Welcome to the wild ride that was 1980s fashion. The 1980s was an interesting decade. That time was really imaginative. The fashion designers in 1980s were quite like a fantasy. Mostly, fashion designers in the 1980s weren’t afraid to push boundaries. They weren’t really afraid to redefine what it meant to be stylish. This decade was brave enough of color, boldness, and enough trends to fill a whole shopping mall.
Imagine bright pink jackets paired with ripped jeans, or women in sharp suits that could take on any boardroom. The 1980s saw fashion take a sharp turn, reflecting the changing world around it. Women were entering the workforce in droves, leading to the rise of the iconic power suit. At the same time, a rebellious spirit fueled by punk rock spilled over into everyday clothes, with safety pins and tartan becoming fashion staples.
But who were the brains behind these unforgettable looks? The fashion designers of the 1980s were the rockstars of the clothing world. These weren’t just folks who doodled pretty dresses; they were artists, architects, and even a touch rebellious. They challenged the norm and created clothes that spoke volumes. From the dazzling extravagance of Gianni Versace to the quiet yet powerful statements of Yohji Yamamoto, these designers left an undeniable mark on fashion history.
Today, we’re going to meet 10 of these influential figures who shaped the way we dressed in the decade of big hair and even bigger personalities. Get ready to be wowed by the titans of threads who redefined fashion forever.
History of 1980s Fashion
The 1980s were a decade that dared to be different, and fashion wasn’t about to be left behind. Wonder a world where workout clothes became street style, power suits reigned supreme, and shoulder pads could rival a football player’s. That’s the electrifying energy of 80s fashion.
This era was all about reflecting the changing times. Women were kicking down doors in the workplace, and the power suit emerged as their armor. Think sharp blazers with those iconic shoulder pads that screamed “confidence” as they walked into a boardroom. But work wasn’t the only place where fashion thrived.
The 80s saw a fitness craze take hold, and with it came a whole new way of dressing. Think neon leggings that could light up a disco ball. Leg warmers that reached your knees (because who needs ankles when you’re rocking out?). Headbands that matched the vibrant spirit of the decade. These weren’t just gym clothes. They were a statement about health, energy, and a love for all things bright and bold.
But not everyone wanted to conform. Punk rock fueled a rebellion in fashion, too. Ripped jeans became your way to show your style. Safety pins held everything together, and tartan patterns added a touch of anarchy to everyday wear. It was a way to break the rules and show the world you weren’t afraid to be different.
Designers like Gianni Versace made super fancy dresses that looked like they belonged to a princess. While others, like Norma Kamali, made clothes that were comfy and sporty but still super cool. Fashion designers in 1980s weren’t afraid to try new things and make clothes that looked totally different from anything before. They wanted their clothes to reflect the exciting world around them, and they sure did.
Top 10 Fashion Designers IN 1980S
1. Gianni Versace
Visualize a world where dresses sparkle like jewels and jackets fit so perfectly they feel like a second skin. That’s the kind of fashion Gianni Versace made famous in the 1980s. He grew up in Reggio Calabria, Italy, in 1946 surrounded by his mom’s sewing studio. It was like a fashion school. He learned everything there was to know about making clothes that looked amazing.
Versace’s early design influences were a fascinating blend. He drew inspiration from the lavish costumes of his hometown’s opera house. The bright colors from stories about Greek gods and goddesses, and the cool, straight lines from pop art pictures. He mixed all these ideas together to make his own special fashion style. He liked clothes in super splashy colors, like fuchsia and emerald. Luxurious fabrics like silk and leather, and a whole lot of gold chains. Those were his trademark.
Versace’s evening gowns were showstoppers. Versace’s fancy dresses were like something out of a grown-up show. It was mixed with a detective show from the 80s. They had really low necklines, high cuts on the legs, and curvy shapes. Remember that super famous “Jungle Dress,” green dress with leaves that Jennifer Lopez wore at the 2000 Grammy Awards? That was Versace’s style. Bright and beautiful with a little bit of surprise.
Versace wasn’t afraid to push boundaries. He used shiny metal fabrics, safety pins, and even stuff inspired by handcuffs and belts in his designs. It was like sparkly and glam, but with a cool, edgy twist. This bold style caught the eye of celebrities like Cher, Elizabeth Taylor, and Madonna. They loved wearing Versace’s clothes and showing them off to the world.
