Designer clothing
Encyclopedia
Designer clothing is clothing
that bears the logo of a recognizable fashion design
er.
The 'designer' whose name is on the label may be:
When talking about designer clothing, the highly creative and expensive creations of top fashion designers are rarely what is meant.
Rather, 'designer clothing' is typically used to describe clothing that was not designed or made by the top fashion luminary, but bears their name due to a licensing agreement the designer has entered into with a mass market apparel manufacturer.
These agreements allow manufacturers of commodity apparel items to sell their wares at a premium price due to the cachet the designer's name and provide the designer with another income stream.
The quality of the clothing and degree of its resemblance, if any, to the designer's work vary considerably depending on the licensee and the terms of the agreement the designer has struck. Some terms may limit the number of garment styles that may be produced, allow the designer to veto any designs he finds unappealing.
This licensing of designer names was pioneered by designers like Pierre Cardin
in the 1960s and has been a common practice within the fashion industry from about the 1970s.
Clothing
Clothing refers to any covering for the human body that is worn. The wearing of clothing is exclusively a human characteristic and is a feature of nearly all human societies...
that bears the logo of a recognizable fashion design
Fashion design
Fashion design is the art of the application of design and aesthetics or natural beauty to clothing and accessories. Fashion design is influenced by cultural and social latitudes, and has varied over time and place. Fashion designers work in a number of ways in designing clothing and accessories....
er.
The 'designer' whose name is on the label may be:
- A European couturier, e.g. ChanelChanelChanel S.A. is a French fashion house founded by the couturier Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, well established in haute couture, specializing in luxury goods . She gained the name "Coco" while maintaining a career as a singer at a café in France...
, Christian DiorChristian DiorChristian Dior , was a French fashion designer, best known as the founder of one of the world's top fashion houses, also called Christian Dior.-Life:... - A European luxury goods house, e.g. Armani, GucciGucciThe House of Gucci, better known simply as Gucci , is an Italian fashion and leather goods label, part of the Gucci Group, which is owned by French company PPR...
, Louis VuittonLouis VuittonLouis Vuitton Malletier – commonly referred to as Louis Vuitton , or shortened to LV – is a French fashion house founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton. The label is well known for its LV monogram, which is featured on most products, ranging from luxury trunks and leather goods to ready-to-wear, shoes,... - An American sportswear label, e.g. Calvin KleinCalvin KleinCalvin 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 has also given his name to a range of perfumes, watches, and jewelry....
, Donna KaranDonna KaranDonna Karan is an American fashion designer and the creator of the Donna Karan New York and DKNY clothing labels.-Early life:...
, Ralph LaurenRalph LaurenRalph Lauren is an American fashion designer and business executive; best known for his Polo Ralph Lauren clothing brand.-Early life:...
When talking about designer clothing, the highly creative and expensive creations of top fashion designers are rarely what is meant.
Rather, 'designer clothing' is typically used to describe clothing that was not designed or made by the top fashion luminary, but bears their name due to a licensing agreement the designer has entered into with a mass market apparel manufacturer.
These agreements allow manufacturers of commodity apparel items to sell their wares at a premium price due to the cachet the designer's name and provide the designer with another income stream.
The quality of the clothing and degree of its resemblance, if any, to the designer's work vary considerably depending on the licensee and the terms of the agreement the designer has struck. Some terms may limit the number of garment styles that may be produced, allow the designer to veto any designs he finds unappealing.
This licensing of designer names was pioneered by designers like Pierre Cardin
Pierre Cardin
Pierre Cardin Cardin was known for his avant-garde style and his Space Age designs. He prefers geometric shapes and motifs, often ignoring the female form. He advanced into unisex fashions, sometimes experimental, and not always practical...
in the 1960s and has been a common practice within the fashion industry from about the 1970s.