The Leo Designers Who Keep Shaking Up Fashion—and Who’s Wearing Them

Koktail Magazine

21 Aug 2024


Meet 10 Leo designers who’ve roared into the fashion scene with their dazzling glamour and bold designs– plus the celebs who are rocking their creations.

As Leo comes to a close, let’s raise a toast to the designers born under this fierce sign! Known for their unmatched confidence and undeniable flair, Leos are the zodiac’s true fashion icons. Today, we’re spotlighting the Leo designers who’ve left their mark on the fashion world—and the celebrities who’ve made their designs legendary. Here’s how these fashion lions continue to set the scene on fire!

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Yves Saint Laurent “YSL” (1936-2008)

Power Suits and Star Power

Yves Saint Laurent, born August 1st, by dipping his toes into women’s fashion, he plunged in and rewrote the rules. His Le Smoking suit was a game-changer, bringing tuxedos to the forefront of women’s wardrobes. This gave women a new kind of power dressing. Fast forward, at the BAFTAs, Angelina Jolie dazzled in a YSL tuxedo, a nod to the iconic Le Smoking suit. By choosing a tuxedo over a gown, Jolie transformed red carpet fashion, elegantly setting a fresh standard for female empowerment.

YSL’s designs have shown that while fashion may evolve, true style remains timeless.

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Coco Chanel (1883-1971)

From Flapper to A-Lister

Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel, born on August 19th, revolutionised fashion with her iconic Chanel suit and the “little black dress.” They were symbols of a new kind of femininity—comfortable, chic, and effortlessly sophisticated.

But Chanel’s legacy isn’t limited to fashion. Chanel No. 5 became a cultural touchstone, immortalised by Marilyn Monroe when she famously said “ I only wear Chanel No. 5”. Today, Chanel remains synonymous with elegance, with stars like Charlotte Casiraghi, Tilda Swinton, G-Dragon, Vicky Krieps, Nana Komatsu, Kristen Stewart, Margaret Qualley, NewJeans’ Minji, Blackpink’s Jennie and Kristen Stewart keeping her spirit alive on the red carpet and beyond.

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Michael Kors (Born 1959, 65 years)

Luxe Living, Every Day

Michael Kors, born August 9th, knows how to turn luxury into a lifestyle. His designs offer a sophistication and comfort that’s perfect for city-strolling. Kors is the go-to for anyone wanting to look sharp without trying too hard like Kate Hudson and Taylor Swift when they need to look effortlessly glamorous—whether they’re walking the streets of NYC or going on a chilled-out rendezvous with your favourite people.

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Azzedine Alaïa (1935-2017)

The King of Cling

Azzedine Alaïa, born August 7th, knew how to make curves the star of the show. His bodycon dresses became the go-to for pop culture’s fiercest icons, from Rihanna to Beyoncé. Alaïa’s designs are all about confidence, with every piece crafted to hug the body and flaunt every curve.

These clothes are a staple for pop culture’s ultimate badasses– no surprise you see them on icons like Rihanna dazzling in her red sheer Azzedine Alaïa gown at the 2013 Grammys, or Beyoncé, making a statement in her open-shoulder black dress for the debut of her 2022 album Renaissance.

When you see someone in Alaïa, you know they’re making a statement—no words needed. It’s a confidence that’s stitched right into the fabric, perfect for those who want to own the room.

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André Courrèges (1923-2016)

The Original Space Cowboy

André Courrèges, born August 9th, was light-years ahead with his futuristic takes on ’60s fashion. His designs are still orbiting today, bringing a touch of sci-fi futurism to the fashion today.

With sleek lines and a playful nod to the future, Courrèges’ designs are a favourite among pop culture icons like Dua Lipa, who embraced their inner space explorer in the iconic silver, sparkly open-chest dress at the 2024 Grammys. His fashion is out of this world—literally!

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Guillaume Henry (Born 1978,)

The Vintage Revivalist

Guillaume Henry, born August 19th, is the young French designer breathing new life into vintage fashion. With a knack for turning old-school styles into the new cool, he’s behind the revivals of Carven and Nina Ricci.

He creates clothes that are simple but never dull, blending modern twists on classics that have caught the eye of celebs like Emma Stone and Lily Collins.  His use of colour is a mix of bold and subtle—earthy tones meet vibrant hues, with patterns and crystal details adding just the right spark.

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Giambattista Valli (Born 1966,)

Couture Dreams Turned Reality

Giambattista Valli, born August 27th, creates high-fashion fantasies with his couture gowns, beloved by stars like Ariana Grande and Amal Clooney. When you’re looking for red carpet glamour, Valli is your designer.

From the Met Gala to the Oscars, Valli’s creations are about making a grand entrance. His designs are for those moments when you want to be seen—really seen—and leave a lasting impression.

Another celeb rocking Giambattista Valli is Lily Collins. One standout look was from the 2019 Met Gala, where the theme was "Camp: Notes on Fashion." Whether it’s a frothy pink number at the Met or a sleek black gown at the Oscars, Valli’s dresses always make a statement— that says, “I’ve arrived.”

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Dominique Sirop (Born 1956,)

The Parisian Dream Weaver

Dominique Sirop, born August 6th, brings Parisian elegance to life with his haute couture creations. His designs are the epitome of French chic, worn by the likes of Marion Cotillard and Juliette Binoche.

Sirop’s pieces are timeless, with a focus on flow and fit that makes every dress a flawless frame for the female form. His work proves that sometimes, the classics really are the best.

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John Rocha (1953,)

Romance with an Edge

John Rocha, born August 23, is a Hong Kong native now rocking the fashion scene from Ireland. His work gives us romance, but not the typical kind. His designs are a mix of layered textures and avant-garde vibes to create something unique.

Rocha goes all-in with his designs, bringing a bold, avant-garde flair that’s anything but ordinary. Think Florence Welch in one of his ethereal gowns—it’s part fantasy, part edgy, and entirely unique. Rocha’s pieces are perfect for stars like Florence Welch, who want to mix fantasy with edge. His designs are all about standing out, with the right amount of drama to steal the show.

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Betsey Johnson (1942,)

Punk Whimsy

Betsey Johnson, born August 10th, has been rocking the fashion world with her punk-inspired, whimsical designs for decades. At 82, she’s still as vibrant as ever, proving that style only gets better with age.

One unforgettable moment in fashion history was when Katy Perry turned heads in a quirky purple dress from Betsey Johnson’s Spring 2011 collection at the People’s Choice Awards. This look captured Perry's whimsical style and Johnson's signature cheerfulness.

Her bold colours and eclectic accessories are a reminder to embrace your authentic self—because if Betsey Johnson has taught us anything, it’s that fashion should be fun, no matter your age.

 

These Leo designers—created moments that have defined fashion history. From the Met Gala to Hollywood’s biggest stages, their designs have graced the most iconic figures and events, proving that Leo’s roar is always heard loud and clear in the fashion world. So here’s to the Leos who’ve made fashion a legacy.