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Clothes With Sharp Lines by Fashion Designer Helmut LangA Series of Super Clothing Designers by Bob Pardue PhotographyWhat is a Fashion Designer?
Speaking of top fashion design artist Helmut Lang, let's first get the definition of the trade. Wikipediatm explains that fashion design "differs from costume design due to its core product having a built in obsolescence usually of one to two seasons. A season is defined as either autumn/winter or spring/summer. Fashion design is generally considered to have started in the 19th century with Charles Frederick Worth who was the first designer to have his label sewn into the garments that he created. While all articles of clothing from any time period are studied by academics as costume design, only clothing created after 1858 could be considered as fashion design."
Biography of Helmut Lang
Fashion designers are superstars these days and as famous as their top models. Austrian born designer Helmut Lang was in his heyday during the 1990s having started his own label.
He was born in Vienna in 1956 and became a successful designer in his home country, opening a studio in 1977, before moving to Paris in 1986.
Lang built a reputation for clothes with razor sharp lines for men and women, a style that fitted the mood of the times. There were no frills, just basic design in quality materials. Women who wore his line were able to look successful but elegant. The Helmut Lang label was not just about dresses and power suits, it also extended to underwear, jeans and accessories. There was also a line for ladies' perfume and men's after shave lotion.
The designer was at the
height of his powers when he became embroiled in
business and financial affairs. In 1999, the prestigious
Prada company of Milan bought into the Helmut
Lang
A Fashion Designing Slump ?
His brand met with declining sales and he sold his shares to Prada. By 2005, he had in fact vacated the very label he had started. In the fall of that year, Prada stopped sales on the Lang label. Eventually, the five Helmut Lang stores, which showcased his new lines, all closed. They were in the fashion capitals of New York City, Milan and Paris. Two other stores were in Munich and his home city of Vienna.
The world of haute couture was left to wonder what would happen to the Lang brand. Prada issued a statement, announcing that the Tokyo based Link Theory Holdings was buying the brand.
Then, the rumors were flying as to which high fashion designer would be attached to the label. Helmut Lang himself has not given any indication that he wishes to return but Link Theory Holdings have said they would welcome him. In the meantime, the Lang website doesn't have any content and we are basically told to watch this space.
Is Helmut Lang a Comeback Kid in the Fashion Industry ?
A designer of this caliber will not be quiet for long. Regardless of any business arrangements, Helmut Lang will rely on his own natural talent as always. He has won numerous awards and his reputation is intact. He was honored in 2004 when Fashion Group International awarded him as one of the 'Imagineers of Our Time'.
So, no matter if you are a female model, fashion designer or just interested in the latest fashion trends, keep a watch out for the return of Helmut Lang. Let me know when you spot him!!
Note: All commercial names such as Helmut Lang or FGI used in this article about clothing designers are copyrighted or trademarks and are sole property of the holders. |
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Copyright Bob Pardue Photography - Worldwide Rights Top fashion designer Helmut Lang