18 American Fashion Brands Defining Modern Style — and the Shoes Celebrities Actually Wear

America may be the land of the free, but it’s also home to some of the most recognizable fashion brands. Whether you’re a fan of the preppy New England style or prefer futuristic streetwear, there is a hallmark American brand out there for you.

The rise of American fashion houses and brands is coming to rival the popularity of European designers. We’re covering 18 of the most popular and iconic American brands, providing everything you need to know about their origins and must-have products.

If you’re looking to invest in a new closet or start a collection of designer shoes, these are the brands to be looking out for.

1. Coach — Leather Heritage, Modern Shoes & Everyday Luxury

Coach is one of America’s most famous leather goods brands. The brand launched in 1941 and specializes in accessories, handbags, and ready-to-wear.

Coach’s original logo design, featuring the iconic horse and carriage, represents the brand’s heritage of timeless luxury since 1941

You can instantly recognize the brand by its classic ‘C’ monogram or coach and horse logo. Coach is one of the most famous exports from New York, with the city continuing to inspire its popular designs and silhouettes.

While Coach is famous for its leather goods, the brand also has an array of accessories, including watches, jewelry, shoes, sunglasses, and perfumes

The brand began with six in-house artisans under the guidance of Lillian and Miles Cahn. Coach considers itself to be the “Original American House of Leather.”

Bonnie Cashin was hired as the brand’s first lead designer, transforming Coach from a traditional brand to one that reflected the modern freedom and attitudes of New York in the 1960s.

The Coach flagship store opened on Madison Avenue, marking the company’s transformation from a family-run leather goods business to a fashion house. Coach is now under the leadership of Stuart Vevers, its Creative Director, who focuses on infusing the brand with a courageous spirit.

British fashion designer Stuart Vevers has served as Coach’s executive creative director since 2013 (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Vevers joined the company in 2013 and was awarded the Accessory Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2017.

His quirkier work, which incorporates pop culture, has brought Coach to the attention of the younger generation of up-and-coming fashion followers.

A modern take on classic Coach designs, the Tabby Pillow bag features a padded leather finish, giving it that pillow-like look

Best known for its handbags and leather craft, Coach also turns out fan-favorite shoes—from Signature-canvas sneakers to chunky loafers and polished leather boots—that carry the same blend of style and quality. Here are the real-world receipts:

Coach: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

2. Calvin Klein — Minimalist Design, Logo DNA & Red-Carpet Heels

Calvin Klein is the first brand that pops into our heads when we think of sexy athleisure underwear. This global lifestyle brand has a minimalistic aesthetic and loves to add its iconic typographic logo to every waistband and accessory.

First seen in 1968, Calvin Klein’s first logo features delicate and light title case wording in Futura Light font

The brand was founded in 1968 by Calvin Klein and his business partner, Barry Schwartz. Calvin Klein made a name for itself in the industry for its innovative designs, clean, minimal aesthetic, and neutral color palette.

Calvin Klein is a lifestyle brand that offers not just underwear but also clothes, accessories, and fragrances

Although it’s most known for its underwear and lifestyle accessories, Calvin Klein is an extensive lifestyle brand that offers everything from haute couture to perfumery and jewelry.

The fashion house has several diffusion lines, including ‘Calvin Klein Jeans,’ ‘Calvin Klein Home,’ and ‘Calvin Klein Underwear.’

Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber’s Calvin Klein billboard in Soho, New York City (Credit: Instar / WENN)

Some of the world’s most famous women have acted as Calvin Klein brand ambassadors, including Kendall Jenner, Margot Robbie, Eva Mendes, and Diane Kruger.

Calvin Klein is best known for its logo underwear and the enduring Eternity fragrance line.

