Best of British – the UK’s Top Designers
Julien Macdonald
Inspired by his mothers knitting circles that she held at their home in Merthyr Tydfil, Julien Macdonald’s sophisticated knitwear was what landed him a scholarship at London’s Royal College of Art. Graduating in 1996 with an impressive collection, Julien had already designed for Karl Lagerfeld and Alexander McQueen. In 1997, Julien’s knitwear was spotted by Lagerfeld and he was appointed as Chanel’s head knitwear designer.
Julien has gained a vivacious reputation for his designs. Truly devoted to the form of the female body, his glitzy and glamorous red carpet creations of revealing crochet slips made from crystals, shocking furs and frocks has drawn attention from celebrities worldwide. In 2001, Julien Macdonald won the British Glamour Designer of the Year award, and he went on to work as creative director of Givenchy.
Julien Macdonald
Paul Smith
Paul Smith kick started his career when he opened his own store in his native city of Nottingham, where he sold designs that were inspired by the type of clothing that he loved but was not able to buy elsewhere. During the evening, he took classes in fashion design, and worked closely with his wife Pauline Denyer. By 1976, he had developed a full range of menswear that he showed in Paris.
His traditional English attire combined with witty and unusual prints, is what makes Paul Smith’s designs so distinctive. With 300 stores in Japan alone, and wholesaling his designs to thirty-five countries across the globe, Paul Smith’s commercial accomplishments are world-renowned.
Paul Smith
Stella McCartney
In 1995, Stella McCartney graduated from Central Saint Martins, where her final year collection was picked up by some of the biggest names in retail, including Bergdorf Goodman and Browns. Her trademark style can be seen in her trouser suits, jet-setting holiday wear, and vintage inspired dresses.
After working as creative director for Chloe, McCartney decided to focus on re launching her own line. She opened her first store in New York, shortly followed by stores in Los Angeles and London. Passionate about animal rights, Stella refuses to work with leather or fur, and she has been acknowledged for winning a Women of Courage Award due to her involvement with cancer charities.
Stella McCartney
