Famous Male Fashion Designers

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This list of famous male fashion designers is ranked by their level of prominence, with photos when available. This greatest male fashion designers list contains the most prominent and famous fashion designers. Don't forget to also check out the greatest gay icons in fashion and celebrities who have their own fashion lines. There are thousands of men working as fashion designers in the world, but this list highlights only the most notable ones - those making waves in the world of international male clothing and fashion. The most famous designers have worked hard to become the best that they can be, so if you're a guy aspiring to be a fashion designer then the people below should give you inspiration.

No list of the most famous fashion designers would be complete without the likes of Marc Jacobs or Karl Lagerfeld. However, you'll also find a number of Black fashion designers and Asian fashion designers below. The famous male designers listed here know all about men's fashion and have established careers in the business.

While this isn't a list of all male fashion designers, it does feature over 250 notable male designer names, from African American fashion designers, to other men fashion designers of all races. Who are the most famous male fashion designers? Who are the best male fashion designers? Take a look below!

 

  • Tom Ford
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    Tom Ford

    Thomas Carlyle Ford (born August 27, 1961) is an American fashion designer and filmmaker. He launched his eponymous luxury brand in 2006, having previously served as the Creative Director at luxury fashion houses Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. Ford also directed the Academy Award-nominated films A Single Man (2009) and Nocturnal Animals (2016). He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. www.cfda.com.
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  • Michael Kors
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    Michael Kors

    Michael David Kors (born Karl Anderson Jr.; August 9, 1959) is an American fashion designer. He is the honorary chairman and chief creative officer of his brand, Michael Kors, which sells men's and women's and ready-to-wear, accessories, watches, jewelry, footwear and fragrance. Kors was the first women's ready-to-wear designer for the French house Celine, from 1997 to 2003. On January 2, 2019 Michael Kors Holdings Limited officially changed its name to Capri Holdings Limited (NYSE: CPRI). Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo and Versace are the three founder-led brands under Capri Holdings Limited.
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  • Sean Combs
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    Sean Combs

    Sean Combs, also known by his stage names Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Diddy, has built an illustrious career spanning multiple industries, from music to business to fashion. Born on November 4, 1969, in Harlem, New York City, Combs's journey to stardom began at Howard University. However, he dropped out to become an intern at Uptown Records, a decision that would prove to be pivotal in shaping his future. Combs made a name for himself at Uptown Records, eventually becoming the vice president and producing several successful albums. His tenure was cut short, however, and he was let go from the company in 1993. Not one to be deterred, Combs founded his own label, Bad Boy Entertainment, later the same year. The label saw immense success with artists like Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, and Mase among others. Combs himself enjoyed success as a recording artist, with his debut album No Way Out earning him a Grammy Award. Outside of his music career, Combs ventured into other business avenues like fashion, restaurants, and beverage industry. In 1998, he launched Sean John, a clothing line that has since won the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) award. His entrepreneurial spirit also led to the creation of Blue Flame Agency, a marketing and advertising company, and he took a majority equity stake in the premium tequila brand, DeLeón. Sean Combs's journey is a testament to his unyielding determination and diverse talents, making him a prominent figure in both the entertainment and business worlds.
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  • Jeffree Star
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    Jeffree Star

    Jeffree Star (born Jeffrey Lynn Steininger Jr.; November 15, 1985) is an American Internet celebrity, beauty YouTuber, makeup artist, model, entrepreneur, and singer-songwriter. The founder and owner of Jeffree Star Cosmetics. By 2006, Star had become the most followed person on MySpace. He frequently used the platform to promote his music career. In 2009, Star released his first and only studio album, Beauty Killer, which included songs such as "Lollipop Luxury" featuring Nicki Minaj. He embarked on several world tours to promote his music. In 2010, he signed to Konvict Muzik—whose founder Akon described Star as "the next Lady Gaga"—with plans to release a second album titled Concealer. However, it was never released and Star abruptly left the music industry in 2013 under unclear circumstances and also due to legal issues Akon was facing between 2007 and 2010.In November 2014, he founded his own cosmetics company, Jeffree Star Cosmetics; which he promoted on his YouTube channel. In 2018, Star earned $18 million from his YouTube endeavours alone, according to Forbes. That was enough to make him the 5th highest-paid YouTube star as of December 2018.
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  • David Arquette
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    David Arquette