Calvin Klein’s Eternity for Women Eau de Parfum is a timeless floral fragrance symbolizing eternal love and elegance

Now, here’s how Calvin Klein’s shoes and celebrity moments bring life to the brand’s minimalist legacy:

Calvin Klein: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

3. Ralph Lauren — Preppy Icons, Polished Footwear & American Ease

When we think of American fashion brands, Ralph Lauren is always one of the first labels that come to mind. Lauren has described his brand as “living the best life you can and enjoying the fullness of the life around you.”

Ralph Lauren’s iconic polo player logo symbolizes the brand’s timeless elegance and preppy American style

The brand is considered the pinnacle of American design. For decades, it has curated the idea of ‘preppy’ fashion and dominated trends. Whether it was Sex and the City or Friends, Ralph Lauren was one brand that was everywhere on our screens during the 1990s.

Ralph Lauren pictured at the New York Fashion Week lunch in honor of Carolina Herrera on September 3, 2014 (Credit: Michael Carpenter / WENN)

Ralph Lauren has a heritage and brand recognition rivaling even the most famous European brands. Ralph Lauren has had unparalleled success for over five decades in the United States and abroad. The fashion house describes its work as “reflecting a distinctive American perspective.”

The Ralph Lauren brand includes several diffusion labels, making their pieces available in both a luxury and mid-tier price range.

Camilla Belle, Emma Roberts, Lily Aldridge, and Blake Lively are just among the many celebrities who support Ralph Lauren (Credit: Sheri Determan / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

The history of Ralph Lauren is intertwined with the rise of American fashion. In 1969, the brand was the first to be given its own in-store shop in Bloomingdale’s, where it was sold exclusively until its first flagship was opened in Beverly Hills in 1972.

Throughout the 1970s, Ralph Lauren provided the costumes for two iconic American films – The Great Gatsby and Annie Hall.

Ralph Lauren remains the bright spark in the institution of American fashion, setting new standards every season and continuing to curate a loyal following amongst celebrities and influencers alike.

The must-have pieces from Ralph Lauren include their classic polo shirt, iconic dresses, cashmere sweaters, and Ralph Lauren bear jumper.

Ralph Lauren’s must-haves include the classic polo shirt and polo dress, the brand’s cable-knit cashmere sweater, and the Polo bear jumper

Now, here’s how Ralph Lauren’s timeless aesthetic translates into real-world celebrity style and footwear moments:

Ralph Lauren: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

4. Tom Ford — Sleek Tailoring, Padlock Heels & After-Dark Glamour

Tom Ford started at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent before branching out into his own fashion brand.

Tom Ford’s minimalist logo reflects the brand’s sleek, modern aesthetic and commitment to luxury fashion

The next time you watch an awards ceremony, you can be sure at least a few of the nominees will be wearing pieces from this iconic American designer.

Fashion designer Tom Ford at the Unforgettable Evening event benefiting the Women’s Cancer Research Fund on February 27, 2020 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

The Tom Ford customer is a cultured, well-traveled jet-setter with a point of view. She’s an intelligent woman who knows her style, gravitating toward razor-sharp tailoring, elevated essentials, and a timeless, quietly sexy polish.

While his fashion brand has dressed everyone from Michelle Obama to Anne Hathaway and Tom Hanks, Tom Ford is also famous for his cosmetics and fragrance line.

The brand was responsible for designing Daniel Craig’s iconic suits for almost all of his James Bond films, from Quantum of Solace to No Time to Die.

Tom Ford has everything from clothes, shoes, and accessories to makeup and perfumes

Along with writing and directing A Single Man and Nocturnal Animals—both Academy Award–nominated films—Tom Ford built one of America’s most influential fashion brands.

The brand’s must-have pieces include the ‘Black Orchid’ perfume, a cult favorite since 2006, and oversized sunglasses that channel Ford’s signature blend of modern glamour and timeless sophistication.

Tom Ford Black Orchid, a luxurious and sensual fragrance, combines bold notes in an elegant bottle design for a timeless appeal

And here’s how Tom Ford’s footwear continues to dominate red carpets, street style, and celebrity wardrobes:

Tom Ford: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

5. Marc Jacobs — Playful Platforms, Runway Drama & Street Impact

Marc Jacobs launched his eponymous brand in 1994 after showing his first collection to Perry Ellis in 1992. His brand was launched with two concepts: a love for fashion and a commitment to quality.

