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The Pioneers and the Protégés: 5 LGBT+ Trailblazers We Love


From the classic works of Yves Saint Laurent to the exquisite stylings of one Valentino Garavani, the fashion industry has certainly seen no shortage of immense contributions from the LGBT+ community. In this edit we explore five incredible designers who've undoubtedly changed face of fashion.

Yves Saint Laurent

A young prodigy who became Dior’s lead designer at just 21 years old, Yves Saint Laurent changed fashion with the creation of his namesake label’s Le Smoking Tuxedo, transforming a traditionally masculine silhouette into a symbol of empowerment for women everywhere.
at LUISAVIAROMA
Saint Laurent
Medium Uptown pouch w/leather details
$595
at LUISAVIAROMA
Saint Laurent
Medium Sunset leather satchel bag
$2,850
at Farfetch
Saint Laurent
80s Vanity quilted shoulder bag
$1,750
at Cettire
Saint Laurent
Tribute Slip-On Sandals
$493–699 $660–856
at MATCHES
Saint Laurent
Loulou Medium Quilted-leather Shoulder Bag
$3,200
at Cettire
Saint Laurent
Gaby Quilted Chain Pouch
$1,054 $1,098
at MATCHES
Saint Laurent
Severine Leather-trimmed Pvc Tote Bag
$2,150
at MATCHES
Saint Laurent
Loulou Toy Quilted-leather Cross-body Bag
$1,990
at Mytheresa
Saint Laurent
Le 5 a 7 Mini patent leather shoulder bag
$1,790
at Neiman Marcus
Saint Laurent
Tribute Denim Slide Mules
$895
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Gianni Versace

Gianni Versace’s vibrant designs and larger-than-life persona fused fashion and pop culture in groundbreaking new ways, leading to many industry accolades. As one of Italy’s first openly gay figures, Versace proudly used his celebrity to raise awareness for friend Elton John’s AIDS foundation.
at Cettire
Versace
Aevitas Platform Embellished Pumps
$682.87 $1,446
at Cettire
Versace
Medusa Flip Flop Sandals
$234.11 $416.51
at Cettire
Versace
Medusa Head Motif Flip Flops
$172–218 $314–325
at FWRD
Versace
La Greca Long Sleeve Cardigan in Green
$938 $1,875
at Versace
Versace
Medusa '95 Long Dress
$3,475
at Bergdorf Goodman
Versace
Greca Border Hipster Bikini Bottoms
$225
at Cettire
Versace
Medusa Head Charm Satin Platform Pumps
$769–888 $1,322–1,334
at Mytheresa
Versace
Medusa Small zebra-print tote bag
$990 $1,650
at Cettire
Versace
Cut-Out Slip-On Sandals
$367–436 $649–662
at Versace
Versace
La Medusa Small Tote Bag
$1,450
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Valentino Garavani

Once a child captivated by an opera singer in a red dress, Valentino Garavani formed his label in 1962, alongside partner Giancarlo Giammetti, and went on to craft exquisite pieces (in his signature shade of Valentino Red, no less!) for high society women including Jackie Kennedy, easily placing him among the ranks of fashion’s most celebrated figures.
at SSENSE
Valentino
White Sheer Shirt Dress
$1,173 $2,495
at Tessabit
Valentino
Toile Iconographe Top
$968
at Cettire
Valentino
Garavani Rockstud Ankle Strapped Pumps
$628.60
at Tessabit
Valentino
Wool Caban
$4,500
at Farfetch
Valentino Garavani
Rockstud caged flat sandals
$840 $1,200
at Cettire
Valentino
Garavani Roman Stud Strapped Sandals
$862.16
at FWRD
Valentino Garavani
Small Loco Shoulder Bag in Green
$3,120 $3,900
at Mytheresa
Valentino
Crepe Couture bow-embellished minidress
$3,800
at Tessabit
Valentino Garavani
Rockstud Spike Small Leather Shoulder Bag
$2,153
at Mytheresa
Valentino Garavani
Roman Stud 90 leather sandals
$875 $1,250
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Thierry Mugler

With his trademark combo of ultra-camp creations and fetishistic elements, designer and perfumer Thierry Mugler was instrumental in paving the way for theatrical runway presentations. Mugler has been a vocal champion for the LGBT+ community, opening his 1992 show with legendary drag artist Lypsinka and collaborating with notable talents such as NYC icon Joey Arias.
at Mytheresa
Thierry Mugler
Embossed scuba bodysuit
$467
at LUISAVIAROMA
Thierry Mugler
Embossed shiny jersey biker pants
$560
at LUISAVIAROMA
Thierry Mugler
Fluid Jersey Long Asymmetric Dress
$1,479 $2,690
at SSENSE
Thierry Mugler
Blue & Black Spiral Jeans
$566 $870
at Farfetch
Thierry Mugler
Sheer-Panelled Metallic Minidress
$1,596–1,709 $2,345–2,439
at Farfetch
Thierry Mugler
Rodeo panelled bodysuit
$592–753 $793–843
at SSENSE
Thierry Mugler
Black Illusion Shaping Bodysuit
$690
at SSENSE
Thierry Mugler
Navy Spiral Jeans
$490 $790
at Farfetch
Thierry Mugler
Gathered Drawstring-Embellished Bomber Jacket
$1,477 $2,455–5,127
at Farfetch
Thierry Mugler
Illusion panelled bodysuit
$541
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Alexander McQueen

Crowned British Designer of the Year four times over, the late Alexander McQueen was well-known for his provocative showcases and theatrical, avant garde designs. McQueen found inspiration in those from all walks of life and famously paid homage to queer icon Joan of Arc with his '98 fall-winter runway show.
at SSENSE
Alexander McQueen
Black Wool Skull Oversize Shawl
$243 $540
at Cettire
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN KIDS
Oversized Sneakers
$252–291 $292–303
at Cettire
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN KIDS
Touch-Strap Lace-Up Sneakers
$249.72 $325.15
at Cettire
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN KIDS
Round Toe Lace-Up Sneakers
$192–312 $325.15
at Cettire
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN KIDS
Oversized Round-Toe Sneakers
$312.14 $325.15
at Cettire
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN KIDS
Two-Tone Touch Strap Sneakers
$218–312 $325.14
at Cettire
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN KIDS
Oversized Sneakers
$247–291 $302.72
at Cettire
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN KIDS
Oversized Sneakers
$290.61 $302.72
at Cettire
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN KIDS
Oversized Sneakers
$203–232 $302.72
at Cettire
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN KIDS
Oversized Sneakers
$174–247 $303–388
More like this (1000+)

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