Explore the Richest Fashion Designers
- Jean Paul Gaultier – Net Worth: $300 million
- Donatella Versace – Net Worth: $400 million
- Roberto Cavalli – Net Worth: $500 million
- Anna Sui – Net Worth: $600 million
- Donna Karan – Net Worth: $600 million
- Michael Kors – Net Worth: $600 million
- Vera Wang – Net Worth: $650 million
- Calvin Klein – Net Worth: $700 million
- Tory Burch – Net Worth: $1 billion
- Diane von Fürstenberg – Net Worth: $1.2 billion
- Valentino Garavani – Net Worth: $1.5 billion
- Tom Ford – Net Worth: $2 billion
- Renzo Rosso – Net Worth: $3.5 billion
- Miuccia Prada – Net Worth: $6.5 billion
- Ralph Lauren – Net Worth: $8 billion
- Giorgio Armani – Net Worth: $9.6 billion
As any of the fashion majors you knew in college will tell you, there’s no money in fashion design. That is, unless your name is on the stuff being sold in the department stores.
This is exactly the case for the majority of the world’s richest fashion designers. Although they may have started small, with only a sewing machine and a dream (and perhaps a solid trust fund, depending on the designer), they turned their art into a lucrative business. Both fashion designers and savvy businesspeople, they have capitalized on their names to create empires.
You may be surprised to know that many of the richest fashion designers in the world are no longer considered “high fashion.” Instead of aiming for Milan Fashion Week, they’re creating lines for Kohl’s or Marshalls and laughing all the way to the bank.
From the runway to the discount bin, these are 17 of the wealthiest fashion designers in the world.
17. Jean Paul Gaultier – Net Worth: $300 million
Renowned for his audacious and boundary-pushing designs, 72-year-old Jean Paul Gaultier is often celebrated as the quintessential French fashion icon.
Unlike many of his peers, Gaultier launched his illustrious career without any formal fashion education, securing his first role purely on the strength of his innovative sketches.
Jean Paul Gaultier, celebrated for his boundary-pushing designs, after an interview in Munich, Germany, on December 12, 2022 (Credit: Lennart Preiss / DPA / Cover Images)
As a young man, he sent sketches of his designs to fashion houses and designers. By chance, his designs caught the eye of the legendary designer Pierre Cardin, who was astounded by Gaultier’s talent and hired him as an assistant.
Since then, Jean Paul Gaultier has worked his way up and made a name for himself as an avant-garde designer with his own label.
His designs are a particular favorite of the Kardashians. His success has earned him a spot on this list and a net worth of $300 million as of 2024.
16. Donatella Versace – Net Worth: $400 million
Although she may be known best for her expensive cosmetic surgery hobby, Donatella Versace is, first and foremost, a fashion designer.
Donatella Versace, the driving force behind Versace’s modern success, at The Clooney Foundation Inaugural Albie Awards on September 28, 2022 (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
As the sister of the legendary Gianni Versace, Donatella inherited a large portion of the brand and is credited for Versace’s extensive success in recent years.
The 69-year-old can frequently be seen at nearly every significant fashion event, and her immaculate style is a testament to her design skills.
15. Roberto Cavalli – Net Worth: $500 million
The high fashion industry boasts many influential Italians, and the late Roberto Cavalli was no exception. Cavalli, renowned for his bold and colorful designs, left an indelible mark on the fashion world before his passing. Sadly, he passed away on April 12, 2024, at the age of 83 due to complications from a prolonged illness.
Roberto Cavalli, known for his bold and luxurious designs, left a lasting impact on the fashion industry (Credit: Razvan Iosif / Shutterstock)
Roberto Cavalli, grandson of artist Giuseppe Rossi, had an artistic streak from an early age. By 1972, he had opened his first boutique.
Along with his many labels, Roberto Cavalli is credited with popularizing the sand-blasted jean look, which is still in fashion today.
14. Anna Sui – Net Worth: $600 million
By the age of four, Anna Sui had already set her sights on becoming a fashion designer. Now 59 years old, Sui has turned her childhood dream into a remarkable career.
After honing her craft at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City, she began her professional journey by designing pieces and styling clothing for several smaller labels, gradually building her unique brand identity.
Anna Sui, whose distinctive style has become a mainstay in fashion, at the New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala on September 26, 2019 (Credit: JOHN EDDY / INSTARimages)
However, after bringing a small collection of her work to a trade show, she caught the eye of representatives from Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, and the rest is history.
Since then, Anna Sui’s designs have become a mainstay on both the runway and in retail stores, showcasing her distinctive style and creativity. Her enduring influence in the fashion industry has contributed to her impressive net worth, estimated at $600 million as of 2024.