Fashion designer Marc Jacobs’ logo is a minimalist wordmark done in Engravers Gothic font

The same year, he won the CFDA award for New Fashion Talent. His brand has expanded from ready-to-wear into a full lifestyle brand, offering everything from fragrances to cosmetics and accessories.

Marc Jacobs is also famous for his work as Louis Vuitton’s Creative Director, where he was responsible for some of the brand’s most iconic handbags and accessories.

He worked for the French fashion house from 1997 to 2014, overseeing a golden era for the brand.

Marc Jacobs at the WSJ Magazine 2017 Innovator Awards on November 2, 2017 (Credit: Patricia Schlein / WENN)

Whether it’s the signature Marc Jacobs brand or ‘Marc by Marc Jacobs,’ every American woman owns at least one piece by the famous designer.

While the Marc by Marc Jacobs brand was discontinued in 2015, it remains an icon of American fashion. The diffusion brand was discontinued to allow Marc Jacobs to focus more on the brand’s luxury products and growing international audience.

Originally a sweater brand, Marc Jacobs has expanded its product line with small leather goods, sunglasses, perfume, and body lotion

Marc Jacobs once put it best: he’s “neither an American nor a French designer—just a designer.” Case in point: the cult-favorite Snapshot bag (yes, the one you spotted on Emily in Paris) that turns everyday outfits into moments.

Marc Jacobs Snapshot Small Leather Camera Bag, a stylish and compact accessory featuring a bold logo and adjustable strap for everyday elegance

Next, here’s how Marc Jacobs’ footwear makes bold statements on runways, red carpets, and in celebrity style:

Marc Jacobs: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

6. Donna Karan / DKNY — Seven-Piece Wardrobes, City Sneakers & Day-to-Night Pumps

While she may be best known for her iconic apple-shaped perfumes, Donna Karan began her eponymous brand in the mid-1980s with separates that could be mixed and matched.

Donna Karan’s effortless yet elegant logo design since 1984

Donna Karan is a brand and designer known for its forward-thinking designs, crafted to meet the modern woman’s needs. Her first collection, in 1984, focused on ‘Seven Easy Pieces’, which revolutionized the way women dress. It featured what we would now consider a capsule closet.

Donna Karan, creator of the DKNY brand, at the Iris Apfel 100th Birthday Celebration on September 9, 2021 (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)

Her clothes are designed to easily take you from day to night, simplifying life without compromising style and elegance.

Donna Karan at the amfAR 2020 Gala in New York City on February 5, 2020 (Credit: Instar / WENN)

The Donna Karan brand expanded to include DKNY, designed for the next generation and focused on New York living. Donna Karan has become synonymous with the New York fashion scene. The must-have Donna Karan pieces include modern shirts and sleek midi dresses.

An elegant selection of versatile pieces by Donna Karan, from chic black dresses to bold floral gowns, showcases timeless style and modern sophistication

Here’s how Donna Karan and DKNY footwear elevate the brand’s street-to-glam narrative through standout celebrity style moments:

Donna Karan / DKNY: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

7. Michael Kors — Jet-Set Aesthetic, Wearable Heels & High-Low Versatility

Michael Kors frequently doubles as a first “big” handbag purchase—style without the sticker shock.

Michael Kors’ original circular logo with MK monogram inside was introduced in 1981, while the wordmark monochrome logo was first seen in 2006

The Michael Kors brand was launched in 1981. It is the parent company of several diffusion brands, including MICHAEL Michael Kors and the Michael Kors Men’s label.

Along with ready-to-wear and accessories, the brand is famous for its watches, eyewear, and fragrances.

