These style moguls have a net worth amounting to billions of dollars.
Last week, Forbes reported that shoe designer Christian Louboutin is now a billionaire. Having been in the industry for four decades, his eponymous brand was valued at $3.2 billion last year.
Louboutin has dressed a number of famous names, from one of his first celebrity clients Princess Caroline of Monaco to stars such as Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Margot Robbie, Lenny Kravitz, Heidi Klum, and much more.
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A year after opening up his own shop in Paris, Louboutin discovered what would soon be his design signature. His shoes’ red soles came to him in 1992 and were officially trademarked in 2000.
After expanding into other products such as handbags and apparel, Louboutin now has more than 160 boutiques in 32 countries.
Here are some of the other fashion designers who have achieved billionaire status through their distinguished brands.
Valentino Garavani
Before his retirement in 2008, Valentino Garavani was in the fashion industry for four decades. He has designed wedding dresses for stars such as Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jennifer Lopez.
With an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion, Garavani now spends most of his time at his countryside maison—Château de Wideville—in France.
Tom Ford
Before setting up his eponymous brand in 2005, Tom Ford worked as Gucci’s creative director. According to Forbes, the designer helped revitalize the brand and grew its revenues twelvefold to $3 billion.
In 2022, Ford sold his stake in his company to Estée Lauder in a $2.8 billion deal. While he stepped down as CEO, the designer remained as the brand’s creative visionary until he announced his final collection in 2023. His current net worth sits at $2.2 billion.
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana
An iconic duo, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana founded their Dolce & Gabbana label in 1985. Though the couple called off their personal relationship in 2003, they still share ownership of their company and continue to design for the brand.
Their label is known for its extravagant style and animal print designs. Forbes states that the two designers now have a net worth of $2.2 billion each.
Miuccia Prada
In 1977, Miuccia Prada inherited the Prada fashion empire from her grandfather, who founded it in 1913. The same year she acquired the brand, the designer met Patrizio Bertelli who later became her husband and co-CEO.
While still a head designer for her family’s label, she also founded and heads the Miu Miu brand, a subsidiary of Prada. Throughout her career, Prada has amassed a net worth of $6 billion.
Ralph Lauren
While Ralph Lauren stepped down as CEO in 2015, he is still executive chairman and chief creative officer of his all-American fashion empire.
In 1967, Lauren started his business, operating from a small office in the Empire State building. The designer got his first breakthrough when luxury retailer Neiman Marcus ordered 1,200 ties from him. From humble beginnings, Lauren now has a net worth of $8.9 billion.
Giorgio Armani
After launching his own label in the 1970s with the help of his partner Sergio Galeotti, Giorgio Armani is now one of the richest people in the world. Coming in at number 167 according to Forbes’ real-time billionaires list, Armani currently has a net worth of $11.9 billion.
His fashion empire includes the labels Giorgio Armani, Armani Privé, Emporio Armani, Armani Collezioni, Armani Exchange, and Armani Jeans. Aside from apparel, Armani has also branched out to fragrances, cosmetics, jewelry, and even luxury hotels.
Banner image via X @Prada.
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