Guide to High-fashion brands (Founder, Current Creative Di., short History)

Acne Studios

Founded: 1996, Stockholm (Sweden), Jonny Johansson (Sweden)

Current Creative Director: Jonny Johansson (Sweden) (picture)

History: Acne Studios was founded in 1996 in Stockholm, Sweden as part of the creative collective ACNE that focused on graphic design, film, production and advertising.In 1997, cofounder Jonny Johansson created 100 pairs of raw denim Jeans with red stitching and gave them away to friends and family. Wallpaper* and Vogue Paris quickly picked up on the popularity of the jeans and Acne Studios rapidly expanded their fashion offering outside of denim.

Alaïa

Founded: 1997, France, Azzedine Alaïa (Tunisia) († 2017) (Above)

Current Creative Director: Pieter Mulier (Belgium) (since 2021) (Below)

History: Founded in 1964 by Tunisian-born couturier Azzedine Alaïa, the luxury Parisian brand is renowned for its sculptural, body-hugging silhouettes and masterful use of leather and intricate knits. Acquired by the Richemont group in 2007, the house has been led by Belgian creative director Pieter Mulier since 2021.

Alexander Mcqueen

Founded: 1992, England, Alexander McQueen (England) († 2010) (Above)

Current Creative Director: Sean McGirr (Ireland) (since 2023) (Below)

History: The Alexander McQueen brand was founded by the designer Alexander McQueen in 1992.^[5] The house's early collections developed its reputation for controversy and shock tactics (earning the title "l'enfant terrible" and "the hooligan of English fashion"), with trousers aptly named "bumsters" and a collection entitled Highland R*pe.

AMBUSH

Founded: 2012, Japan, Yoon Ahn (USA-Korea) (picture)

Current Creative Director: Yoon Ahn (USA-Korea)

History: Ambush, before officially debuting in 2012, gained initial international attention from the famous Ambush "Pow!" pendant. Ambush became an immediate success soon after its official launch. Jewelry designs often include heavy and bold motifs as seen in the brand's collection of gold chainmail accessories and line of earrings re-inspired from everyday objects. While the brand initially started as a couture jewelry line, Ambush expanded its couture offerings to encompass unisex high-fashion streetwear that complemented the line's jewelry in 2015.

Ann Demeulemeester

Founded: 1985, Belgium, Ann Demeulemeester (Belgium) (untill 2020, kept advising role) (above)

Current Creative Director: Stefano Gallici (Italy) (since 2023) (below)

History: Ann Demeulemeester launched her eponymous label in 1985 with her husband and creative partner, Patrick Robyn. Known as one of the influential Antwerp Six, the brand became globally celebrated for its dark romanticism, fluid tailoring, monochromatic color palette, and poetic, rebellious spirit. Yes. From the very beginning of her label, Ann Demeulemeester based her collections almost exclusively on a black, white, and monochrome palette.

Balenciaga

Founded: 1917, Spain (HQ now in France), Cristóbal Balenciaga (Spain) († 1972) (Until 1968) (above)

Current Creative Director: Pierpaolo Piccioli (Italy) (Since 2025) (below)

History: The Balenciaga fashion house moved to Paris in 1937 due to the Spanish Civil War. Unlike many designers who primarily sketched, Balenciaga knew how to cut, sew, and construct his garments from start to finish. He revolutionized the 20th-century silhouette by moving away from corseted waists, introducing the cocoon coat, the sack dress, and the baby doll dress.

Balmain

Founded: 1945, France, Pierre Balmain (France) († 1982) (above)

Current Creative Director: Antonin Tron (Fance) (Since 2025) (below)

History: The brand pioneered post-war Parisian elegance with its opulent, curve-enhancing "Jolie Madame" aesthetic. Known for nipped-in waists and lavish embroidery. Well-known for its military-inspired aesthetic.

Bottega Veneta

Founded: 1966, Italy, Michele Taddei (Italy) (left) and Renzo Zengiaro (Italy) (right) (until 1990)

Current Creative Director: Louise Trotter (UK) (Since 2024) (below)

History: Founded by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro, the brand's name translates to "Venetian shop". In its early years, the founders pioneered the Intrecciato weaving technique—interlacing strips of leather to create durable yet soft, logo-free handbags. Because they prioritized supreme craftsmanship over conspicuous branding, their iconic slogan became: "When your own initials are enough."