13. Donna Karan – Net Worth: $600 million
Is it “Karen” or “Kar-ahn?” The age-old question about the pronunciation of Donna Karan’s name has yet to cease, considering her years of success (as it turns out, it’s pronounced like “Karen”). After working as Anne Klein’s head designer, Donna Karan launched her own label, this time under her own name.
Donna Karan, creator of the DKNY brand, at the Iris Apfel 100th Birthday Celebration on September 9, 2021 (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)
Since then, you can spot Donna Karan’s DK and DKNY labels on clothes, shoes, and bags all over the country, resulting in her estimated net worth clocking in at $600 million.
12. Michael Kors – Net Worth: $600 million
Few designers dominate the TJ Maxx and Marshall’s markets quite like Michael Kors. The 64-year-old launched his label at Bergdorf Goodman in 1981, working as the first ready-to-wear designer for Celine along the way.
Michael Kors, a dominant force in American fashion, after his Spring/Summer 2023 runway show at New York Fashion Week on September 14, 2022 (Credit: Ik Aldama / DPA / Cover Images)
Since then, Michael Kors has steered his brand to remarkable success, becoming a savvy businessman along the way. His namesake label and renowned brands Jimmy Choo and Versace now operate under Capri Holdings Limited, a fashion holding company that continues to generate substantial revenue, underscoring Kors’ business acumen.
11. Vera Wang – Net Worth: $650 million
74-year-old Vera Wang is a prime example of a woman who began her career with instant success.
Vera Wang, renowned for her bridal designs, at the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City on November 8, 2022 (Credit: Charles Guerin / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Shortly after graduating with an art history degree from Sarah Lawrence College, Wang was hired at Vogue as an editor, making her one of the youngest editors at the publication of all time.
At 40 years old, Wang went her own way to be a bridal designer, where she earned her clout dressing nearly every major celebrity bride in recent years.
Wang’s ready-to-wear labels can also be spotted in nearly every major department store, earning the designer a $650 million estimated net worth.
10. Calvin Klein – Net Worth: $700 million
Although Calvin Klein is a prolific designer, he is inevitably the biggest name in underwear.
Calvin Klein, a name synonymous with American fashion, with Donna Karan at the Costume Institute Gala on May 6, 2013 (Credit: Bill Davila / Startraksphoto)
The 81-year-old New Yorker dabbled at several art and fashion schools before taking an apprenticeship at Dan Millstein. Eventually, he was taken under the wing of the French-born socialite Baron de Gunzburg, who helped Klein make the connections he needed to be successful.
As one of the most recognizable names in fashion, Calvin Klein’s estimated net worth was $700 million as of 2024.
9. Tory Burch – Net Worth: $1 billion
57-year-old Tory Burch didn’t start as a designer but as a marketer! She worked at Harper’s Bazaar before taking jobs as a public relations and advertising executive for other big-name fashion houses like Loewe, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Vera Wang.
Tory Burch, who built a billion-dollar brand, at the Wall Street Journal Magazine 2022 Innovator Awards on November 2, 2022 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
In 2004, Burch decided she no longer wanted to work behind the scenes and launched her eponymous label. Now, more than 3,000 department stores carry her collections, earning the designer her estimated $1 billion million net worth.
8. Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana – Combined Net Worth: $3 billion
The founders of first met in 1980 and launched their label just five years later.
Together, 65-year-old Domenico Dolce and 61-year-old Stefano Gabbana took the fashion world by storm, even earning the honor of designing every costume for Madonna’s 1993 The Girlie Show world tour.
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, creators of the luxury fashion empire Dolce & Gabbana, at an event in New York on April 6, 2018 (Credit: JOHN NACION / Startraksphoto)
Unfortunately, both designers and their label have come under fire for their repeated demonstrations of racism. Despite being canceled seemingly every year, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana still have a combined estimated net worth of $3 billion.
7. Diane von Fürstenberg – Net Worth: $1.2 billion
Despite the common belief that there’s no money in fashion, Diane von Fürstenberg achieved financial success even before launching her own label. Her business acumen and innovative designs have since solidified her status as a leading figure in the fashion industry.
Diane von Fürstenberg, famed for her iconic wrap dress, at the CFDA Fashion Awards on November 8, 2022 (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
After marrying Prince Egon von Fürstenberg in 1969, she launched her own label, telling The New York Times, “The minute I knew I was about to be Egon’s wife, I decided to have a career. I wanted to be someone of my own, and not just a plain little girl who got married beyond her deserts.”
With the success of her fashion line – which has been worn by the likes of Michelle Obama, Whitney Houston, and Princess Kate – no one can call Diane von Fürstenberg or her $1.2 billion estimated net worth “plain.”
