Whether we like it or not we are living in a superficial world. Whilst on one page of a magazine we are being told to embrace fuller figures and love ourselves for who we are, the next page bombards us with diet plans to achieve the ultimate bikini body. It used to be models, singers and actresses that had to have a certain ‘look’ but now even the geniuses behind the scenes are getting more and more attractive.
But is it really necessary to put looks before talent? Is it essential for intelligence to take a back seat? Fashion designers work with incredible looking people 24/7. Does being surrounded by beauty, pressure these great minds into keeping up appearances?
Take a look at some of the biggest designers in fashion. We’ve gone from them looking dishevelled and overworked to looking just as fierce as the models!
The multi-talented American designer Tom Ford gained international fame for his turnaround of the Gucci fashion house and the creation of his own Tom Ford label. He also produced and directed the Oscar nominated film ‘A Single Man’ starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. The 50 year old designer proves men do really get better with age.
China born Vivienne Tam is an international fashion designer whose brand is inspired by Chinese culture and modern fashion. Her work has an ‘East meets west’ vibe. She is well known for creating magnificent clothes that appeal to all ages, ethnicities and income levels (unlike most major designers) She even wrote a book entitled “China Chic” which is all about Chinese style meeting Western style. The 54 year old must have visited the same fountain of youth as Mr Ford! She looks fantastic for her age!
Australian based designer Collette Dinnigan opened her own collection back in 1992. She was the first Australian to launch a “ready to wear” collection in Paris in 1995. The South African born designer has made quit the name for herself in the fashion industry and is a red carpet favourite at Australia’s biggest events. The 46 year old is a working mother of 1; we don’t know how she keeps looking so stunning with her hectic schedule and family life. The designer was said in an interview her daughter has taught her to “slow down, to listen and to have patience” perhaps this is her secret into looking so fresh?
Sometimes referred to as ‘ES’, Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab has workshops based in Lebanon, Milan and Paris. The designer became an overnight success after he became the first Lebanese designer to dress an Oscar winner, Halle Berry, back in 2002.Berry wore a stunning burgundy gown by Saab at the Academy Awards the year she won Best Actress. Berry later wore another dress by Saab, this time a gold dress, to the 2003 Oscars. This immaculately dressed fashion powerhouse does an impeccable job at making himself look gorgeous let alone all the Oscar winners.
Child stars Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen were always destined for great things! Their ultra-cool clothing brand ‘The Row’ named after London’s Saville Row is full of simple yet chic designs. The gorgeous looking pair are any fashion journalists dream, good looks and big brains; they have come a long way from their “Full House” days! The girls have not only good looks but popularity on their side.
Oli Theyskens not only designs clothes for Nina Ricci but he has hair to die for, which makes us doubly jealous. This Belgium born artistic director of Maison Rochas is a media favourite for his designs and his …. Looks! Launching his first line at the age of 21 (impressive) his clothes have featured in some of the most influential shops in the world including Barney’s, Sak’s Fifth Avenue and Browns.
So with more and more celebrities turning to fashion design, have the standards of the designer image become more important? Has it become more important than the clothes themselves? Do we really need to have our beautiful clothes, designed by beautiful people?
The London Look says no but in this age of celebrity, we’re not sure everyone will agree!
By Stacie Malone-Lloyd