Versace’s cultural impact on 1980s fashion was beyond doubt. He brought back sparkly clothes and big, bold looks, but with a modern twist. Instead of just looking fancy, his clothes made people feel like superstars on the red carpet. Even today, lots of designers are still inspired by Versace. They’re using bright colors and fancy fabrics to make clothes that wow everyone.
2. Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who revolutionized women’s fashion. He was all about cool clothes for girls in the 80s. Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, Armani’s path to fashion wasn’t exactly linear. He started studying to be a doctor, but then changed his mind and worked in a store as a window dresser. This is what made him love designing clothes that girls could feel strong and confident in.
Armani’s design influences were rooted in a love for clean lines and functionality. He admired the work of architects like Mies van der Rohe. He used those ideas for his clothes. His outfits were always sharp and well-made. He used fancy fabrics like cashmere and wool. Whoever wears his clothes feels strong and ready to take on the day.
Think “Working Girl” meets “Wall Street”. Armani’s power suits were a game-changer. He made suits that were more like cool uniforms, with strong shoulders and a cinched waist. They looked neat and clean, with straight lines everywhere. These suits weren’t just for playing dress-up. They made girls feel super confident and ready to tackle anything. They were armor for ambitious women.
Armani’s “Le Smoking” jacket was one of his most iconic creations. A tuxedo-inspired blazer for women perfectly expresses his ideas. It was strong and looked important, just like a suit, but with a fancy twist. It offered the power and structure of a man’s suit with a touch of feminine elegance. Actresses like Michelle Pfeiffer and Diane Keaton wore these jackets in movies. They totally rocked this new style. Armani’s clothes made girls feel like they could do anything, just like grown-ups in offices.
Armani’s impact went beyond aesthetics. In the 80s, lots of women were getting important jobs. His power suits weren’t just about looking sharp. They were a symbol of confidence and equality in the workplace. Even today, girls in Armani clothes know they can rock anything they dream of.
3. Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren, the designer who embodied the American dream in 1980s fashion. Born Ralph Lifshitz in the Bronx, New York, in 1937. Lauren’s journey to fashion started with a fascination for vintage clothing and movies. He spent his days lost in sketchbooks, soaking up the glamorous styles of Hollywood stars. Especially the rich and fancy ones.
Lauren loved clothes that looked both classic and cool. It was a mix of preppy elegance and timeless Hollywood glamor. He liked sharp suits, like the ones grown-ups wear to work, but with a little something extra. He also loved the way movie stars like Katharine Hepburn dressed – fancy but not too fussy. So Lauren mixed these styles together. His clothes were always well-made, and a touch of sporty flair. It’s like clothes you could play and look good in.
Think “The Preppy Handbook” meets “Wall Street”. Lauren’s designs captured the essence of American luxury. His iconic polo shirts, featuring the now-famous polo pony logo, became a symbol of preppy chic. He brought a touch of casual elegance to workwear with tailored trousers. His tweed blazers offered a more relaxed alternative to the power suit.
Lauren’s cultural impact transcended clothing. Dream up clothes that made you feel successful, cool, and totally American, all at the same time. That was Ralph Lauren’s magic. His clothes were loved by everyone, from movie stars to regular kids, and they made him super famous. He’s a true fashion legend.
4. Christian Lacroix
Think up a world where dresses look like fireworks and jackets look like they belong on a stage. That’s the fashion wonderland Christian Lacroix created in the 1980s. Born in Arles, France, in 1951. Lacroix wasn’t bound for traditional design. He actually loved working in museums, surrounded by amazing art and history. This love for all things dramatic and exciting spilled over into the clothes he designed.
Picture growing up surrounded by stories and costumes from long ago. That’s what Christian Lacroix had in his hometown in France. He also loved the bright colors and fun patterns from traditional clothes around the world. But he wasn’t stuck in the past. He mixed all these ideas together to make his own special fashion style. His clothes were big and flowy, with super splashy colors like fuchsia and shocking pink. Sometimes they looked a little bit like costumes from a play.