Michael Kors is famous not just for its bags and ready-to-wear clothing but also for its accessories, including watches, belts, and eyewear

Michael Kors describes his brands as “for women and men who need clothing and accessories that keep up with their fast-paced lives and make them feel like their best selves.”

Dawn Mello, executive vice president at Bergdorf Goodman, noticed his talents early on and encouraged him to launch his brand.

The Michael Kors aesthetic combines athleisure and everyday wear with effortless glamour. From 1997 to 2004, Michael Kors was also the Creative Director of Celine, making him one of the few American designers to take over the reins of an iconic European fashion house.

Michael Kors at the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala on October 18, 2017 (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)

The must-have Michael Kors items include the brand’s classic tote bags, crossbody bags, backpacks, and watches.

Next up: How Michael Kors’ footwear continues to define jet-set elegance through bold yet wearable celebrity moments:

Michael Kors: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

8. Oscar de la Renta — Couture Romance, Crystal Boots & Feminine Sandals

Oscar de la Renta – nicknamed ‘Guru of Glamour’ – was the architect behind the feminine silhouettes of the 1960s.

The Santo Domingo-born designer had a unique heritage. He learned his craft from Antonio del Castillo and Cristobal Balenciaga. He made a name for himself as one of Jackie Kennedy’s go-to couturiers and worked for Balmain and Lanvin.

Signature logo design by Oscar de la Renta

No designer has dressed more First Ladies of the United States than Oscar de la Renta. The designer has styled almost every First Lady from Jackie Kennedy onwards, with Laura Bush and Nancy Reagan being firm fans of the fashion house.

Jill Biden has already staked her claim on the brand, wearing an Oscar de la Renta dress on election night and several occasions since. Although Oscar de la Renta passed away in 2014, his brand is still going strong. The must-have Oscar de la Renta pieces are their feminine dresses with an elegant silhouette.

A vibrant showcase of Oscar de la Renta designs featuring bold colors and intricate floral patterns that embody timeless elegance and modern luxury

Here’s how Oscar de la Renta continues to make a statement through standout footwear and red-carpet collaborations — even when the shoes aren’t center stage:

Oscar de la Renta: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

9. Tory Burch — Color-Happy Classics, Miller Sandals & Sculptural Pumps

If you want luxury leather goods without paying a Chanel price tag, you must look at Tory Burch. The brand falls within the classic ‘preppy’ fashion aesthetic and is a go-to for everyone from college students to professional women and stay-at-home moms.

Tory Burch commissioned a design firm to create her logo, inspired by the works of Moroccan and interior designer David Hicks

The brand takes inspiration from some of America’s most famous women, including Lee Radziwill, for whom a bag is named.

Tory Burch was founded in New York in 2004 as a “distinctly American brand with a global point of view.” The fashion brand supports the work of the Tory Burch Foundation, which aims to empower female entrepreneurs.

Tory Burch at the Glamour 2019 Women of the Year Awards on November 11, 2019 (Credit: Instar / WENN)

Tory Burch blends refinement and modern elegance with practicality and timeless style. Its products offer the look and feel of a luxury brand at an attainable price point. The brand is famous for its love of color. In 2014, Tory Burch launched her first book, Tory Burch In Colour, which is available on Amazon.

Tory Burch’s iconic double-T logo takes inspiration from two of Tory’s greatest loves – interiors and travel. The molded arches come from Moroccan architecture, while David Hicks’ interior designs inspire the graphics.

Sophisticated yet comfy, Tory Burch’s Miller sandal features a foam-cushioned footbed and a bold logo cutout design

Must-have Tory Burch pieces include the Lee Radziwill bag and the ‘Miller’ sandals. She is also considered one of America’s leading jewelry designers.

Here’s how Tory Burch footwear has left its mark on celebrity style — from festival-ready flats to sculptural heels and statement boots:

Tory Burch: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

10. Tommy Hilfiger — American Cool, Statement Boots & Logo-Forward Style

One of the most recognizable American fashion brands is Tommy Hilfiger. The eponymous label began as a menswear line in the 1980s, focusing on the ‘preppy’ fashion style.

