Who says that someone can’t make money making clothes? While it might not be easy, there are actually people out there who have been quite successful at it. Although it takes a lot of work, creativity and luck, these fashion designers have shown that they had the wherewithal to build both their individual and professional brands, as they’re the world’s top earning designers in the world.
5. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana – $2 billion
The two started the famous, luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana back in 1982, and haven’t looked back since. Released their first women’s line in 1985, things took off, opening their first boutique shop in Asia in 1989, and presenting their first men’s collection a couple years later. Their clothes have also been featured in movies and music videos, helping expand their brand.
4. Patrizio Bertelli – $6 billion
After setting up a small factory where he produced leather belts and bags, Patrizio Bertelli reinvented the nylon backpacks and revolutionized thick, high-heeled wedges for women. With his wife Miuccia Prada by his side, the two have built quite the conglomerate of different styles that have increased their net worth—while making them the power couple in fashion.
3. Ralph Lauren – $7 billion
Arguably the most successful American-born designer, Ralph Lauren has built a mega-fortune with his various lines of Polo Ralph Lauren brands. Although his line tends to be associated with men, his first design was actually made for women, with a line of shirts that were cut much like men’s styles, setting them apart from what was then available and becoming a booming success.
2. Giorgio Armani – $9.9 billion
It’s hard to believe that mega-billionaire Giorgio Armani was actually intending to become a doctor before this whole fashion design thing worked out for him. Following a stint in an army hospital, Armani shifted his focus, going from window dresser to a top-line designer with retail shops in 37 different countries.
1. Miuccia Prada – $11.1 billion
Born in Milan, Italy, Miuccia Prada had style influence at a very young age in the fashionable city. Taking over her family-owned luxury goods business in 1978, Prada and her aforementioned husband Patrizio Bertelli took the Prada brand to the next level together, acquiring various other creative companies and building an empire with a very simplistic, classic and cool look to most of their designs.
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