18 Former Models Who Became Successful Fashion Designers

Many models have transitioned from walking the runway to designing for it. Their firsthand experience with fashion gives them a unique perspective on style and design. These former models turned fashion designers bring a fresh, insider approach to their brands. From creating timeless collections to redefining trends, they’ve made a lasting impact on the industry. Here are inspiring stories of models who became successful designers.

Kate Moss

Kate Moss, one of the most iconic supermodels of the ‘90s, ventured into fashion design in 2007 with a collection for Topshop. Her collaboration with the brand was an instant success, selling out within hours and establishing her as a credible designer. Moss infused her rock-and-roll-inspired style into her pieces, creating a blend of casual elegance that resonated globally. Over the years, her designs have expanded to include everything from evening wear to accessories. Moss continues to influence the fashion world, blending her modeling legacy with her design expertise.

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham transitioned from pop icon and model to a respected fashion designer in 2008 when she launched her eponymous brand. Known for her minimalist and sophisticated designs, her collections received critical acclaim during New York Fashion Week. Beckham has won multiple fashion awards, including Designer Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2011. Her brand has become synonymous with modern luxury, featuring sleek dresses, tailored separates, and chic accessories. Today, Beckham is celebrated for her dedication to creating timeless, empowering clothing.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks, known for her trailblazing modeling career, began exploring fashion design in 2004 through her Tyra Beauty brand and collaborations in the industry. She combined her knowledge of body positivity and high fashion to design inclusive collections. Banks focused on empowering women through both fashion and beauty, making her a unique voice in the industry. Though her fashion contributions have been limited compared to others, her influence on design for diverse body types has been profound. Her multifaceted career demonstrates her passion for creativity and innovation.

Claudia Schiffer

Claudia Schiffer, a supermodel of the ‘90s, entered the world of fashion design in 2011 with her luxurious knitwear collection. Her designs are heavily inspired by her German roots and focus on high-quality craftsmanship. The collection gained recognition for its timeless elegance and versatility, catering to women of all ages. Schiffer’s collaboration with prestigious brands such as TSE and Rodenstock also highlights her adaptability as a designer. Her transition from model to designer showcases her refined taste and business acumen.

Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung, a model and TV presenter, launched her own fashion label, ALEXACHUNG, in 2017. Known for her playful yet polished personal style, Chung’s designs quickly became a hit with younger audiences. Her brand reflects her love for vintage-inspired fashion, blending it with contemporary trends. Alexa has also collaborated with brands like AG Jeans and Marks & Spencer, showcasing her versatility in the industry. Although she announced the closure of her label in 2022, her impact as a designer remains significant.

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum, a global supermodel and television personality, began her fashion design journey with a lingerie line in 2008, Heidi Klum Intimates. Her designs focus on empowering women through comfortable yet sensual pieces. Klum’s collections have been celebrated for their inclusivity, offering a wide range of sizes and styles. She has also created clothing collections for major retailers like Lidl, blending affordability with style. Klum’s design career complements her dynamic presence in fashion and entertainment.

Inès de La Fressange

French supermodel Inès de La Fressange became a fashion designer in the 1990s, launching her own label, which showcased Parisian chic at its finest. Known for her association with Chanel as Karl Lagerfeld’s muse, she carried her elegant style into her designs. Inès later collaborated with Uniqlo, bringing affordable luxury to a global audience. Her collections are celebrated for their timeless, effortless appeal. De La Fressange remains a symbol of French sophistication in both modeling and design.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley transitioned into fashion design in 2012, launching her lingerie line with Marks & Spencer. Her collections are inspired by her personal style, blending femininity with modern elegance. Rosie’s designs have consistently performed well, cementing her as a successful designer beyond her modeling career. She has since expanded her brand to include sleepwear and beauty collaborations. Her ability to balance aesthetics with practicality makes her work widely appreciated.

