-DOLCE & GABANNA
-VALENTINO
-PRADA
-ARMANI
-VERSACE
DOLCE & GABBANA
Dolce & Gabbana is made up of two designers, Dominico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.
The root of their aesthetic is largely inspired by eclectic, thrift shop Bohemia. Dolce & Gabbana's deeply colored, animal prints have been described as "haute hippy dom", taking inspiration from Italy's prestigious film history.
"When we design it's like a movie," says Domenico Dolce. "We think of a story and we design the clothes to go with it (Domenico)."
They claim to be more concerned about creating the best, most flattering clothes than sparking trends. D&G once even admitted that they wouldn't mind if their only contribution to fashion history was a black bra.
Once dubbed the "Gilbert and George of Italian fashion", D & G trademarks include underwear-as-outerwear (such as corsets and bra fastenings). Gangster boss pinstripe suits, and extravagantly printed coats.
VALENTINO
"I know what women want. They want to be beautiful."
-Valentino Garavani
Valentino Garavani's style inspiration comes mainly from Art. Whether it be borrowed implications from nature, traditional folk themes, or zoological inspiration, his collections are always with depth and an underlying base tone of emblematic beauty. His love for such colors as white, symbolize the mystery and purity of dreams and his signature vibrant Red symbolizes life. The Valentino women is regal, feminine, seductive, and always with a hint of mystery.
PRADA
"It's horrible when people are only interested in labels, because it doesn't bring them the happiness they think it will."
-MIUCCIA PRADA
Miuccia Prada is perhaps most famous for her black nylon utility backpack, which instantly became an anti-luxury accessory and a must-have bag. She has displayed a knowing sense of irony that has helped establish her as the thinking person’s go-to designer.
Prada has also become a power player in the worlds of contemporary architecture and art. Through the Fondazione Prada, established in 1993, Prada and her husband, Patrizio Bertelli have acquired an ever-expanding collection of more than 700 works by artists varying from Walter De Maria to Michael Heizer and have acted as early champions for next generation stars such as Francesco Vezzoli and Carsten Höller. Her love for the Arts can easily be spotted in her fashion aesthetic. As a lover of contemporary architecture and art, her style is always followed with clean lines, and a high level of taste.
VERSACE
"Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live."
-Gianni Versace
Versace, Gianni worked for several Italian designers before opening his own Milan studio in partnership with his brother Santo and sister Donatella. He is known for his flashy, sexy, beautifully cut outfits in strikingly extreme colors, patterns, fabrics, and leathers. Versace merged the worlds of fashion and entertainment, creating lavish shows for pop-culture events. He drew inspiration from contemporary street life, art, and films as well as art and design history. Emminently theatrical, he also designed for the stage, opera, and ballet.
He was murdered on the steps of his Miami Beach, Fla., mansion by a fugitive serial killer, and his sister has succeeded him as his company's chief designer.
ARMANI
"Remain true to yourself and your philosophy."
"I love things that age well-things that don't date, that stand the test of time and that become living examples of the absolute best."
-Giorgio Armani
The Armani lifestyle is all about looking relaxed—an effortless glamour tossed on with a shrug. But beneath that unruffled, easy breezy style, Armani is reportedly a workaholic and perfectionist. Every detail from craftsmanship to aesthetic is of highest quality and luxury.
He grew up in the postwar Italian small town of Piacenza, and he has described his family as "very poor." He later worked his way up in fashion from an entry-level job as a window dresser for a Milanese department store.
