From Hermés to Versace and Dior to Prada, we've all fallen for the one-name
designers. Here's a list of one-namers that you may not have heard of just yet.
Just in time for the summer season!
Claiming fame as one of the underground
greats, Akris is the go-to designer for any female professional. Created in
1922 by Alice Kriemler Schloch, the Swiss clothing line began with a product
line of polka-dot aprons, and gradually grew to be the Swiss champion that it
is today. Akris' collections are filled with tailored suits and trim-cut
dresses that will make any CEO and executive bring a powerful punch into the
everyday wear.
From day one Balmain collections have never
been anything short of ultra-feminine. Dating back to the 1930s, Balmain's
history as a fashion designer is both dense and complicated. Since his death in
the early 80s, Balmain's line has been taken up by various designers, including
Oscar de la Renta, and since 2005 the fate of Balmain has been in the hands of
designer Christophe Decarnin. Although beginning as a fashion house that
focused on elegant dresses, Balmain collections now include more casual wear,
including stark white trousers, simple pastel-coloured blouses, and patterned
mini-dresses.
Céline
Hailing from France in the mid-1940s, Céline Vipiana began her fashion
house with a made-to-measure children's shoe line. It wasn't until 20 years later
that Vipiana expanded her expertise into women's footwear and handbags, as well
women's prêt-à-porter clothing.
After 52 years, Vipiana handed over the
design reins to Michael Kors, which he led gracefully for just under eight
years. Currently, Pheobe Philo is the mastermind behind the Celine line. A
signature feature that will leave you spotting Céline coats, jackets and even some dresses and blouses are the
trademark Céline sleeves:
falling just at the wrist or mid-palm, and tapered. Most recently, Philo has
launched Céline
collections that boast a union of extremes. In a single collection we can see
modesty and exuberance, neutrals and vibrant tones, solid colours and eccentric
patterns.
Less than two years away from celebrating
its 20 year anniversary, Marni designs seem to be gaining precedence with the
years. Beginning slowly through her husband's fur company, Consuelo Castiglioni
founded Marni in 1994 and has yet to show any signs of slowing down. Those
unfamiliar with the name have likely caught a glimpse of Marni's designs
through her H&M Spring 2012 collection, which landed in stores with
immediate praise. Castiglioni brings an element of femininity that is rare in
women's fashion.
Unlike most fashion houses, whose principal
mission is to enhance sex appeal, Marni designs aim for a sense of camaraderie
with fellow women. With exposed sheer slips, leather jackets with wide fur
collars, and floral patterns reminiscent of the 70s psychedelic, a woman who
wears Marni is not too serious, and more concerned with fun than she is with
perfection. Marni extends into shoes, handbags and accessories, and are
infamous for a colourful, tailored bohemian look, fit for any woman with a
creative flare.
