The 100 Most Influential People in Fashion

There are a number of factors as to why we dress the way we do. Constraints of what we can afford, what's socially acceptable, and for many, the way we'd like to be perceived all play a role. And there are people: those who created the clothing, those who popularized it, those who artfully captured its relevance, and those who moved it into mass production.

Whether we can cite the individuals who have affected the way we dress, we have all, in some way, borrowed from a long history of groundbreakers, trendsetters, and visionaries.

Zimbio's list of the 100 Most Influential People in Fashion may seem incomplete to many readers, albeit in different ways. Some readers will never have heard of Herminie Cadolle or Claire McCardell, while industry insiders might take umbrage at our inclusion of basketball great, Michael Jordan. We've chosen among our list of fashion influentials not only the name-brand creators and trendsetters, but those who have made their marks in subtler, more nuanced ways. Risky, yes, but we think it makes for a more robust, well-rounded list. And a great read.