    David Arquette embarked on his journey as an actor in the early 1990s. His first significant role was in the television series 'The Outsiders', which led him to more prominent roles in films such as 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' and 'Airheads'. However, Arquette's breakthrough performance came with the horror franchise 'Scream', where his portrayal of Deputy Dewey Riley earned him widespread recognition and acclaim. Born into a family steeped in the arts, Arquette was destined for a career in show business. His parents, Lewis Arquette and Brenda Denaut, were both actors, while his siblings Patricia, Rosanna, Alexis, and Richmond also pursued careers in acting. David Arquette didn't confine himself to acting alone; he ventured into professional wrestling in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His wrestling career, albeit brief, was marked by a controversial run as the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) World Heavyweight Champion. Arquette's creative pursuits extended beyond acting and wrestling. He co-founded a production company named Coquette Productions with his then-wife, actress Courteney Cox. The company produced several television shows and films, including the popular sitcom 'Cougar Town'. Arquette has also been involved in fashion design and music, demonstrating his diverse range of talents and interests.
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  • Lenny Kravitz
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    Lenny Kravitz

    Lenny Kravitz, born Leonard Albert Kravitz on May 26, 1964, in New York City, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. His music career took off in 1989 with the release of his debut album Let Love Rule. Kravitz's eclectic blend of rock influences, including elements of rock, blues, soul, R&B, funk, jazz, reggae, hard rock, psychedelic, pop, folk and ballads, quickly caught the attention of listeners worldwide. Kravitz's parents, actress Roxie Roker and NBC television news producer Sy Kravitz, played a significant role in shaping his early life. Exposed to diverse cultural experiences from a young age, he developed an appreciation for various forms of artistic expression. This diversity is reflected in his dynamic musical style, which transcends genre boundaries. His mother's role in the popular television series The Jeffersons also provided him with a unique insight into the entertainment industry. Throughout his career, Kravitz has achieved notable success and recognition. He won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance four years in a row from 1999 to 2002, breaking the record for the most wins in that category and setting a record that still stands. Not just limited to music, Kravitz ventured into acting, making his debut in the critically acclaimed film Precious in 2009. His performance was lauded, paving the way for further roles in high-profile films such as The Hunger Games series. Despite his successful ventures into acting, Kravitz continues to be best known for his contributions to music, leaving an indelible mark on the world of rock and beyond.
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  • John Malkovich
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    John Malkovich

    John Malkovich, an emblem of versatility and a paragon of creativity in the world of acting, was born on December 9, 1953, in Christopher, Illinois. He is renowned for his unparalleled ability to delve deep into the psyche of his characters, presenting performances that are intensely immersive and profoundly influential. With a career spanning multiple decades, Malkovich has etched an indelible mark in the cinematic landscape, with significant contributions to both stage and screen. Malkovich's journey towards stardom began at Illinois State University, where he honed his craft under the guidance of theater veterans. His professional breakthrough came as a founding member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, where he cultivated his distinctive style. His success on stage paved the way for his transition into film - a medium where he would go on to achieve critical acclaim. His nuanced portrayal of complex characters in films like Dangerous Liaisons and Being John Malkovich earned him worldwide recognition and multiple award nominations. Despite his fame and success, Malkovich remained committed to his craft rather than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. His directorial ventures, such as The Dancer Upstairs, showcased his storytelling prowess, proving that his talents extended beyond acting. Off-screen, he's known for his keen interest in fashion, co-founding Mrs. Mudd, a clothing company, in 2002. His life, a testament to his multifaceted personality and his commitment to artistic expression, paints a picture of a man who constantly pushed boundaries and redefined expectations.
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  • Russell Simmons
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    Russell Simmons

    Russell Wendell Simmons (born October 4, 1957) is an American entrepreneur, record executive, writer, and film producer. He is chairman and CEO of Rush Communications, co-founded the hip-hop music label Def Jam Recordings, and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris. Simmons' net worth was estimated at $340 million in 2011.
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  • Gianni Versace
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    Gianni Versace

