As everyone knows, the United States is home to some of the most famous fashion brands. Whether you're a fan of preppy New England style or futuristic streetwear, there's always an iconic American brand for you.
The rise of American fashion companies and brands is now rivaling the popularity of European designers. Today, we've listed 18 of the most popular and iconic American brands, detailing everything about their origins and which products are must-haves.
If you're planning to invest in a new wardrobe or start collecting designer shoes, these are brands worth watching.
1. Elevate your accessories with Coach
Coach is one of the most famous leather goods brands in America. Founded in 1941, the brand focuses on accessories, handbags, and ready-to-wear. You can instantly recognize the brand by its classic "C" monogram or the carriage and horse logo. Coach is one of New York's most famous exports, and the city continues to inspire their popular designs and silhouettes.
The brand started with six in-house artisans under the guidance of Lillian Cahn and Miles Cahn. Coach considers itself the "Original American Leather Brand."
Bonnie Cashin transformed Coach from a traditional brand into one reflecting the modern freedom and attitude of 1960s New York after being hired as the brand's first lead designer.
The Coach flagship store opened on Madison Avenue, transitioning the company from a family-run leather goods business into an independent fashion house.
Coach is now led by Creative Director Stuart Vevers, who is dedicated to infusing the brand with a spirit of boldness.
Vevers joined the company in 2013 and won the Accessory Designer of the Year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2017.
His quirky, pop-culture-infused work has brought Coach to the attention of a younger generation of budding fashion followers.
Official Website: https://www.coach.com/
2. Timeless Minimalism and Modern Sophistication: Calvin Klein
When we think of sexy, sporty, loungewear underwear, Calvin Klein is the first brand that comes to mind.
This global lifestyle brand has a minimalist aesthetic and a penchant for adding its iconic printed logo to every waistband and accessory.
The brand was founded in 1968 by Calvin Klein and his business partner Barry Schwartz.
Calvin Klein is renowned in the industry for its innovative designs, clean, minimalist aesthetic, and neutral color palette.
While Calvin Klein is famous for its underwear and lifestyle accessories, it is also a broad lifestyle brand offering everything from high fashion to fragrances and jewelry.
The fashion house has several sub-lines, including "Calvin Klein Jeans," "Calvin Klein Home," and "Calvin Klein Underwear."
Some of the world's most famous women have served as Calvin Klein brand ambassadors, including Kendall Jenner, Margot Robbie, Eva Mendes, and Diane Kruger.
The brand's 2020 campaign prominently featured several LGBTQ+ models, including Black transgender model Jari Jones.
In 2003, Calvin Klein was acquired by PVH Corp. The organization has a history of acquiring iconic American brands, making it one of the largest apparel companies in the world.
In addition to Calvin Klein, PVH Corp. also owns another favorite American brand, Tommy Hilfiger.
Calvin Klein must-haves include the brand's iconic underwear and the "Eternity" fragrance.
Official Website: https://www.calvinklein.us/
3. Legendary Style and Timeless Luxury: Ralph Lauren
When we think of American fashion brands, Ralph Lauren always ranks high. Lauren describes his brand as "living the best life possible, enjoying the fullness of life around you."
Considered the pinnacle of American design, the brand has championed "preppy" fashion and dominated trends for decades.
Whether it's "Sex and the City" or "Friends," Ralph Lauren was a ubiquitous brand on screen throughout the 1990s.
Ralph Lauren's legacy and brand recognition can even rival the most famous European brands.
For over fifty years, Ralph Lauren has achieved unparalleled success in America and overseas. The fashion house describes its work as "reflecting a unique American perspective."
The Ralph Lauren brand includes multiple sub-lines, with products ranging from luxury to mid-range price points.
Ralph Lauren's history is intertwined with the rise of American fashion. The brand was the first to have its own in-store shop at Bloomingdale's in 1969, selling exclusively there until their first flagship store opened in Beverly Hills in 1972.
Throughout the 1970s, Ralph Lauren costumed two iconic American films: "The Great Gatsby" and "Annie Hall."
Ralph Lauren remains a highlight of American fashion, setting new standards each season and continuing to cultivate a loyal following among celebrities and influencers.
Ralph Lauren must-haves include the classic polo shirt, iconic dresses, cashmere sweaters, and the Ralph Lauren bear sweater.
Official Website: https://www.ralphlauren.com/
4. Exquisite Craftsmanship and Unmatched Glamour: Tom Ford
Tom Ford began his career at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent before launching his own fashion brand.
The next time you watch an awards ceremony, you can bet at least a few nominees will be wearing the work of this iconic American designer.
"Tom Ford" is a cultured, well-traveled international jet-setter.
Tom Ford's female client is described as "a smart woman who knows her style." The brand's aesthetic is sharp tailoring, elevated basics, and timeless silhouettes.
While Tom Ford's fashion brand has dressed everyone from Michelle Obama and Anne Hathaway to Tom Hanks, Tom Ford is also famous for its cosmetics and fragrance lines.
The brand is responsible for designing the iconic suits for almost all of Daniel Craig's James Bond films, from "Quantum of Solace" to "No Time to Die."
In addition to designing for his namesake brand, Tom Ford served as chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He wrote and directed "A Single Man" and "Nocturnal Animals," earning Academy Award nominations.
