Prada, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang: 7 Faces Behind the Brands You Know By Name, But Have Rarely Seen

You almost certainly know their names: Armani, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs. But what about the faces behind these fashion empires? The masterminds who sketch the designs are often camera-shy, preferring to let their craft take the spotlight. PRISM is pulling back the curtain on the rarely seen figures who built the multi-billion dollar brands we all recognize.

From Olympic Dreams to Bridal Gowns: Vera Wang

Known as the fairy godmother of weddings, Vera Wang didn't start in fashion. She was an avid figure skater who aimed for the US Olympic team. When that dream didn't pan out, she pivoted to her other passion. After becoming the youngest editor at Vogue and working there for 17 years, followed by a stint at Ralph Lauren, she finally became an independent bridal designer at the age of 40. The catalyst? She was unsatisfied with the wedding dress options for her own wedding, so she designed her own. Today, her gowns are worn by everyone from Michelle Obama to Victoria Beckham.

The Titans of Art and Commerce

Miuccia Prada, the head designer of Prada and founder of Miu Miu, took over her family's luxury goods business in 1978. While her designs often look like works of art, she draws a clear line, proclaiming, "Art is for expressing ideas and for expressing a vision. My job is to sell."

Another multi-talented titan, Tom Ford, is not just a fashion designer but also a celebrated film director. After revitalizing Gucci, he launched his own successful lines of menswear, beauty, and accessories. His directing credits include acclaimed films like 'A Single Man' and 'Nocturnal Animals'. Much of his glamorous aesthetic is said to be fueled by his time in the Studio 54 scene during his youth in New York.

Building an Empire on a Single Idea

Sometimes, one signature item is all it takes. Christian Louboutin’s iconic red-soled shoes have become a global status symbol. He honed his craft at houses like Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent before opening his own boutique at age 27. Meanwhile, Calvin Klein elevated underwear to a high-fashion statement. His simple yet brilliant idea of branding the waistband of briefs and panties created a worldwide frenzy and helped turn his brand into a lifestyle empire that now includes apparel, fragrances, and accessories.