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Favourite designers

Dimity

Holidays. Lots of time to read magazines and browse through websites, which has led me to decide that my favourite designer is Max Mara. I love the spareness and simplicity. Although they aren't as expensive as some, they are still out of my reach at the moment, but I can take their vibe and aim to translate it. Do you have a favourite designer? I'm not talking reality here, I'm talking if money were no object and you could wear anything you felt like.

25 replies

Latest reply was from Dimity

Meredith

Veteran

Love MaxMara. Broke my heart to return one of their coats just today. It was a consigned piece with just too much wear. I also love the artistry of Prada and romantic Dolce & Gabbana prints.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I don't spend a lot of time looking at designer stuff, because it's so pricey and often is weirdly unwearable. But what I've seen of Stella McCartney has been interesting, and I admire her ethical stance and approach to business.

Dimity

Meredith, so sad to have to return the coat, but it sounds like a good decision.
Laura, yes, to Stella McCartney too. She seems to stand for something good.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Gorgio Armani & Phoebe Philo for their modern tailoring.
Japanese designers & Ann Demeulemeester for more edgy pieces

Echo

Veteran

Alexander McQueen, without doubt.

Gigi

Veteran

I don't have a lot of experience with designer clothing, and what I have tried has been on the lower end. My favorite designer is Vince Camuto.

Dimity

I've heard of Phoebe Philo but am not familiar with her work, so I'm going to look her up. And yes, I love the others, too!
I hear a lot about VInce Camuto, but I don't think I've ever seen his things in Australia (but I haven't really been looking, so he's one I'll look up too. McQueen was so interesting, and so sad.

Deborah

Veteran

My favourite designers are Rick Owens, Anne Demeulemeester, Complex Geometries, Barbara Gongini... if money were no object xx

Anonymous

For me, without a doubt, Karl Lagerfeld. I've also got a soft spot for some of Vivienne Westwood's stuff too.

kkards

Veteran

If money was no object-- Sara Burton/Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, the row, Pheobe Philo. On a more commercial side, rag and bone, band of outsiders, Isabel marant, Burberry.

Dimity

I haven't looked at everyone's picks yet, but I'm loving The Row and Phoebe Philo so far! I didn't expect to like The Row, but the voluminous dresses and chunky knits are gorgeous, and I love them paired with socks and oxfords. So unexpected. And the sure lines at Celine reflect a confidence that I like.
So interesting to see all the picks. Thanks!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

SO MANY.

Just off the top of my head:

Chanel, Valentino, Prada, Akris, Chloe, Gucci, Bally, Stella McCartney, Jil Sander, Altuzarra, Celine, Derek Lam, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Dries van Noten, Burberry, Max Mara, Preen, Jason Wu, Paul Smith, Fendi, Theory, Alexander Wang, Pucci, Theory, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Hugo Boss.

Anonymous

I differentiate between brands and designers. I see MaxMara as a brand, and not a designer. So if we're talking labels and brands : Rag & Bone, Vince, Equipment, Line, Theory, Burberry Chloe. And when we talk designer: McQueen (although now I guess it's a brand with a new designer) , The Row, Diane VF, Stella McC, Joseph Altuzarra, Phoebe Philo. Kind of interesting in that many, if not most of the luxury brands we mention have a rotating team of designers, headed by a name but not the original designer/founder anymore. Chicken and egg.....

Dimity

Interesting point, Lisa. Have to agree with that. Brands seem to have a more commercial, wearable quality.
Going to have lots of fun going through your list, Angie. I've not even heard of some of them!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Sorry I took you literally & just picked my fav designers not brands

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Designers create brands. And designers can become their own brands. Same difference in my book, actually.

Dimity, Weekend Max Mara is fun too. xo

Dimity

I hadn't actually consciously differentiated between brands and designers until Lisa pointed it out, Caro, so you can't go wrong here! I'm really glad you mentioned Phoebe Philo, actually, because I find I love her aesthetic. Ann Demeulemeester too, but for moods that call for lots of black and edge. Besides, for me it's inspiration more than for actual purchase so it's all good.

Dimity

Thanks for clarifying the designer/brand point, Angie. That makes sense. I'll check out Weekend Max Mara because that sounds like it might work for my casual lifestyle. After years of not looking around, a whole big world has opened up for me. It's so fun.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That's what I like to hear Dimity, and thanks for your great participation on our forum.

Runcarla

Veteran

Different years, different designers. I'm liking Tory Burch, Elie Tahari, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein recently. They all make accessible fashion, too. If money was no object, and I could have something made for me - Vivenne Westwood, or Sarah Burton/McQueen.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

If money were no object, who knows what I would wear!
But if I simply had quite a bit more money than I have now, I would seriously raid Oska and Babette SF. I often look at them for inspiration and ideas with my sewing.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I get where you are coming from Angie. I was thinking more of brands like Helmut Lang & Dior - who now have designers other than their founders. The
designers/founders name becomes a brand & the distinction becomes relevant imo

Dimity

Firecracker, I knew I liked your style, and now I'm in love with Oska and Babette. Two more I'd never heard of before, but ones for me to watch now.

I would buy that cashmere sayre tunic at Tory Birch this minute if my bank account were fatter, Runcarla. Gorgeousness.

Now that I've begun to see what's going on in the world of clothes, I think things are going to change for me. With my newfound budget, this year will be getting essentials into place so that I can actually get dressed in the mornings, but in successive years I might aim for a high/low mix with one or two really wonderful pieces each year to make it interesting.

So far, I've ventured into one of Australia's leading hairdressers (well, they say this, so who knows! But they win awards) and had my hair cut into a cute little textured bob-type thing with a fringe that's super easy to style. And, gasp! shock! I bought a pair of white and tan loafers that are fun with boyfriend jeans and a denim skirt. I wouldn't have had the courage to do that without seeing Angie's white shoes and all the support here! Thanks, everyone!

Mellllls

Veteran

Theory

Dimity

Yes to Theory! I've been browsing around their site and it looks like what I'd wear if I had good clothes. Me, but better! And their prices are reasonable too, with all the sales at the moment.