Rick Owens Mission Statement
The Unconventional Soul: Rick Owens' Mission of Transgression and Timelessness
Prada
Milan, Italy
1913
Prada is the intellectual's luxury brand. Helmed by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, it defines the 'ugly chic' aesthetic and sets the global fashion agenda.
Creative Director: Miuccia Prada & Raf Simons
Signature Elements: Saffiano leather, Re-Nylon, the Triangle logo, and ugly prints.
History
Originally a leather goods shop, Miuccia Prada took over in 1978 and revolutionized it by introducing nylon backpacks as luxury items. In the 90s, she introduced 'ugly chic,' using bad taste to challenge high fashion. In 2020, Raf Simons joined as co-creative director, a historic partnership.
Brand Philosophy
Fashion is an investigation into society. Prada values intellect, subversion of bourgeois norms, and the beauty of the banal.
Major Milestones
- 1913: Founded by Mario Prada.
- 1984: The Nylon Backpack launches.
- 2020: Raf Simons joins Miuccia Prada.
Timeline
Founded
1913-01-01
Mario Prada opens shop.
Miuccia Takes Over
1978-01-01
Transforming the brand.
Current Status
The Miuccia-Raf partnership produces the most critically acclaimed shows in Milan, influencing the entire industry's silhouette each season.
Key Collections
Trivia
- Miuccia Prada has a PhD in political science and was a mime in the 70s.
Cultural Impact
Prada made it cool to be smart. It turned nylon into gold and defined the 90s minimalist aesthetic.
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Chanel
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1910
Chanel is a legendary French fashion house known for timeless elegance, the Little Black Dress, tweed suits, and Chanel No. 5. Founded by Coco Chanel, it redefined modern women's fashion.
Christian Dior
Paris, France
1946
Christian Dior is a legendary French fashion house that redefined post-war elegance with the 'New Look.' Today, it is led by Jonathan Anderson, who oversees women's, men's, and couture lines.
Balenciaga
San Sebastián, Spain
1917
Balenciaga, founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga, is a pioneering house known for avant-garde silhouettes. Formerly led by Demna, it is now under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli as of 2025.
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Florence, Italy
1921
Gucci is an emblem of Italian luxury, known for its eclectic and romantic aesthetic. In 2025, Demna took the helm as Creative Director, promising a bold new chapter for the house.
Givenchy
Paris, France
1952
Givenchy is a symbol of aristocratic elegance and modern luxury. Known for dressing Audrey Hepburn, it is now led by Sarah Burton, who joined in 2024.
Alexander McQueen
London, England
1992
Alexander McQueen is a British luxury house defined by its emotional power, raw energy, and unparalleled craftsmanship. It explores the savage beauty of nature and history.
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Paris, France
1988
Maison Margiela is a French luxury fashion house famously known for its deconstructivist and avant-garde designs. Glenn Martens is the current Creative Director.
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Paris, France
1961
Saint Laurent, founded by Yves Saint Laurent, is an iconic French fashion house. Anthony Vaccarello currently leads the brand with a sharp, rock-chic aesthetic.
Rick Owens
Los Angeles, USA
1994
Rick Owens is the lord of darkness in luxury fashion. Known for his 'glunge' (glamour + grunge) aesthetic, his brand is a brutalist, architectural monument to the beauty of imperfection.
Enfants Riches Déprimés
Los Angeles, USA
2012
Enfants Riches Déprimés (ERD) is a quasi-anti-fashion label based in Los Angeles and Paris. Founded by Henri Alexander Levy, it fuses 'elitist, nihilist couture' with punk aesthetics.
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1972
Yohji Yamamoto is a master tailor known for his avant-garde tailoring featuring Japanese design aesthetics. He is famous for his mastery of the color black.
Comme des Garçons
Tokyo, Japan
1969
Comme des Garçons, led by the enigmatic Rei Kawakubo, is arguably the most influential avant-garde house in history. It treats fashion as pure artistic expression.
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