Elle Macpherson

Elle Macpherson, nicknamed “The Body,” entered fashion design in the early 1990s with her lingerie line Elle Macpherson Intimates. Her collections were among the first to combine sexy designs with comfortable, everyday wear. Macpherson’s work paved the way for celebrity-driven fashion brands, earning her accolades and a loyal customer base. She later expanded into wellness and activewear, showcasing her multifaceted approach to design. Her legacy as both a model and designer continues to inspire.

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell made her mark on fashion design through collaborations with brands like Fiorucci and PrettyLittleThing in 2023. Her designs reflect her bold, unapologetic personality, combining edgy aesthetics with high-fashion sensibilities. Campbell’s influence on the runway has seamlessly translated into her collections, resonating with younger audiences. Her work often incorporates cultural elements, highlighting her pride in her heritage. As a designer, Campbell continues to push boundaries while celebrating diversity.

Iman

Supermodel Iman launched her own line, Iman Global Chic, in 2007, focusing on affordable luxury. Inspired by her international travels, her designs emphasize versatility and cultural fusion. Her collections have been praised for their inclusivity and accessibility, catering to women of all shapes and sizes. Iman’s keen eye for detail and style has made her a prominent figure in the world of fashion design. Her work celebrates global beauty and individuality.

Christy Turlington

Christy Turlington entered the design world with a focus on sustainable and ethical fashion. In 2008, she co-created the yoga-inspired line Nuala, which combined comfort and style. Her dedication to environmental and social causes has greatly influenced her approach to design. Though her involvement in fashion design has been sporadic, her work has made a lasting impression. Turlington continues to advocate for mindful consumption in the fashion industry.

Cindy Crawford

Cindy Crawford expanded her influence into fashion design in the 2010s with her home decor and clothing collaborations. Her collections focus on casual elegance, reflecting her timeless personal style. Crawford’s partnership with brands like JCPenney brought her designs to a broad audience. She emphasizes quality and comfort in her work, making her pieces both stylish and practical. Crawford’s ventures showcase her enduring appeal in the fashion world.

Helena Christensen

Helena Christensen launched her own line of lingerie and accessories in the early 2000s. Her designs are inspired by her love of vintage aesthetics and intricate detailing. Christensen’s collections have been praised for their elegance and sophistication. She has also collaborated with various brands to create limited-edition pieces. Her transition from supermodel to designer highlights her creative versatility.

Agyness Deyn

Agyness Deyn co-founded the brand Title A in 2014, focusing on androgynous, minimalist designs. Her collections are inspired by her personal style, blending functionality with high fashion. Though the brand ceased operations in 2015, her work left an impression on the industry. Deyn’s bold approach to fashion design reflected her adventurous spirit as a model. Her influence remains evident in contemporary fashion trends.

Twiggy

Twiggy, a fashion icon of the 1960s, ventured into design with her own clothing line in the 2000s. Her pieces reflect her iconic mod style, updated for modern sensibilities. Twiggy’s collections focus on wearable, age-inclusive designs, appealing to women across generations. She has also partnered with major retailers like Marks & Spencer, making her work accessible to a wider audience. Twiggy’s legacy as both a model and designer is unmatched.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne entered the world of fashion design through collaborations with brands like DKNY and Puma in the mid-2010s. Her collections often showcase her edgy, urban aesthetic, combining functionality with bold statements. Delevingne’s work highlights her playful personality and willingness to take risks. She has also been vocal about inclusivity, designing pieces for all genders and body types. Her contributions continue to influence contemporary streetwear.

Pat Cleveland

Pat Cleveland, a pioneering African American model, launched her own line of clothing in the 1980s. Her designs reflected her vibrant personality, incorporating bold colors and prints. Cleveland’s work celebrated individuality and creativity, resonating with fashion enthusiasts worldwide. She has also designed costumes for theater productions, showcasing her artistic versatility. Cleveland’s legacy as a model and designer remains an inspiration to many in the industry.

This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.

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