Chanel. Gucci. Louis Vuitton. When one uses the term “fashion house”
it’s usually followed by the likes of these internationally-recognized
designers. But really, what is a fashion house? And how is it different
than a fashion designer?
A fashion house is a company that employs a team of designers to
create clothing for them. Most fashion houses are under the direction of
a leading designer. For example, Karl Lagerfeld designs for fashion
house Chanel. When you use the term fashion house, it is speaking to the
company, not the individual. While Karl Lagerfeld is a designer, he is
not the entire fashion house of Chanel, though I’m sure that is a point
to be argued.
Most major countries have their own fashion industry; however, only
five countries have established their worldwide reputations as leaders.
Those countries are the United States, England, Japan, France, and
Italy.
American Fashion Houses
The majority of recognized fashion houses are in New York City
although there is a significantly rising number setting up shop in Los
Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; and Chicago, Illinois. American
fashion is flagged by a clean-cut, casual chic reflecting the more busy
lifestyles of many Americans. Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren,
Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, and Marc Jacobs are
well-known trendsetters of the industry while retailers like American
Eagle Outfitters, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, and Aeropostale
are labels associated with the younger generation.
British Fashion Houses
London has long been the heart of the British fashion industry.
Traditional British design is cutting edge yet smart and unconventional.
Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, Burberry, Alexander McQueen, and
Matthew Williamson are some of the more influential and popular houses
to emerge from England.
French Fashion Houses
Paris is undoubtedly the capital of French fashion. Chic, stylish,
sophisticated, defined by its cut and smart accessories, French fashion
is always highly influential. Paris is home to haute couture
(one-of-a-kind garments) houses like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Jean-Paul
Gaultier, Givenchy, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. In France
the term haute couture is protected by law and defined by the Chambre de
commerce et d'industrie de Paris. By their standards, only designers
whose garments are made-to-order for private clients with one or more
fittings, have a workshop in Paris that employs 15 or more people, and
present a collection of 35 daytime and eveningwear looks semi-annually
to Parisian press may consider themselves a haute couture house.
Italian Fashion Houses
While many of the older fashion houses are located in Rome, Milan is
positively Italy’s fashion capital and is where their fashion weeks take
place. Italian fashion is known for its luxurious fabrics, subtle
sexiness, and inherent appeal. Salvatore Ferragamo was the first luxury
Italian brand to be exported in the 1920’s. Gucci is the best-selling
Italian brand with sales exceeding $7 billion worldwide. Dolce &
Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Fendi, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, and Prada are
other popular houses to emerge from Italy.
Japanese Fashion Houses
Tokyo is the center of fashion in Japan. The Japanese look is defined
by unstructured and loose fabric, the colors subtle allowing for use of
richly textured material. Famous Japanese designers are Yohji Yamamoto,
Kenzo, Issey Miyake, and Commes des Garcons.
