The Most Iconic Designers, Ranked

Choose the designers you think is the most iconic!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 24, 2024 08:04
In the fluid world of design, where trends shimmer and shift with the seasons, it's vital to acknowledge those creative minds that leave an indelible mark. Recognizing the most iconic designers helps both new and experienced enthusiasts of design understand the landscape and its key influencers. It provides context for current trends and inspiration, helping to shape the aesthetic dialogues that influence tomorrow’s design directions. Voting for your favorite designers not only elevates the creators who resonate most with the public but also shapes the conversation around what makes design truly impactful. This dynamic tally offers everyone a voice in the ongoing dialogue about excellence in design. By participating, you contribute to a collective assessment of who is defining the boundaries and crafting the narratives that captivate us.

Who Are the Most Iconic Designers?

  1. 1
    67
    votes
    Known for revolutionizing women's fashion with her timeless designs, Chanel is an icon in the fashion industry. Her signature pieces, such as the little black dress and tweed jackets, are still popular today.
    Coco Chanel in other rankings
  2. 2
    40
    votes
    Christian Dior
    投稿者によるスキャン · Public domain
    Dior is known for his "New Look" which emphasized a feminine silhouette with a nipped-in waist and full skirt. His designs were popular in the 1950s and he is credited with helping to revive the French fashion industry after World War II.
  3. 3
    30
    votes
    Yves Saint Laurent
    Reginald gray · Public domain

    Yves Saint Laurent

    Yves Saint Laurent
    Saint Laurent is known for his modern androgynous designs, including the famous Le Smoking tuxedo for women. He is also credited with popularizing the safari jacket and the peasant blouse.
    Yves Saint Laurent is a highly renowned luxury brand known for its contemporary and sleek designs. It offers a wide range of products including high-end fashion, accessories, and cosmetics. Yves Saint Laurent products are often associated with luxury, sophistication, and elegance.
    • Founder: Yves Saint Laurent
    • Founded In: 1961
    • Headquarters: Paris, France
    • Parent Company: Kering
    • Signature Style: Edgy and modern designs
    Yves Saint Laurent in other rankings
  4. 4
    17
    votes
    Alexander McQueen
    Ed Kavishe / fashionwirepress.com · CC BY 3.0
    McQueen's designs were often provocative and unconventional. He was known for his dramatic runway shows and his use of intricate detailing and materials.
    Alexander McQueen in other rankings
  5. 5
    9
    votes
    Versace's designs were bold and colorful, often featuring daring prints and luxurious fabrics. His designs were popular in the 1980s and 1990s, and he was known for his celebrity clientele.
    Gianni Versace in other rankings
  6. 6
    7
    votes
    Lagerfeld was the creative director for Chanel for over 30 years and is credited with modernizing the brand while still honoring its heritage. He was also the creative director for Fendi and his eponymous brand.
  7. 7
    7
    votes
    Ralph Lauren
    Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Ralph Lauren

    Ralph Lauren Corporation
    Lauren is known for his preppy and classic designs, including the iconic polo shirt. He has built a lifestyle brand that includes clothing, accessories, and home decor.
    Ralph Lauren is a renowned American fashion brand known for its classic and sophisticated clothing. It offers a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, fragrances, and home furnishings.
    • Year Established: 1967
    • Headquarters: New York City, United States
    • Founder: Ralph Lauren
    • Signature Style: Preppy and elegant
    • Logo: Polo player on a horse
    Ralph Lauren in other rankings
  8. 8
    0
    votes
    Calvin Klein
    Mk2010 · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Calvin Klein

    Calvin Klein
    Klein's designs were minimal and modern, often featuring clean lines and neutral colors. He is credited with popularizing the "underwear as outerwear" trend and his iconic advertising campaigns.
    Calvin Klein is a globally recognized fashion brand known for its modern, minimalist designs. Founded by American fashion designer Calvin Klein in 1968, the brand has become synonymous with luxury, sophistication, and iconic underwear and denim collections. The Calvin Klein brand represents a refined aesthetic that combines timeless elegance with contemporary trends.
    • Year founded: 1968
    • Founder: Calvin Klein
    • Headquarters: New York City, United States
    • Product range: Apparel, accessories, fragrance, underwear, denim
    • Signature styles: Minimalist, sleek, clean lines
    Calvin Klein in other rankings
  9. 9
    14
    votes
    Vivienne Westwood
    Manfred Werner - Tsui · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Westwood's designs were often punk-inspired, with a focus on rebellion and subversion. She is credited with popularizing the punk fashion movement in the 1970s and her designs continue to push boundaries.
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Jacobs is known for his eclectic and playful designs, often featuring unexpected combinations of colors and patterns. He has worked for notable fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton and is also the founder of his eponymous brand.
    Marc Jacobs in other rankings

Missing your favorite designers?

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Ranking factors for iconic designers

  1. Innovation
    Were the designer's designs innovative and ahead of their time?
  2. Influence
    Did the designer influence the industry and inspire other designers to follow in their footsteps?
  3. Timeless designs
    Are the designer's creations still relevant and sought after today?
  4. Brand legacy
    Has the designer created a strong brand and left a lasting legacy in the fashion industry?
  5. Awards and accolades
    Has the designer been recognized by peers, critics, and industry organizations for their contributions to the fashion industry?
  6. Social impact
    Did the designer use their platform to bring attention to important social issues or make a positive impact on the world?
  7. Popularity and commercial success
    Did the designer's designs appeal to a wide range of people, and were they commercially successful?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most iconic designers. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Designer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2118 views
  • 191 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Designer once every 24 hours. The rank of each Designer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most iconic designers

Designers are the creative visionaries behind some of the most iconic and unforgettable products, logos, and fashion pieces of our time. They are the ones who bring our ideas to life and shape the way we interact with the world around us. From fashion designers like Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, to product designers like Dieter Rams and Jonathan Ive, there are countless designers who have left their mark on history. But who are the most iconic designers of all time? In this article, we'll explore some of the most influential names in the world of design and what makes them so special.

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