Throughout the 1990s, the brand expanded to include luxury products, womenswear, and perfume. Tommy Hilfiger takes its design inspiration from music subcultures and has a deep connection with the music industry.

Tommy Hilfiger and his wife, Turkish-American designer Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, attend a Breast Cancer Research Foundation event in New York City in 2008 (Credit: PNP / WENN)

As one of the leading lifestyle brands in the world, Tommy Hilfiger is synonymous with the idea of ‘American cool’ style. The brand focuses on preppy fashion with a contemporary twist. In addition to the signature Tommy Hilfiger line, the brand has several diffusion lines, including Tommy Jeans.

The Tommy Hilfiger brand includes a collection of labels for eyewear, fragrances, and home furnishings. His signature American-cool style has been represented by some of the most recognizable faces in the world, including Hailey Baldwin, Zendaya, and Gigi Hadid.

Iman and David Bowie get romantic in a print advertisement for Tommy Hilfiger’s Spring 2004 collection (Credit: WENN)

Tommy Hilfiger remains the brand’s principal designer and was awarded the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2012.

Now, let’s see how Tommy Hilfiger’s footwear makes waves—from ankle boots to daring pumps—across celebrity circles:

Tommy Hilfiger: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

11. Diane von Furstenberg (DVF) — Wrap-Dress Legacy & Confident, Color-Led Footwear

If you’re a fan of the classic wrap dress, DVF will be your designer hero. Diane von Furstenberg launched her eponymous fashion brand in 1970, creating her iconic wrap dress in 1974. Within two years, DVF had sold over a million wrap dresses.

It served as a powerful symbol for a generation of women, and its cultural relevance is marked by a permanent position in the Smithsonian Museum’s dress exhibition.

Fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg and her husband, American businessman Barry Charles Diller, attend The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Opening Gala held on September 25, 2021, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

DVF – and by extension, her wrap dress – was described as “the most marketable woman since Coco Chanel” by Newsweek magazine in 1976. The brand quickly expanded to include a cosmetic range and the first DVF fragrance, ‘Tatiana’.

The DVF fashion brand was relaunched in 1997 with the reintroduction of the wrap dress after von Furstenberg turned her attention to publishing and other businesses.

DVF is a brand that has dressed everyone from politicians to Hollywood royalty. Michelle Obama wore a signature chain-link print wrap dress for the 2009 White House Christmas card.

Reese Witherspoon, Jamie Chung, and Mandy Moore have all been pictured wearing DVF. The brand also designed shirts for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 Presidential campaign.

American art curator Tatiana von Fürstenberg with her mother Diane von Fürstenberg, who was born Diane Simone Michele Halfin (Credit: Antonio Salvador / WENN)

DVF has won several awards, including the American Accessories Council’s Excellence Award. In 2005, she was elected President of the CFDA and has overseen projects like the Vogue Fashion Fund. According to Forbes, DVF is one of the most powerful women in the world and has been featured on the Time 100 list.

The Diane Von Furstenberg label is an American fashion brand synonymous with generations of influential women across all aspects of life.

Now, here’s how Diane von Furstenberg’s footwear moments amplify her signature elegance and bold, print-forward aesthetic:

Diane von Furstenberg (DVF): Shoe & Fashion Highlights

12. Thom Browne — Tailored Uniforms, Brogue Heels & Whimsical Details

Thom Browne is an American brand that single-handedly challenges and modernizes contemporary fashion. This New York-based menswear and womenswear brand was founded in 2001 by Thom Browne, who worked as a salesman for Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren before launching his eponymous label.

Award-winning American designer Thom Browne is known for his reconceptualization of the classic men’s suit (Credit: Starpress / WENN)

Thom Browne’s debut ready-to-wear menswear collection launched in 2004, reimagining workwear for the modern generation. In 2011, Thom Browne’s womenswear was launched at New York Fashion Week.