    Giovanni Versace (Italian: [ˈdʒovanni verˈsaːtʃe]; 2 December 1946 – 15 July 1997) was an Italian fashion designer and founder of Versace, an international fashion house that produces accessories, fragrances, make-up, home furnishings, and clothes. He also designed costumes for theatre and films. As a friend of Eric Clapton; Diana, Princess of Wales; Naomi Campbell; Duran Duran; Kate Moss; Madonna; Elton John; Cher; Sting; Tupac; The Notorious B.I.G.; and many other celebrities, he was one of the first designers to link fashion to the music world. He and his partner Antonio D'Amico were regulars on the international party scene. On 15 July 1997, Versace was shot and killed outside his Miami Beach mansion Casa Casuarina at the age of 50.
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  • Pharrell Williams
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    Pharrell Williams

    Pharrell Williams, born on April 5, 1973, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, represents an influential figure in the entertainment industry. His multifaceted talents include singing, songwriting, and producing which have earned him recognition and accolades globally. His journey to fame began in high school where he formed a band called 'The Neptunes' with Chad Hugo, his childhood friend. The duo's unique fusion of hip-hop and pop music significantly influenced the sound of popular music during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Pharrell's relentless creativity led him to co-found Star Trak Entertainment, a record label, in the early 2000s. Around this time, he also created N.E.R.D., a band that explored rock, funk, and hip hop genres. As a producer and artist, Pharrell has collaborated with industry heavyweights including Jay-Z, Britney Spears, and Daft Punk. In 2013, Pharrell's artistry shone brightly as he released the hit single "Happy," a song that not only topped charts worldwide but also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Beyond music, Pharrell ventured into fashion and design by launching two successful clothing lines: Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. His influence in the fashion world is unmistakable, with his unique style setting trends globally. He's also known for his philanthropic work, notably his establishment of the charity foundation "From One Hand To AnOTHER" (FOHTA), aimed at providing educational support for underserved youth. Undoubtedly, Pharrell Williams embodies the essence of a true artistic powerhouse, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity, while simultaneously inspiring generations with his message of positivity and individuality.
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  • Oscar de la Renta
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    Oscar de la Renta

    Óscar Arístides Renta Fiallo (22 July 1932 – 20 October 2014), known professionally as Oscar de la Renta, was a Dominican-American fashion designer. Born in Santo Domingo, he was trained by Cristóbal Balenciaga and Antonio del Castillo. De la Renta became internationally known in the 1960s as one of the couturiers who dressed Jacqueline Kennedy. He worked for Lanvin and Balmain. His eponymous fashion house has boutiques around the world including in Harrods of London and Madison Avenue in New York.
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  • Ralph Lauren
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    Ralph Lauren

    Ralph Lauren, KBE (né Lifshitz; born October 14, 1939) is an American fashion designer, philanthropist, and business executive, best known for the Ralph Lauren Corporation, a global multibillion-dollar enterprise. He has also become well known for his collection of rare automobiles, some of which have been displayed in museum exhibits. Lauren stepped down as CEO of the company in September 2015 but remains executive chairman and chief creative officer. As of 2018, Forbes estimates his wealth at $7.2 billion, which makes Ralph Lauren the 91st richest person in America.
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  • Alexander McQueen
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    Alexander McQueen

    Lee Alexander McQueen, CBE (17 March 1969 – 11 February 2010) was a British fashion designer and couturier. He worked as chief designer at Givenchy from 1996 to 2001, and founded his own fort Alexander McQueen label in 1992. His achievements in fashion earned him four British Designer of the Year awards (1996, 1997, 2001 and 2003), as well as the CFDA's International Designer of the Year award in 2003. McQueen died by suicide in 2010, at the age of 40, at his home in Mayfair, London.
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  • Marc Jacobs
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    Marc Jacobs

    Marc Jacobs (born April 9, 1963) is an American fashion designer. He is the head designer for his own fashion label, Marc Jacobs, and formerly Marc by Marc Jacobs, a diffusion line, which was produced for approximately 15 years having been discontinued after the 2015 fall/winter collection. At one point there were over 200 retail stores in 80 countries. He was the creative director of the French design house Louis Vuitton from 1997 to 2014. Jacobs was on Time magazine's "2010 Time 100" list of the 100 most influential people in the world, and was #14 on Out magazine's 2012 list of "50 Most Powerful Gay Men and Women in America". He got married on 7 April 2019, to his long time boyfriend Charly Defrancesco.
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  • Karl Lagerfeld
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    Karl Lagerfeld