Think “Dynasty” meets the Moulin Rouge. Lacroix’s designs were showstoppers. His dresses were huge and poofy, like clouds floating around. Jackets had sleeves that puffed out way too much, and he loved using fancy fabrics like silk and brocade. His most famous dress, the “pouf” dress, was like something out of a costume party, but in the best way possible. It had a super short top and a giant skirt that went boing-boing everywhere. It has perfectly captured his flamboyant style.
Lacroix’s cultural impact was about more than just lavish clothes. He challenged the minimalist trends of the era. He liked clothes to be dramatic and exciting. It’s like something out of a play. His clothes were so much fun that singers like Madonna and Diana Ross loved wearing them. It embraced the drama and became walking advertisements for his flamboyant style.
Some people thought Christian Lacroix’s clothes were a bit much. But his influence on 1980s fashion can’t be denied. He wasn’t afraid to be different. He reminded everyone that clothes can be like works of art. Today, designers who love bright colors and dramatic styles are still inspired by him.
5. Yves Saint Laurent
Yves Saint Laurent wasn’t just a designer; he was a fashion revolutionary. He started creating iconic pieces earlier. His influence continued to reign supreme in the 1980s. Born in Oran, Algeria, in 1936, Saint Laurent was surrounded by fashion from a young age. He spent hours sketching dresses and dreamed of a life in the world of style.
His idols were fashion legends like Christian Dior, and he loved the cool art styles of his time. From Dior, he learned how to make clothes that fit perfectly and look super stylish. But Saint Laurent wasn’t afraid to break the mold. He saw the changing role of women in society and wanted his designs to reflect that.
This mix of ideas became Saint Laurent’s signature style. Clothes that were both elegant and a little bit rebellious. He liked sharp jackets with strong shoulders. But also designed softer dresses that flowed. He even used fabrics that were typically for boys’ clothes. It’s like tweed and plaid, to make pantsuits for girls. It was all about making girls feel strong and confident.
One of his most iconic creations, the “Le Smoking” tuxedo jacket, perfectly captured this blend. It felt strong and important, but still stylish with a feminine touch. Stars like Bianca Jagger rocked this look. It’s making Saint Laurent the go-to brand for strong, stylish women in the 80s.
Saint Laurent’s style lasted way beyond fads. His clothes were elegant and stylish, but also comfy and strong. They made girls feel confident and ready to take on anything, with a touch of that special French flair. Even today, designers who make clothes for grown-up girls are still inspired by him.
6. Jean-Paul Gaultier
Think up a world where clothes are more like performance art and tradition gets thrown out the window. That’s the wild world of Jean-Paul Gaultier. The French designer who redefined what fashion could be in the 1980s. Born in Paris in 1952, Gaultier’s path to fashion wasn’t exactly typical. He didn’t go to fancy design schools. He honed his skills by sketching and sending his designs to established names. His bold ideas caught the eye of Pierre Cardin, who gave him a chance to showcase his talent.
Gaultier’s early design influences were a mix of street style. He loved everything from ripped jeans to his grandma’s fancy dresses. This mix of things inspired his unique fashion style. He wasn’t afraid to make clothes that were totally different and challenging. What people thought was beautiful, or who could wear what? Think ripped jeans looking super cool and boys wearing skirts. Clothes made out of all sorts of surprising things—that was Gaultier’s style.
Wonder a wild mix of “Mad Max” costumes on a fancy Paris runway. That’s what Jean Paul Gaultier was all about. He loved surprising everyone with his wild clothes. Think super cool jackets with pointy bras peeking out. Kilts made of unconventional stuff like denim. His iconic “conical bra” that Madonna made famous.
Gaultier’s cultural impact wasn’t just about shocking people. He challenged the status quo. He wanted fashion to be a way of saying something cool, not just about looking pretty. Everyone loved his wacky styles. Pop stars like Madonna to regular kids who loved his unique style. This designer’s bold vision still inspires today’s fashion rebels.
7. Issey Miyake
Think up clothes that flow like rivers and fold like paper cranes. That’s the magic of Issey Miyake, the Japanese designer who blew everyone’s minds with his futuristic clothes in the 1980s. Born in Hiroshima, Japan, in 1938, Miyake saw the horrors of war firsthand. This experience made him want to create beautiful things and clothes that could change with your mood.
He learned the old-school way of making clothes in Japan. He admired other designers who dared to be different.This mix of tradition and wild ideas became his signature style. This designer uses wild techniques and unexpected materials like plastic or even metal. Their clothes move with you, like a super cool second skin.
