Most famous designers either begin their career in Paris or eventually spend some time in the city known as the hub of the haute couture fashion world. Many of design pioneers, whose work revolutionized the fashion world over the course of the last century, continue to influence the blossoming designers of today.

Mainbocher
American born Main Rousseau Bocher pursued careers as a sketch artist, illustrator and fashion correspondent before he opened a salon in Paris and modified his name to Mainbocher. His style was demure and non-aggressive – no fussy frills here – and he focused on luxurious fabrics, intricate tailoring and elegance. Mainbocher also designed uniforms for the women's U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America and the American Red Cross.

Elsa Schiparelli
Elsa Schiaparelli began her in Paris in 1928 when one of her sweater designs caught Mainbocher’s eye. Featured in Vogue, the sweater served as the springboard that launched Schiaparelli to success. Her fabric designs, some of which were created by Salvador Dali, unusual hats, accessories and the use of zippers as decorative items made her famous along. Her use of colors and tints, especially her shocking pink creations, also served as signature touches.

Christobal Balenciaga
Christobal Balenciaga moved his base operation from Spain to Paris in 1937, but he brought his sense of Spanish flair with him. His use of rich velvets, bold materials and embroidered ornamental pieces stood out in the Parisian fashion world; linear lines and expert tailoring created fluidity and allowed for easy movement by the wearer. His innovative designs include the balloon jacket, baby doll dress, cocoon coat, sack dress, chemise and balloon skirt.

Anne Klein
Anne Klein's fashion statement was one of comfort and ease, which could be utilized to create an individual look. She was an innovator in the use of leather and suede in fashion; her Anne Klein Collection’s sportwear components were similarly revolutionary. A recipient of the Coty Fashion Critics Award in 1955, Klein even influenced the fashion world after her 1976 death – an up and coming designer by the name of Donna Karan created designs for the Anne Klein Collection until 1985. At that point, of course, Karan launched her own collection of comfortable yet tailored fashions.

Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren founded his first company, Polo Fashions, in 1968. He has since expanded his brands to include sportswear, fragrances, menswear, women's fashion, fashion accessories and a home décor line. He was the first American designer to open a store in London and today has 22 locations worldwide. He is the recipient of many awards, including the Council of Fashion Designers of America. 

Vera Wang
Vera Wang worked with Vogue and as design director for Ralph Lauren before she founded Vera Wang Bridal House Ltd. in 1990. Her modern and stylish approach harkens back to the balance between simplicity and sophistication visible in work by Coco Chanel. Her collections include bride and bridesmaid attire, eveningwear, lingerie and couture gowns.

Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein joined the scene in 1968, creating a collection of women's coats and sportswear. During the 1970s, he expanded his collection to include ready-to-wear; the designer then launched the designer jeans revolution. In the 80s, Klein created a new men's underwear line with an innovative marketing concept. Today, the CK collections include fashion for men and women, fragrances and home accessories.

Perry Ellis
Perry Ellis started out as a fashion merchandiser for Miller & Rhodes department store and included design director and sportswear designer for other companies. He founded the Portfolio line and Perry Ellis Sportswear Inc., creating menswear with classic lines and graceful designs with mannish lines for women using wool, tweed, linen and cotton fabrics for many of his creations. Ellis, considered an innovator in design, was the recipient of the Coty Fashion Critics Award. His legacy continues through the brands and labels that bear his name.