1. LaQuan Smith: A Vision of Bold Elegance
LaQuan Smith has been a game-changer in the fashion industry, designing pieces that blend opulence with an undeniable edge. Known for his attention to detail and his commitment to celebrating the female form, he’s become a go-to designer for stars like Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian. What sets Smith apart is his ability to create statement-making outfits that also exude sophistication. His collections often feature luxurious fabrics, sultry silhouettes, and daring cuts that have become his signature. Over the years, Smith has managed to build a quiet yet powerful influence in Hollywood, with his designs adorning red carpets and magazine covers alike. Even without the massive, overt buzz of some of his peers, his work speaks for itself. With his unique blend of glamour and sensuality, Smith’s pieces are often described as embodying both power and vulnerability. This balance is what makes his designs irresistible to celebrities seeking to make an impact while still staying true to their personalities says WWD.
He’s not just a designer but a force of nature who understands how to create clothes that make people feel extraordinary. One of his most notable looks was worn by the ever-stylish Rihanna, who has frequently chosen Smith for public appearances. His ability to create outfits that empower women while being undeniably fashionable is one of the reasons why his name continues to pop up in Hollywood’s elite circles. While his rise to fame might not have been as publicized as some, his designs have quietly carved out a reputation that’s hard to ignore. LaQuan’s commitment to his craft and his vision for high fashion has allowed him to thrive in an industry that often values flashy publicity. Despite being under the radar, Smith has successfully built a name for himself, making waves with his impeccable eye for design and keen sense of what works for the stars. Each piece he creates seems to have an almost timeless quality, ensuring his place in Hollywood’s most coveted closets.
2. Christopher John Rogers: The King of Color and Curves
Christopher John Rogers is the designer you might not always hear about, but you can’t help but see his work everywhere. Known for his unapologetic use of color, he has managed to make a name for himself with designs that emphasize bold statements and body positivity. Rogers understands the power of color and its ability to create impact without saying a word. His collections frequently feature vibrant, daring tones that capture attention and create a sense of joy and drama. Celebrities like Zendaya and Michelle Obama have embraced his creations, making him a favorite for those who want to stand out in the crowd. The way Rogers tailors his pieces to flatter and empower all body types has also contributed to his growing influence in Hollywood. His work is a testament to his belief that fashion should be about more than just looking good; it should make you feel good, too says Marie Claire.
Rogers’ designs are often recognized for their impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. He’s earned a reputation for his ability to mix classic shapes with modern aesthetics, making each piece feel fresh yet timeless. Despite his rising star, Rogers has managed to stay relatively humble, preferring to let his designs do the talking rather than seeking constant media attention. His outfits are frequently spotted on the red carpet, where they shine not only in terms of design but in the way they elevate their wearers. The fact that his work is often understated in media coverage doesn’t take away from its undeniable impact in Hollywood. It’s this quiet, consistent presence that has allowed Christopher John Rogers to continue dressing some of the most influential figures in the entertainment world. He’s proof that talent doesn’t need loud declarations to be recognized—it simply needs the right people to see it.
3. Carly Cushnie: Sleek, Sophisticated, and Sexy
Carly Cushnie is a designer whose sleek, elegant designs have made her a favorite among Hollywood’s elite. Her eponymous brand, Cushnie, is known for its sophisticated cuts and sensual lines, often seen on red carpets worn by celebrities like Michelle Obama, Rihanna, and Naomi Campbell. What sets Cushnie’s designs apart is her ability to marry modern minimalism with sensuality, creating pieces that are both understated and powerful. Her use of strategic cut-outs, clean silhouettes, and bold, vibrant colors has earned her a place in the closets of influential women around the world. Celebrities love Cushnie’s designs because they make them feel both confident and sexy without relying on overt displays of skin. Her pieces are carefully crafted to highlight the body in a subtle, flattering way, combining luxury with a sense of modern-day femininity adds Architectural Digest.
Cushnie’s designs don’t just make women look beautiful—they make them feel empowered. Whether designing for red carpets or private events, her creations always exude sophistication and poise. While the designer has made waves in Hollywood, she often prefers to let her work speak for itself. Her focus is on creating garments that make women feel like the best versions of themselves, and it’s this philosophy that has earned her a loyal following. Celebrities continue to gravitate toward her designs because of their timeless elegance and their ability to transcend fleeting trends. Cushnie’s brand may not be the loudest in fashion, but her quiet strength in the industry proves that her work is anything but understated.
4. Dapper Dan: The Innovator Who Rewrote Fashion Rules
Dapper Dan, born Daniel Day, is a name that revolutionized the fashion scene, blending luxury with street culture long before it became mainstream. His approach to design in the ’80s and ’90s was ahead of its time—mixing bold logos from luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton with hip-hop style. His work quickly became a favorite among celebrities like LL Cool J, Salt-N-Pepa, and the late, great Tupac Shakur. What made Dapper Dan’s designs stand out was how he used luxury materials in unconventional ways, creating custom-made looks that felt fresh and rebellious. His boutique in Harlem became a hub for stars seeking something unique, and his designs redefined what it meant to merge streetwear with high fashion. Though his store was shut down for using trademarked logos without permission, his impact on fashion was undeniable, and he returned in 2018 with a collaboration with Gucci that solidified his legacy says Yahoo.
Dapper Dan’s influence on Hollywood’s elite continued long after the ‘90s, as his designs remained iconic. Celebrities who wore his pieces were making a statement about individualism, and Dapper Dan’s designs exuded a cool confidence that could not be replicated. His work wasn’t just about clothing; it was about culture, identity, and speaking out through style. Over the years, he has continued to design for celebrities who appreciate his mix of luxury and cultural relevance, and his collaborations with big brands prove just how deeply his influence runs in the fashion world. Despite his somewhat quiet public persona, Dapper Dan’s presence in the world of celebrity fashion is anything but understated. He’s a living legend, a pioneer who paved the way for countless Black designers who now dominate Hollywood red carpets.
5. Edward Enninful: Changing Fashion from Within
Edward Enninful may be best known as the editor-in-chief of British Vogue, but his influence in Hollywood as a designer and stylist cannot be overstated. Born in Ghana and raised in London, Enninful’s work has been a game-changer for the fashion world. His designs, especially his collaboration with brands like Burberry and his work at Vogue, reflect a deep commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and luxury. Celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Rihanna, and Zendaya have embraced Enninful’s vision of fashion, which challenges traditional norms and pushes boundaries. His work is marked by its celebration of different cultures, body types, and identities, making him an important figure in the movement toward inclusivity in fashion. Through his work, he’s reshaped the industry, giving Hollywood stars the chance to represent a fuller range of beauty in front of the camera and on the runway says Fast Company.
Enninful’s impact is quietly revolutionary, and while he may not be known for designing clothing himself, his influence on what is considered fashionable in Hollywood is unmatched. His ability to amplify marginalized voices and bring diversity into the fashion fold has made him one of the most important figures in modern fashion. By bringing fresh perspectives to the fore and ensuring that fashion reflects the world in its truest form, Enninful has earned the respect of both his peers and his celebrity clients. His role as a stylist and designer is a testament to how far fashion has come, with Hollywood embracing a new era of representation thanks to his efforts. Though he may be a behind-the-scenes force, Enninful’s work continues to reshape the fashion industry and inspire stars to use their platforms to promote a more inclusive and forward-thinking vision of beauty.