Wonder a shimmering dress that flowed like a waterfall. A jacket that folded up tiny like a paper crane, and his most famous creation – the “Pleats Please” line. These clothes had special pleats built right in. So they were both comfy and kept their cool, ruffled shape.
Miyake’s clothes weren’t just about looking good. They were like wearable art. He showed everyone that clothes could be anything you imagined. He even used fancy technology to create his masterpieces. His ideas inspired designers everywhere to be more creative and use all sorts of new things in their clothes.
Today, Miyake’s influence is still felt. Designers keep pushing the boundaries of what clothes can do. Thanks to his groundbreaking ideas. He wasn’t just a designer; he was a fabric wizard who changed the way we think about clothes forever.
8. Thierry Mugler
Thierry Mugler, the French designer who made clothes for superheroes in the 1980s. He was born in Strasbourg, France in 1948. Before he started designing clothes, he actually used to be a super strong muscle guy and a dancer. So it makes sense that his clothes were always comfy and showed off how cool your body could move.
Mugler’s design ideas were all over the place in the best way possible. He loved the wild colors and zaps of pop art. He loved bright colors like those from a superhero comic books. And the way the dancers moved with confidence. So his clothes were all about fun. Huge shoulder pads, shiny materials that looked like raincoats. Outfits that basically said “Wow, look at me!” in every stitch.
Think “Back to the Future” meets a high-end fashion show – Mugler’s designs were totally out there. Picture jackets with shoulder pads that reached for the stars. Dresses that hugged every curve like a second skin, and crazy hats that wouldn’t look out of place in a space opera. His most famous piece, the “motorbike jacket,” was a perfect example. A sleek, futuristic take on a biker jacket, with strong lines and a powerful shape.
Mugler wasn’t just about appalling clothes, though. He softened the lines between fashion and performance art. He was turning his runway shows into wild dance parties with futuristic costumes. Celebrities like Diana Ross and Michael Jackson loved his dramatic style. They rocked his clothes on stage and in music videos. He was making him even more famous.
Today, lots of designers love making clothes that are totally different and fun. They all learned a lot from Thierry Mugler. He was the king of lavish clothes that made people say “wow!”. He opened the door for wild fashion ideas.
9. Azzedine Alaïa
Wonder clothes that fit you perfectly, like a hug, but are still comfy and stylish. That’s what Azzedine Alaïa was all about. The Tunisian designer who redefined the meaning of “form-fitting” fashion in the 1980s. Born in Tunis, Tunisia, in 1940, Alaïa’s path to fashion wasn’t typical. He loved working with clay to make cool shapes, and this inspired him to design clothes. It followed the curves of your body in a super flattering way.
Alaïa’s early design inspirations came from unexpected places. He admired the way ancient sculptures captured the human form. He also loved the boldness of modern art movements. This unique blend fueled his signature style. Clothes that celebrated the female body without being overly revealing. He used innovative techniques like laser cutting and second-skin knits to create garments that moved with the wearer.
Think up clothes as sparkly and cool as a dance outfit, but way more fancy and glamorous. He loved designing clothes that showed off how cool your curves were. His dresses flowed nicely, but they still fit you perfectly. Jackets were nipped in at the waist but comfy. His bodysuits were super famous because they made girls feel strong and stylish in a whole new way. It’s totally changed the meaning of “sexy.”
Alaïa wasn’t just about making clothes look pretty. He wanted girls to feel amazing in them. His clothes were super stylish, but also comfy and made to show off your figure. They weren’t just about what’s popular this season. They were all about feeling awesome in your own skin, always. Even famous singers like Grace Jones loved his clothes, but so did regular girls. Alaïa’s clothes were like magic tricks. Whoever wore them felt strong and beautiful on the inside and out.
Today, everyone remembers Alaïa for his amazing clothes that made girls feel confident and beautiful. He was like an artist who used fabric to create clothes, kind of like painting a picture. He totally changed how we see clothes that show off how cool our bodies are.
10. Claude Montana
Claude Montana, the French designer who defined 1980s power dressing. Born in Paris in 1949. Montana learned how to make cool shapes in art school first. And guess what? He used those same skills to design clothes that were strong and neat, just like his sculptures.