It’s another American brand with a stake in history, as Michelle Obama wore a silk jacquard coat and dress by Thom Browne to President Obama’s second inauguration.

In 2018, it was announced that Thom Browne would create tailored suits for the Barcelona FC team to wear on matchday.

Billy Porter in a white outfit from Thom Browne’s Spring 2020 collection and a cutout headpiece from Stephen Jones Millinery at the 47th American Music Awards held at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019, in New York City (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

The Thom Browne brand has collaborated with everyone from Brooks Brothers to Moncler and even then, with Presidential candidate Joe Biden.

Thom Browne won the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year Award on three occasions from 2006 to 2016. The brand’s latest product is a collaboration with Samsung on a range of smartwatches that have taken luxury tech to the next level. Thom Browne remains at the head of the brand as its Chief Creative Officer, with a 15% share in the business.

Here’s how Thom Browne’s shoes reinforce his avant-garde tailoring — from structured brogues to whimsical bows on the red carpet:

Thom Browne: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

13. Telfar — Accessible It-Bags, Gender-Neutral Design & Street-Ready Shoes

If you’re on TikTok or Instagram, the chances are that you’ve seen a Telfar handbag pop up on your feed. This unisex American brand was established in New York in 2005 by Telfar Clemens and runs with the tagline, “It’s not for you – it’s for everyone.”

The Telfar bag has even been named the “most popular black-owned accessory on the internet,” with the NY Times describing 2021 as the “year of Telfar.”

Solange Knowles is carrying a small black Telfar shopping bag at the 70th Annual Parsons Benefit at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers on May 21, 2018, in New York City (Credit: Jeff Grossman / WENN)

Telfar is an interesting American fashion brand to highlight. As a black-owned fashion label, it struggled to attract a loyal following amongst celebrities and influencers for over a decade before its vegan-leather and gender-neutral bag took the internet by storm.

The so-called ‘Bushwick Birkin’ became one of the must-have accessories of 2021 and has put the Telfar brand on the radar of every fashion follower.

14. Cole Haan — Comfort Tech, Dress-Sneaker Hybrids & All-Day Wear

Launched in 1928, Cole Haan is among the most recognizable American brands. It specializes in footwear for men and women and has an accessories line.

The brand began in Chicago, with the name coming from its founders, Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan. Along with moving its headquarters to New York and Greenland, New Hampshire, Cole Haan has expanded beyond its original range of men’s footwear.

The brand aims to “inspire our customers to live extraordinary lives” with footwear and accessories. Cole Haan was initially known for its comfortable dress shoes, but now focuses primarily on athleisure and business casual styles.

Cole Haan is an American brand of men’s and women’s footwear and accessories (Credit: Cole Haan)

Their sneakers are suitable for a dressed-down day at the office or when exploring the city. Cole Haan promotes its collections as capable of taking you from “work to workout to weekend.” The brand’s core demographic is millennials, and its shoes range from $60 to $400.

Cole Haan was one of the first American designers to stop using real animal fur in their products. The decision was announced in February 2008, and the brand cited sustainability as the reason behind its move away from fur.

The brand is known for collaborating with other designers, including Todd Snyder. Cole Haan has also released a collection of ballet flats in partnership with three New York City Ballet dancers.

Cole Haan is famous for its comfy and breathable GrandPrø Rally sneakers (Credit: Cole Haan)

Here’s how Cole Haan’s footwear has made its mark in celebrity style — from metallic heels to retro Oxfords that blend comfort and sophistication:

Cole Haan: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

15. Vera Wang — Bridal Artistry, Platform Boots & Runway Edge

When it comes to wedding dresses, Vera Wang reigns supreme. Vera Wang is a native New Yorker who has spent her career working at the forefront of the fashion industry.

She launched her eponymous bridal brand in 1990 with a flagship store at the Carlyle Hotel in NYC. Her designs are synonymous with feminine detailing and sophisticated drama, and every dress is designed for the modern woman.