    Karl Otto Lagerfeld (German: [kaɐ̯l ˈlaːɡɐˌfɛlt]; 10 September 1933 – 19 February 2019) was a German creative director, fashion designer, artist, photographer, and caricaturist who lived in Paris.He was known as the creative director of the French fashion house Chanel, a position held from 1983 until his death, and was also creative director of the Italian fur and leather goods fashion house Fendi, and of his own eponymous fashion label. He collaborated on a variety of fashion and art-related projects. Lagerfeld was recognized for his signature white hair, black sunglasses, fingerless gloves, and high, starched, detachable collars.
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  • Giorgio Armani
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    Giorgio Armani

    Giorgio Armani (Italian pronunciation: [ˈdʒordʒo arˈmaːni]; born 11 July 1934) is an Italian fashion designer. He is known today for his clean, tailored lines. He formed his company, Armani, in 1975, and by 2001 was acclaimed as the most successful designer of Italian origin, with an annual turnover of $1.6 billion and a personal fortune of $8.1 billion as of 2017. He is credited with pioneering red-carpet fashion.
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  • Yves Saint Laurent
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    Yves Saint Laurent

    Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent (French: [iv sɛ̃ lɔʁɑ̃]; 1 August 1936 – 1 June 2008), professionally known as Yves Saint-Laurent, was a French fashion designer who, in 1961, founded his eponymous fashion label. He is regarded as being among the foremost fashion designers in the twentieth century. In 1985, Caroline Rennolds Milbank wrote, "The most consistently celebrated and influential designer of the past twenty-five years, Yves Saint Laurent can be credited with both spurring the couture's rise from its 1960s ashes and with finally rendering ready-to-wear reputable." He was able to adapt his style to accommodate the changes in fashion during that period. He approached fashion in a different perspective by wanting women to look comfortable yet elegant at the same time. He is also credited with having introduced the tuxedo suit for women and was known for his use of non-European cultural references, and non-white models.
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  • Calvin Klein
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    Calvin Klein

    Calvin Richard Klein is an American fashion designer who launched the company that would later become Calvin Klein Inc., in 1968. In addition to clothing, Klein also has given his name to a range of perfumes, watches, and jewelry.
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  • Zac Posen
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    Zac Posen

    Zachary E. Posen (born October 24, 1980) is an American fashion designer. In 2000, Posen received a prominent career opportunity after a dress he made for Naomi Campbell changed hands several times among several fashion insiders, including actress Paz de la Huerta. He is famously well-connected and has called Stella Schnabel his muse. Through Interview magazine Editor-in-Chief Ingrid Sischy, Posen met his future publicist and event producer Ed Filipowski of KCD, who offered to represent him for free.
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  • Leigh Bowery
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    Leigh Bowery

    Leigh Bowery (26 March 1961 – 1 January 1995) was an Australian performance artist, club promoter, and fashion designer. Bowery was known for his flamboyant and outlandish costumes and makeup as well as his (sometimes controversial) performances. Based in London for much of his adult life, he was a significant model and muse for the English painter Lucian Freud. Bowery's friend and fellow performer Boy George said he saw Bowery's outrageous performances a number of times, and that it "never ceased to impress or revolt".
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  • Isaac Mizrahi
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    Isaac Mizrahi

    Isaac Mizrahi (born October 14, 1961) is an American fashion designer, TV presenter, and Chief Designer of the Isaac Mizrahi brand for Xcel Brands. Based in New York City, he is best known for his eponymous fashion lines. Mizrahi currently serves as a judge on Project Runway: All Stars.
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  • Daniel Vosovic
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    Daniel Vosovic

    Daniel Vosovic (born March 25, 1981) is an American fashion designer and a finalist in season 2 of the reality show Project Runway.
  • Travis Barker
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    Travis Barker