Montana wasn’t like other fashion designers. He liked his clothes to look cool and sharp, with straight lines and fun shapes. It’s like a living sculpture. But he also loved pretty details and fancy stitching techniques of French fashion. He mixed these two styles together to make his own special look. His clothes were strong and had big puffy shoulders – kind of like superhero capes. He liked bright colors too, like fuchsia or emerald. His clothes were all about making the wearer feel like a total boss.
Think “Dynasty” meets a modern art museum. Montana’s designs were showstopping. Let’s wonder about jackets with puffy shoulders that reach for the sky. His dresses were straight and sharp, like a ruler. He liked to use fancy fabrics like silky pajamas or soft leather to make them look extra awesome. His most famous outfit was a leather dress with a giant eagle on it. It showed both strength and glamor in one amazing outfit.
Montana’s cultural impact went beyond fashion. His clothes were like superpowers for grown-ups in the 80s. Back then, more and more women were working important jobs. Montana’s clothes made them feel super strong and ready to take on anything. They were like suits of armor, but way more comfy and stylish. Big stars like Diana Ross and Cher wore his clothes on TV and in movies. So everyone knew Montana’s outfits were the best for girls who wanted to be strong and confident.
Big shoulders and head-turning colors? That’s Montana’s legacy! His influence is still rocking runways today. He was an architect of power dressing who forever changed the way women dressed for success.
Where are they Now?
We met the amazing designers who rocked the 80s fashion scene, but what about them now? Let’s see what they’re up to:
1. Some, like Ralph Lauren, are still going strong with their own fashion empires.
2. Some designers, like Christian Lacroix, hung up their own design hats. They are still around making fashion magic in other ways.
3. Sadly,Designers like Yves Saint Laurent might not be no longer anymore. But their amazing styles are still inspiring everyone today.
4. Some rule breakers like Jean-Paul Gaultier don’t make regular clothes anymore. But they still surprise everyone with super cool fashion creations now and then.
One thing’s for sure – these designers may not all be stitching away anymore, but their impact on fashion is undeniable. Their creativity are still inspiring designers today, making fashion even more fun.
Top 10 fashion icons in 1980s
The 1980s were a decade where fashion exploded with color, drama, and a whole lot of fun. It was all about rocking the outfits with with a super cool attitude. From singers to royalty, check out some of the coolest stars who rocked the 80s fashion scene:
1. Madonna: Madonna was the queen of changing her look in the 80s. One day she’d be in lace and fishnets, like a cool dancer. The next, she’d be rocking ripped jeans and fingerless gloves. She wasn’t afraid to take risks and inspire millions to follow suit.
2. Princess Diana: Princess Diana wasn’t just a royal; she was a fashion icon. Remember dresses with shoulder pads so strong, they could shold their own against a linebacker. Yep, that was Diana’s signature style, and it made power dressing a thing for women everywhere.
3. Michael Jackson: The King of Pop wasn’t just about music, he ruled the 80s fashion scene too. Think cool military jackets, gloves covered in sparkles, and sunglasses that looked like something out of a sci-fi movie.
4. Boy George: Boy George, the frontman of Culture Club, rocked a totally different look in the 80s. He wore bright colors, crazy big hats, and even makeup – stuff that wasn’t normally seen on guys. This broke the fashion rules and inspired a whole bunch of people to dress however they wanted, no matter what anyone else thought.
5. Grace Jones: In the 80s, Grace Jones wasn’t afraid to be different. She blurred the lines between what men and women wore. She rocked crazy makeup colors, and sported wild hairstyles. This boldness made her a fashion and music icon, inspiring people to express themselves freely.
6. Cyndi Lauper: Cyndi Lauper wasn’t like other pop stars in the 80s. She loved wearing super bright colors that totally clashed, and mixed all sorts of fun patterns together in a way that nobody else did. She also loved adding tons of sparkly jewelry and cool hats. This whole mismatched look became her signature style. It was like a big middle finger to boring clothes.
7. David Bowie: David Bowie was a fashion icon who kept changing his look in the 80s. He wore clothes with wild prints and futuristic details, and even blurred the lines between what men and women typically wore. This creativity is still inspiring designers today.
8. Annie Lennox: Annie Lennox, the voice of the Eurythmics, rocked a strong and different look in the 80s. She wore sharp suits like a businessman, kept her hair short, and sported dramatic makeup. This broke the mold of what women were “supposed” to wear and showed everyone that fashion can be powerful and unique.
