Threads Of Rivalry: 3 Of Fashion’s Most Memorable Feuds

From the clash of the loudest names to the rivalry of the biggest brands, these are the fashion feuds that have left a lasting impression on the industry.

We’re all familiar with these names, resonating with the glitz and glamour of the fashion world. Amidst the luxury brands and dazzling runways, however, lies a lesser-known aspect: the drama.

Beneath the surface of creating iconic collections and gaining global acclaim lies a world of stress, often leading to heated disputes and fierce competition.

Fashion history isn’t just about innovative designs and their inspirations. It’s also punctuated by intense rivalries that have not only shaped the industry but also fueled the determination of its creators.

Whether born from artistic disparities, professional rivalries, or personal conflicts, these are the unforgettable clashes that have defined fashion.

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Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld 

Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld had a longstanding rivalry in the fashion industry. 

According to W magazine, their feud traces back to 1953 when they were both contenders for a Woolmark Prize.

Yves Saint Laurent’s win marked the beginning of their intense competition. He quickly made a name for himself in French fashion, even working alongside Christian Dior at just 21 years old.

Meanwhile, Lagerfeld began his career behind the scenes, starting with Fendi and later embarking on a successful tenure at Chloé.

What started as a professional rivalry turned personal when they both vied for the attention of Jacques de Bascher. 

Despite their conflicts, both designers achieved iconic status, founding their eponymous fashion houses.

Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli 

Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli were prominent figures in 1930s fashion, but their relationship was far from friendly. 

Chanel, a respected French designer, often downplayed Schiaparelli’s influence, dismissing her as “that Italian artist who makes clothes.” 

Schiaparelli, in return, referred to Chanel as a mere “hat maker,” highlighting Chanel’s early career as a milliner.

Their rivalry took a dangerous turn at a costume ball when Chanel allegedly pushed Schiaparelli into a candle arrangement, causing a minor fire. 

This incident, reported in Eternal Goddess and Harper’s Bazaar, added a fiery chapter to their feud.

Giorgio Armani and Gianni Versace 

Giorgio Armani and the late Gianni Versace had a well-known rivalry in the fashion world. 

In a 2015 interview with the Times Magazine, Armani claimed that Versace once made a derogatory remark about their respective clienteles, allegedly saying, “I dress sluts. You dress church ladies.”

In response, Donatella Versace, speaking on behalf of her late brother, called Armani’s comments “rude and tasteless.” This is especially since Gianni Versace was no longer alive to defend himself. 

She emphasized that her brother always focused on glamour when discussing fashion, as reported by The Independent.

Banner photo via Wikimedia Commons and Wikimedia Commons.