Although famous for her bridal wear, the Vera Wang brand launched its ready-to-wear collection in 2000. Vera Wang was named the ‘Womenswear Designer of the Year’ at the 2005 Council of Fashion Designers of America award.

Vera Ellen Wang is an American fashion designer who was a senior fashion editor at Vogue for 15 years (Credit: Avalon / WENN)

The brand is known for its nonchalant approach to luxury fashion. The ready-to-wear collection incorporates Wang’s signature layering, intricate draping, and exquisite attention to detail in every design.

The Vera Wang brand has expanded to become a lifestyle brand that goes beyond its original bridal and ready-to-wear collections. In addition to beauty and fragrances, you’ll also find accessories and homeware pieces.

Vera Wang sits at the top of the luxury market, offering couture-like quality through artistic designs. The bridal collection continues to be made within the United States, making it a truly American brand for the modern era.

Next up: How Vera Wang’s shoes—and the statement footwear paired with her designs—add layers of drama and personality to her fashion moments:

Vera Wang: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

16. Alice + Olivia — Playful Prints, Party-Ready Heels & Modern Femininity

Alice + Olivia is an American fashion brand founded by New Yorker Stacey Bendet in 2002. Stacey takes her inspiration from her love of vintage and feminine design, juxtaposing whimsical motifs with sexy and sophisticated designs.

The brand is known for its ornamented fabrics, universally flattering fits, and colorful prints. Alice + Olivia caters to the modern woman who isn’t afraid to channel her inner femininity.

The brand has a legion of loyal Hollywood fans, including Ashley Tisdale, Kourtney Kardashian, Abigail Breslin, and Katy Perry. It is also available through its e-commerce store, where you can find Alice + Olivia stores across the United States and Asia.

Stacey Bendet is the chief executive officer and creative director of contemporary clothing company Alice + Olivia (Credit: WENN / Avalon)

Stacey Bendet remains the brand’s creative director, making it one of America’s leading contemporary fashion brands. Alice + Olivia began when Bendet was on the quest for the perfect pants. The ‘perfect pants’ were made with a desire to make a ‘trouser sexy’ or the ‘focus of an outfit’.

The brand was an instant success, initially sold at Barneys with a 20-piece collection, and quickly became a lifestyle brand with a ready-to-wear range and accessories collection.

Next up: How Alice + Olivia’s whimsical femininity — and the statement shoes that complement Stacey Bendet’s bold prints — make every look a fashion fantasy on and off the red carpet:

Alice + Olivia: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

17. GUESS — Denim DNA, Pop-Culture Campaigns & Night-Out Heels

Guess is a fashion brand inspired by the American Dream. Founded in 1981 by the Marciano brothers, it takes its design inspiration from European fashion. It’s one of the most recognizable contemporary fashion brands and is synonymous with its iconic denim collections.

The original Guess brand launched in 1981 as a book focusing on Georges Marciano’s styles. The book inspired the first collection.

White Lotus star Sydney Sweeney is seen here channeling Anna Nicole Smith as the face of a new capsule collection for GUESS Originals released in October 2021 (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

Before launching GUESS, the brothers had founded a successful series of ‘MGA’ stores in France. They took their inspiration from their best-selling unisex jeans and created the first GUESS jeans.

The early GUESS designs encapsulated the brand’s signature aesthetic and style, focusing on soft, form-fitting denim lighter in color than most of its competitors. Most GUESS jeans were made in indigo blue or with a bleached finish. In 1981, GUESS launched its stonewashed denim jeans, with the label’s signature ankle zipper and the now-iconic red triangle question-mark logo.

The brand achieved instant success, with sales reaching $6 million at their Beverly Hills store and Bloomingdale’s department store within the first year.

Paris Hilton in the Marciano Fall 2004 campaign for Guess (Credit: WENN)

GUESS’ popularity comes from its association with some of the world’s most popular celebrities and supermodels. The likes of Hailey Baldwin, Jennifer Lopez, and Paris Hilton have all been ambassadors for the brand and featured heavily in their advertising campaigns.

