Fashion Chronicles Day 5: Fashion Pioneers Then And Now

So this week you have heard of designers from Carolina Herrera to Betsey Johnson, and you drool at the fruit of their hard labor. But who are they? What got them to the place they are now? Did they run into challenges? Well, I’m glad you asked! Join me as we follow three Fashion Week pioneers who owned the runway on this day five.

Who is she?

Carolina Herrera
The Venezuelan American designer, well known for her timeless designs got her beginnings in 1965. While working for her close friend Emilio Pucci in a boutique in Caracas, she was quickly known for her adventurous style. She later appeared in the International Best Dressed List and was elected for the Hall of Fame in 1980. It was from encouragement from her friend Diana Vreeland that she began her own fashion designs and quickly found success through her showcase at the prestigious Martha’s on Park Avenue in New York City. This gave her all the confidence she needed to raise funds to formally launch her own brand. In 1981, she held her very first runway show gaining the attention of popular publications and celebrities. Herrera soon developed her own line of perfume and later in 2008, a lifestyle brand named ‘CH’.
Where is she now? She now works with her two daughters who provide creative direction and design to the soaring brand. ‘Carolina Herrera’ and ‘CH’ boutiques currently hold 18 locations and are reaching 280 stores. Here’s a glimse of her earlier work (left) and her recent Fall 2013 collection (right):

And more of her astonishing pieces:
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Who is she?

Betsey Johnson
The eccentric Betsey Johnson we know today always had passion! Growing up in Connecticut, she was involved in dance, but her passion was for the costumes. By 1964, her interest in fashion was recognized by the NY fashion scene when she won Mademoiselle’s Guest Editor Contest. Next year, she landed the top designer position for “Paraphernalia” clothing boutique where she developed the quirky style we enjoy today. In 1969 she opened her new boutique, “Betsey Bunki Nini”. At this time she also accepted a job offer from Alvin Duskin in San Francisco, giving her opportunity to spread nationwide. Betsey also became creative control of a 70s rock and roll/ethnic clothing line called “Alley Cat”. Later on, she collaborated with Chantal Bacon to start the official Betsey Johnson Collection.
Where is she now?
Today she continues to do what she loves and has flourished to 65 stores nationwide and worldwide. She has come a long way, surviving breast cancer, she maintains the heart of a child. Check out her Alley Cat designs (left) and her newest collection that brings fun to Fall 2013!

And more!

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Who is he?

Marc by Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs, NYC born, began his career after graduating from the Parsons School of Design and taking along a dear friend of his who would be his present business partner, Robert Duffy. Only two years after, he designed his first collection with the Marc Jacobs label, receiving commemoration from The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) as the youngest designer to be honored in such a way. He also received the Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent. Later, Jacobs and Duffy joined the Perry Ellis brand, making such an impact there, that they were bestowed with the honor of Women’s Designer of the Year award for the Grunge collection. Unfortunately, before receiving this coveted award, they were fired but this was not the end for the duo. A year later they launched their own licensing and design company called Marc Jacobs International Company, LP. In 1997 Jacobs and Duffy joined Louis Vuitton giving them the amonition to open their first Marc Jacobs free standing office located on Mercer Street in Soho. In 2001, the brand had their first Spring runway show and by 2010 they produced their own eyewear, fragrance, and menswear line.
Where are they now? Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy are still holding strong as business partners, overseeing a brand that proves to be an unbeatable force. They give back to 75 charities worldwide and collaborations, helping other designers. Here’s a shot of the earliest designs (left) and a Fall 2013 design (right).

 

And more from the new collection:

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