These queer fashion house creative heads spearheaded their brands to success.
Fashion is a diverse industry made up of different people. People of different ethnicities, races, and sexuality thrive in the field. The industry is one of the most inclusive industries, fostering other talented people with no prejudice or judgment.
Though there is still a long way to go, the fashion industry, compared to other industries, is more accepting. Queer creatives have led and pushed the industry forward—putting the multi-billion dollar industry where it is now. The already colorful industry is built upon thousands of LGBTIA+ people’s hard work and dedication to the craft.
These gay fashion designers are at the forefront of the fashion industry. Heading their respective fashion houses with their cunning and innovative designs, these fashion designers, pushed the boundaries of fashion and gender equality.
Yves Saint Laurent
Yves Saint Laurent was once called the “Prince of Fashion.” Being young and incredibly talented, Saint Laurent injected new and fresh blood into the fashion scene. The young openly gay designer and his long-time partner, Pierre Bergé, established his eponymous label in 1961. Saint Laurent and Bergé sadly moved on to the afterlife, but their love and legacy remain.
Christian Dior
The late Christian Dior is known for his namesake label today. But aside from his masterful designs that gave birth to different styles and silhouettes, Christian Dior was also a closeted gay man until he died in 1957. Though he never got the chance to freely express his sexuality, his memory as one of the best designers of all time still lives on.
Daniel Roseberry
The current creative director of the French haute couture house Schiaparelli, Daniel Roseberry, is a young and established gay designer. Coming out to his parents before starting his internship at Thom Browne when he was 23, the now-38-year-old designer lives his life according to his own accord. Creating amazing collections each season, while at the same time honoring the fashion house’s codes cements him as one of the best designers today.
Valentino Garavani
The founder of Maison Valentino, Valentino Garavani, is with his long-time life and business partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Coming out during the early 2000s was tough, but the founder of the namesake label was brave enough to freely declare his love for his partner, Giammetti.
Simon Porte Jacquemus
The 33-year-old French fashion designer is the head of his namesake brand. Simon Porte Jacquemus is openly gay and even shared his wedding on social media. Known for creating French-country side-coded collections, Jacquemus is unapologetic when it comes to his design intelligence and his gender.
Banner photo via Instagram @jacquemus.