ladies' hats, after which she launched her own line of clothing and the famous perfume 'Chanel No. 5', which is popular even today. Chanel's claim to fame, among other things, is the novel cardigan jacket that she presented to the world. The legendary little black dress, which later became a must-have in every woman's wardrobe, also happens to be one of Chanel's signature designs.

Hermes
Hermes, a household name in France, is fondly referred to as the 'grand-daddy' of all French fashion and luxury labels. It was started by Thierry Hermes way back in 1837 and was initially into the business of manufacturing horse saddles and harnesses. Over the years, Hermes has grown substantially, establishing its stronghold in a wide range of businesses such as designer boutiques, world fashion, home decor, fashion jewelery, handbags, shoes as well as internationally known fragrances. Hermes is credited with having introduced the revolutionary concept of the zipper to France, which in due course of time, became a rage all over the country. Today, Hermes boasts of an elite and celebrity clientèle which includes the likes of Madonna, Nicole Kidman and Elle Macpherson among others.

Yves Saint Laurent
Born and brought up in Algeria, Yves Saint Laurent moved to France during his late teens to pursue art and fashion. Initially, he began working under the legendary Christian Dior and later progressed to becoming the art director of the firm, following Dior's untimely death. Saint Laurent eventually launched his own line of fashion clothing and is credited with innovative creations including the smoking suit, see-through blouses and the iconic jumpsuit which had a die-hard loyalist in musician Elvis Presley. Yves Saint Laurent continued to rise up the ladder of success and eventually became known as one of the best fashion designers the world has ever seen.