Guess jeans became synonymous with Hollywood after they were featured in the 1985 movie Back to the Future. The lead character wore Guess denim jeans that were designed for the movie.

Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly wears blue Guess jeans with white Nike Bruin shoes and a down vest for the 1985 American science fiction film Back to the Future (Credit: Universal Pictures)

Some of Guess’ biggest success is found within their ‘Guess Accessorize,’ ‘Guess Denim,’ and ‘Guess Kids’ brands. The brand also has a successful jewelry and eyewear range.

Although Guess is seen as an all-American brand, around 70% of their sales are generated outside of the United States. Their primary competitors include The Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Ralph Lauren Corporation.

18. Kenneth Cole — Urban Utility, Comfortable Heels & Purpose-Driven Style

While Kenneth Cole is famous for his versatile and functional footwear and accessories, the American designer has an industry backstory.

Kenneth Cole Products, Inc. is the eponymous fashion house established in 1982 by Kenneth Cole and Sam Edelman. Cole was born and raised in New York and studied at Emory College of Arts and Sciences of Emory University.

American fashion designer Kenneth Cole attends the 2021 CFDA Awards at The Seagram Building on November 10, 2021, in New York City (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

It’s no surprise that Cole went straight into the footwear industry, as his father owned El Greco, a footwear manufacturing company. He spent time studying footwear design in Europe before heading back to New York to launch his eponymous brand.

The unique beginning of Kenneth Cole Productions

The story behind the launch of Kenneth Cole is one of the most famous in the footwear industry. After Cole couldn’t afford a spot at the New York Shoe Expo, he changed his company name from ‘Kenneth Cole Incorporated’ to ‘Kenneth Cole Productions’ to get a filming permit to park near the Expo’s location.

The film would eventually become ‘The Birth of a Shoe Company,’ with Cole selling over 40,000 pairs of shoes during the two-and-a-half days.

Kenneth Cole is married to Maria Cuomo, the daughter of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo and sister of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and CNN journalist Chris Cuomo (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

The first ‘Kenneth Cole’ store opened in 1984 in Manhattan, and the brand quickly grew across the United States. The fashion brand has expanded to include men’s and women’s footwear, clothing, and accessories. It also contains several diffusion brands, including Kenneth Cole Reaction, Kenneth Cole New York, and Unlisted.

What makes Kenneth Cole one of America’s most famous designers?

Kenneth Cole is famous for his versatile and practical footwear and accessories. He explains that his method of designing the perfect show is to “think how I would feel if I were a woman and what I’d want to wear,” with the philosophy that “there’s nothing more sexy than comfortable shoes.”

Uniquely, Kenneth Cole remains one of the few designers still leading his namesake international brand. Although Kenneth Cole Productions first went public in 1994, Cole retook the company private in 2012, buying out shareholders to regain full control. He continues to guide the label’s creative direction and philanthropic mission, blending fashion with social purpose.

Donna Karan and Kenneth Cole attend the 2019 FN Achievement Awards at the IAC Building on December 3, 2019, in New York City (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)

Cole once famously said, “What you stand for is more important than what you stand in.” While recognized as one of the most famous American designers, Cole is also known for his work in promoting AIDS research.

He’s widely considered one of the first in the fashion industry to adopt the cause and has worked closely with several organizations, including amfAR and Rock the Vote.

Next up: Kenneth Cole in action — a brand that bridges effortless streetwear with timeless, socially conscious design:

Kenneth Cole: Shoe & Fashion Highlights

If you’re considering adding a touch of American fashion to your closet, these are the top 18 brands. Each has played a role in curating the fashion industry by setting trends that have inspired generations of women.

From heritage bootmakers to modern luxury labels, American design continues to blend craftsmanship, comfort, and creativity. Explore more YNS features that celebrate U.S.-made shoes, sneakers, and accessories:

Explore More American-Made Style on Your Next Shoes