Official Website: https://www.tomford.com/
5. Bold Creativity and Fashion-Forward Edge: Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs launched his eponymous brand in 1994, having presented his first collection for Perry Ellis in 1992. His brand launched with two philosophies: a love for fashion and a commitment to quality.
That same year, he won the CFDA New Fashion Talent Award. His brand has expanded from ready-to-wear into a complete lifestyle brand, offering everything from fragrances to cosmetics and accessories.
Marc Jacobs is also famously known for his tenure as Creative Director at Louis Vuitton, responsible for some of the brand's most iconic handbags and accessories.
He worked at the French fashion house from 1997 to 2014, witnessing its golden age.
Whether it's the iconic Marc Jacobs brand or "Marc by Marc Jacobs," every American woman owns at least one piece from this famous designer.
Although the Marc by Marc Jacobs line was discontinued in 2015, it remains an icon of American fashion.
The sub-line was discontinued so Marc Jacobs could focus more on the brand's luxury segment and growing international audience.
Marc Jacobs is now part of LVMH, which describes the brand as "constantly reinventing fashion codes." Marc Jacobs describes himself as "neither an American designer nor a French designer: I am just a designer."
Official Website: https://www.marcjacobs.com/
6. The Embodiment of Elegance and Modernity: Donna Karan
Donna Karan, famous for her iconic apple-shaped fragrance, founded her eponymous brand in the mid-1980s, offering pieces designed for mixing and matching.
Donna Karan is a brand and designer characterized by forward-thinking designs aimed at meeting the needs of the modern woman.
Her first collection, launched in 1984, was themed "Seven Easy Pieces" and revolutionized how women dressed. It essentially defined what we now call a capsule wardrobe.
Her clothes were designed to take you effortlessly from day to night, simplifying life without compromising on style and elegance.
Today, the Donna Karan brand has expanded to include DKNY, designed for the next generation and focused on New York living. Donna Karan has become synonymous with New York fashion.
Donna Karan must-haves include the brand's modern blouses and chic midi dresses.
Official Website: https://www.dkny.com/
7. Effortless Elegance and Modern Luxury: Michael Kors
The first "designer" handbag most American women buy is a Michael Kors bag.
The "Michael Kors" brand launched in 1981 and is the parent company of several sub-lines, including MICHAEL Michael Kors and the Michael Kors menswear line.
In addition to ready-to-wear and accessories, the brand is also known for its watches, eyewear, and fragrances.
Michael Kors describes his brand as "for women and men who need clothing and accessories to keep up with their fast-paced lives and make them feel their best."
Dawn Mello, Executive Vice President of Bergdorf Goodman, noticed his talent early on and encouraged him to launch his own brand.
Michael Kors's aesthetic is a blend of athleisure and everyday wear, with an effortless charm.
From 1997 to 2004, Michael Kors also served as Creative Director for Celine, making him one of the few American designers to take the helm of an iconic European fashion house.
The brand has since grown into a corporate group, now named "Capri Holdings Limited," founded by Michael Kors himself. Capri acquired Jimmy Choo and Versace, showing a clear intention to compete with luxury fashion conglomerates like LVMH.
Michael Kors must-haves include the brand's classic tote bags, crossbody bags, backpacks, and watches.
Official Website: https://www.michaelkors.com/
8. Timeless Elegance and Haute Couture: Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta — nicknamed the "Master of Glamour" — was the architect of the female silhouette in the 1960s.
The Santo Domingo-born designer had a distinctive pedigree, learning his craft from Antonio del Castillo and Cristobal Balenciaga. He became famous as one of Jackie Kennedy's primary couturiers and worked for Balmain and Lanvin.
No designer has dressed more American First Ladies than Oscar de la Renta. Starting with Jackie Kennedy, almost every First Lady has been styled by the designer, with Laura Bush and Nancy Reagan being devoted fans of the fashion house.
Jill Biden staked her claim on the brand by wearing an Oscar de la Renta dress on election night and on several occasions since. Although Oscar de la Renta passed away in 2014, his brand remains strong.
Oscar de la Renta must-haves are feminine dresses with elegant silhouettes.
Official Website: https://www.oscardelarenta.com/
9. Tory Burch: A Chic and Contemporary American Fashion Brand
If you want luxury leather goods without the Chanel price tag, look no further than Tory Burch.
The brand fits the classic "preppy" fashion aesthetic and is a go-to for everyone from college students to career women and stay-at-home moms.
The brand is inspired by some of America's most famous women, including Lee Radziwill, for whom Tory Burch has a handbag line named.
Founded in New York in 2004, Tory Burch is a "distinctly American brand with a global perspective." The fashion house supports the work of the Tory Burch Foundation, which aims to empower women entrepreneurs.
Tory Burch blends sophisticated, modern elegance with practicality and timeless style. You get the look and feel of a luxury brand at an affordable price.
The brand is known for its love of color, and Tory Burch published her first book, "Tory Burch In Colour," in 2014. The book is available on Amazon.
Tory Burch's iconic double-T logo was inspired by Tory's two great loves — interior design and travel. The molded arch comes from Moroccan architecture, while the graphic was inspired by David Hicks's interior design.
Tory Burch must-haves include the Lee Radziwill bag and the "Miller" sandal. She is also considered one of America's leading jewelry designers.
Official Website: https://www