It’s easy to see the fashion runways and think, “If I want to be fashionable, I need to have a lot of money.” But I believe that everyday fashionable people exist because they use high fashion as inspiration, not necessity. Designers always say that they create for the common woman, and they do. Without buying expensive clothing, you can take cues from more expensive designs in your daily wear. Money doesn’t determine style, so here are some timeless design houses that may conjure up a little fashion stimulation in your heart:
Balenciaga
Known for emphasis on tailoring and exquisitely fine details, Balenciaga is all about timeless lines. In streamlined, sophisticated style Cristobal Balenciaga founded “The House of Balenciaga” in Madrid in 1918. The son of a seamstress, Balenciaga quickly became known as “the couturier of couturiers.” After the Spanish Civil War, the designer moved to Paris where he built the brand known for refined elegance. Frenchman Nicolas Ghesquière has been designing for Balenciaga since 1997, altering design concepts from the house’s archives. Most notable in Balenciaga’s clothes are the quality; every piece is finely finished. Every collection upholds the brand’s luxury heritage while maintaining a fresh perspective.
Stella McCartney
The daughter of Paul McCartney, Stella has made a name for herself through her keen sense of color and playful pattern. In her most recent shows, Stella McCartney had all of her models smile as they walked the catwalk, a more humanistic approach to the mostly sterile high-fashion world. After receiving her degree from Central Saint Martins, McCartney designs with the common woman in mind. Famous for sharp tailoring, irreverence and sexy femininity, Stella McCartney refuses to put women in a box. Unusual for a major designer, her designs are fur and leather free. After working as the chief designer at Chloé, McCartney started her signature line in 2001. She often juxtaposes sharp and feminine elements, so look out for her lacey dresses and tailored suits.
Chloé
Playful designs meant for a sophisticated younger audience. The alternative to stuffy older designs, the young aesthetic of Chloé is an unintimidating choice for chic shoppers. French label Chloé was started in 1952 as an alternative to the norm’s strict adherence to haute couture. Founder Gaby Aghion spotted a void in the market and the notion of Prêt-à-Porter (ready-to-wear) was born. The list of past designers reads like a who’s who of fashion’s greatest, including Karl Lagerfeld (who took it to iconic status in the 1970s), Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo. British designer Hannah MacGibbon is the new creative director. Look out for her refined take on easy glamour. This spring’s sumptuous palette of sand, off-white and café latte is perfected in her latest collection of sleek silk blouses, slouchy shorts and flowing cotton dresses.
Miu Miu
Founded in 1992, Miu Miu is the second line designed by Miuccia Prada, a true trendsetting visionary. Nicole Kidman and Chole Sevigny love this classic but chic line. But it is not just for Hollywood’s leading ladies, a Miu Miu look will take from day to night in no time.
Moschino
Created in 1983, Moschino broke the rules from the get-go. Innovative and inventive designs combine with refined textiles and fabrics. “Fashion should be fun and should send a message,” was the motto of Franco Moschino, who created the House of Moschino in 1984. After his death in 1994, the reins were passed to his long-time assistant and protégé Rossella Jardini who has continued to imbue the creations with a uniquely sexy and whimsical feel. The current collection epitomizes the house’s signature melangé style, think feminine bouclé mini skirts and tiered silk dresses, all with added ‘flounce’.
Source: www.net-a-porter.com
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