9. Yasmin Le Bon: Yasmin Le Bon was a supermodel superstar. She was all over fashion magazines, rocking the runway for the biggest designers. Her look? Pure glamour – the epitome of high fashion at the time.
10. Brooke Shields: Brooke Shields wasn’t just a pretty face; she was a fashion idol too. With her sweet smile and natural good looks, she rocked a classic style that never goes out of fashion. She always looked super stylish, like she just threw on clothes and bam.
This is just a taste of the many iconic figures who made 80s fashion so unforgettable. It was a decade of bold choices, self-expression, and having a whole lot of fun with clothes.
Conclusion
The fashion designers in1980s didn’t just create clothes; they left a lasting mark on fashion history. Their ideas were super cool, like Alaïa’s dresses that hugged you perfectly and Montana’s jackets with shoulder pads so big they could stop a car. Even today, designers get inspired by the 80s. You can see it in the big blazers that are back in style and all the neon colors everywhere. The 80s fashion party keeps on going.
The 1980s were a decade that wasn’t afraid to be loud and proud. Fashion wasn’t just about function; it was a way to express yourself, break the rules, and have fun. This playful and daring attitude continues to influence designers today. It’s like saying clothes are your superpower to show everyone how awesome you are.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who influenced fashion in the 1980s?
Answer: The 80s were like a giant fashion fair. Pop stars like Madonna with her cool mix of lace and jeans, and movie stars like the legwarmer queen from Flashdance, all showed off what was hot. Even princesses like Diana had super stylish outfits that everyone wanted to wear. But it wasn’t just celebrities. Fashion designers like Versace, with his crazy cool patterns, totally changed how clothes looked. Everyone worked together to make 80s fashion the unforgettable party it was.
2. Which country was the biggest with fashion in the 1980s?
Answer: The 1980s weren’t just about one country dressing the coolest. It was more like a fashion show around the world. France had superstar designers like Claude Montana, Italy had Versace with his sparkly and glamorous clothes. The US had Calvin Klein with his super simple styles. Throw in all the cool clothes from movies and music videos. The 80s became a giant fashion party where everyone shared ideas. It was like a fashion swap meet, and that’s why the 80s were such a unique and international fashion time.
3. How did sportswear influence fashion in the 1980s?
Answer: The 80s were all about getting fit and having fun with fashion. Everyone loved wearing leg warmers, those colorful things you wear on your legs. Cool designers like Norma and Azzedine saw sporty clothes made of stretchy material and thought, “This could be for more than just gym class!” So they made leggings comfy enough to wear all day, and sweatshirts cool enough to play in. Thanks to these clever designers, workout clothes became super trendy. Everyone could look sporty and stylish at the same time.
4. What was the role of “power dressing” in the 1980s?
Answer: The 1980s saw a whole new breed of woman hit the office floor: ambitious, capable, and ready to take on the world. Superstar designers like Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren saw this shift and gave the classic suit a makeover. Broader shoulders and sharper tailoring became the new power uniform. These weren’t just suits, they were statements. They said, “I mean business, and I look darn good doing it!” Power dressing was about girls showing everyone how strong and capable they were.
5. How did designers use pop culture to influence their work?
Answer: Imagine MTV blasting in the background as designers sketch. That’s how pop culture influenced 80s fashion. Back then, cartoons like Dynasty showed off super-poofy clothes and bold colors. Designers like Thierry Mugler saw this and said, “let’s push the limits even further!” So they started making clothes with even bigger puffs and wilder designs. It was like a game of fashion tag, with pop culture inspiring clothes and clothes inspiring pop culture. The clothes were just as fun and flashy as the music and movies, and everyone wanted to look and feel like a rock star.
6. Did any 1980s designers focus on comfort and minimalism?
Answer: The 80s were all about giant everything—hair, shoulder pads, and clothes. But not everyone wanted to look like a pop star. Some designers, like Donna Karan, were more chill. Her clothes were simple and comfy, with clean lines that looked really cool. You could wear her clothes together in all sorts of ways, so they were perfect for any day. In a time when everyone else was going crazy with fashion, she made clothes that felt more like your favorite PJs but were way more stylish.