    Travis Barker, a name synonymous with the punk rock scene of the early 2000s, has established himself as one of the most influential drummers of his generation. Born on November 14, 1975, in Fontana, California, Barker was introduced to the drums at an early age and was actively involved in marching bands during his high school years. This early exposure laid the foundation for what would become an illustrious career in music, spanning over two decades. Barker's monumental rise to fame began when he joined the well-known punk rock band, Blink-182, in 1998. His fast-paced, intricate drumming style quickly caught the attention of fans and critics alike, propelling the band to international acclaim. With Blink-182, Barker produced multiple chart-topping albums, including the multi-platinum Enema of the State and Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. However, his musical pursuits didn't stop there. Barker also co-founded the rock bands +44 and Box Car Racer, further expanding his influence within the genre. Amidst his musical endeavors, Barker's life has been marked by personal trials and triumphs. In 2008, he survived a tragic plane crash which took the lives of four others, leading him to reevaluate his life and priorities. Despite these challenges, Barker continues to inspire millions with his resilience and unyielding passion for music. Beyond his contributions to the music industry, Barker has also made his mark in the business world as the founder of clothing company Famous Stars and Straps, and record label LaSalle Records.
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  • John Galliano
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    John Galliano

    John Charles Galliano (born November 28, 1960) is a Gibraltar-born British fashion designer who was the head designer of French fashion companies Givenchy (July 1995 to October 1996), Christian Dior (October 1996 to March 2011), and his own label John Galliano (1988 to 2011). At present, Galliano is the creative director of Paris-based fashion house Maison Margiela.Galliano has been named British Designer of the Year four times. In a 2004 poll for the BBC, he was named the fifth most influential person in British culture.
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  • Emilio Pucci
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    Emilio Pucci

    Emilio Pucci, Marchese di Barsento, was a Florentine Italian fashion designer and politician. He and his eponymous company are synonymous with geometric prints in a kaleidoscope of colours.
  • Jean Paul Gaultier
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    Jean Paul Gaultier

    Jean-Paul Gaultier (French: [ʒɑ̃ pɔl ɡotje]; born 24 April 1952) is a French haute couture and prêt-à-porter fashion designer who, in 1982, founded his eponymous fashion label. From 2003 to 2010 he also served as the creative director at French luxury house Hermès for womenswear. He co-presented the television series Eurotrash with Antoine de Caunes.
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  • Christian Dior
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    Christian Dior

    Christian Dior (French pronunciation: ​[kʁistjɑ̃ djɔːʁ]; 21 January 1905 – 24 October 1957) was a French fashion designer, best known as the founder of one of the world's top fashion houses, also called Christian Dior, which is now owned by Groupe Arnault. His fashion houses are now all around the world.
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  • Lil Romeo
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    Lil Romeo

    Percy Romeo Miller (born August 19, 1989), formerly known as Lil' Romeo, is an American rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and model. Miller gained fame as a rapper in the early 2000s after signing with No Limit Records, then owned by his father, Master P. He soon released his debut single "My Baby" in 2001, which went on to be certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Later the same year, Miller released his debut album Lil' Romeo, which charted the US Billboard 200 at number six and went on to be certified gold, selling over 500,000 copies with in a month. In 2002, Miller released his second album titled Game Time; it charted the US Billboard 200 at number thirty-three. In 2004, Miller released his third album Romeoland; it charted on the US Billboard 200 at number seventy. In 2006, Miller released his digital album titled Lottery it was his first album released with his name changed to Romeo. In 2006, Miller released the soundtrack to his film God's Gift; it was Miller's first album to be explicit. In 2007, Miller was offered and accepted a scholarship to play basketball for the USC Trojans at the University of Southern California. Miller would play for the team until he was let go before his junior season in 2010.Aside from music, Miller has also worked as an actor, beginning in 2002, when Nickelodeon offered him his own show titled Romeo!; the show was successful on the network and went on to run for three seasons. In 2011, Miller starred in the film Jumping the Broom, and in 2012 he would also star in Tyler Perry's film Madea's Witness Protection. Miller has founded the record labels Guttar Music, Take A Stand, The Next Generation and his current label No Limit Forever.
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  • Tommy Hilfiger
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    Tommy Hilfiger

    Thomas Jacob Hilfiger is an American fashion designer and founder of the lifestyle brand Tommy Hilfiger Corporation.
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  • Cristóbal Balenciaga
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    Cristóbal Balenciaga

    Cristóbal Balenciaga Eizaguirre was a Spanish Basque fashion designer and the founder of the Balenciaga fashion house.
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