6. Valentino Garavani – Net Worth: $1.5 billion
After his fashion debut in Florence, Jackie Kennedy saw a woman wearing a Valentino Garavani ensemble and immediately contacted the designer to have him create pieces for her. This unlikely friendship proved a boon for Valentino, as his label shot to international success.
Valentino Garavani, who rose to fame dressing Jackie Kennedy, at the premiere of “Rocketman” on May 29, 2019 (Credit: Jason Mendez / Startraksphoto)
Nowadays, 92-year-old Valentino Garavani’s name can be seen on everything from wedding gowns to ready-to-wear pieces and perfumes.
One of the most heralded names in fashion, Valentino Garavani’s wealth shows no signs of slowing down, with an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion as of 2024.
5. Tom Ford – Net Worth: $2 billion
Not just a name to be dropped in Drake’s “Tuscan Leather,” Tom Ford is one of the most high-profile designers in fashion today.
After serving as creative director for two notable fashion houses, Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, he launched his own luxury brand under his name in 2005.
Tom Ford, a major force in modern fashion and film, at the 2022 Met Gala on May 2, 2022 (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Not content with his success in fashion, Tom Ford has also written and directed two films: A Single Man and Nocturnal Animals.
Before 2022, Tom Ford’s net worth was a bit lower. However, the 62-year-old designer recently made a deal to sell his eponymous label to Estee Lauder, officially cementing Ford as a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $2 billion.
4. Renzo Rosso – Net Worth: $3.5 billion
68-year-old Renzo Rosso designed his first garment – a pair of jeans – at the tender age of 15. This set the stage for the rest of his career, as Rosso went on to found Diesel in 2007.
Renzo Rosso, founder of Diesel and president of OTB Group, at the ANDAM Fashion Awards in Paris on June 26, 2019 (Credit: Ampilhac Mireille / ABACA / INSTARimages)
Although Diesel’s popularity may not be what it once was, Renzo Rosso now earns the majority of his impressive $3.5 billion net worth from serving as the president of the OTB group, which is the parent company for huge brands like and Maison Margiela.
3. Miuccia Prada – Net Worth: $6.5 billion
The granddaughter of Prada founder Mario Prada, Miuccia Prada was not simply content with handling business deals. Strangely enough, Prada studied to become a mime and even performed for five years before joining the family business.
Miuccia Prada, who transformed Prada into a global powerhouse, at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2017 (Credit: Simone Comi / IPA / INSTARimages)
With the help of her equally rich husband, Patrizio Bertelli, Miuccia Prada is the head designer for Prada and founder of Miu Miu, taking both labels to financial and fashionable success.
Not counting her husband’s extraordinary wealth, 75-year-old Miuccia Prada is worth an estimated $6.5 billion.
2. Ralph Lauren – Net Worth: $8 billion
Taking the second top spot on our list is 84-year-old Ralph Lauren, who is just as much of a businessman as a fashion designer.
Born Ralph Lifsh*tz, Ralph Lauren was captivated by the upper-class “country club” lifestyle, which profoundly influenced his designs. After serving in the army, Lauren pursued his passion for fashion, working at esteemed establishments such as Brooks Brothers, Rivetz, and Beau Brummell. In 1967, he launched his first line under the Ralph Lauren Corporation, which initially focused exclusively on men’s neckties.
Ralph Lauren, a symbol of American style, at the premiere of HBO’s “Very Ralph” on October 24, 2019 (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)
In 1968, Ralph Lauren launched Polo – a testament to the preppy, upper-crust lifestyle he was inspired by – and the collection caught on like wildfire. His work was featured in films like The Great Gatsby and Annie Hall.
Since then, Ralph Lauren has lent his name to fragrance lines, women’s wear, sportswear – you name it. Although he no longer serves as the CEO for the Ralph Lauren Corporation, the designer’s wise business deals have netted him an estimated $6.8 billion as of 2024.
1. Giorgio Armani – Net Worth: $9.6 billion
Considered the “pioneer of red carpet fashion,” 88-year-old Giorgio Armani is a name recognized far beyond the fashion world. His influence extends into various facets of design and culture, making him a global icon.
After serving as a medic in the army for two years, Giorgio Armani entered the fashion industry and began designing menswear in the 1960s. In 1974, he launched his first menswear line, followed by his womenswear line just one year later.
Giorgio Armani, pioneer of red carpet fashion, with Cate Blanchett at the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards on September 25, 2022 (Credit: Laura Villani / IPA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Giorgio Armani has successfully expanded his brand to include multiple labels under his umbrella, such as Armani, Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, and Giorgio Armani Prive. This strategic diversification has helped him amass an estimated net worth of $9.6 billion as of 2024, solidifying his status as a fashion mogul.
