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The Billionaires of Fashion

It’s official: Michael Kors is a billionaire. See who else in the business is cashing in

Michael Kors launched his eponymous brand in 1981, and three years ago the designer, entrepreneur and former Project Runway judge took the company public. This week, when Michael Kors Holdings reported a 59% revenue increase, the stock skyrocketed—and so did Kors’ net worth. Of course, he isn’t the only fashion mogul making bank. Check out a rundown of other fashion business billionaires below:

 

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, Founders of Dolce & Gabanna

Brand Launched: 1985
Billionaire Birthdate: January 2013
Signature Items: Corsets, leopard print
Friends in High Places: Victoria Beckham, Madonna, Silvio Burlusconi
Humble Billionaire Brag: “Three times a week after my workout I get a massage,” Stefano Gabbana tells Harper’s Bazaar

 

Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx

Brand Launched: 2000
Billionaire Birthdate: March 2012
Signature Items: Slimming shapewear like “Tight-End Tights” and “Power Panties”
Friends in High Places: Jennifer Garner, Oprah
Humble Billionaire Brag: This line in a Vogue profile“I’ve always leaned toward a feminine, funky style, even in business settings,” she admits. “I used to paint my nails blue in 1993, before it was mainstream.” So unpretentious is Blakely’s philosophy that she once paired an edible candy necklace with a Dolce & Gabbana evening dress. 

 

Tory Burch, Founder of Tory Burch

Brand Launched: 2004
Billionaire Birthdate: January, 2013
Signature Items: The “Reva” ballet slipper, bright patterned tunics
Friends in High Places: Oprah, Hilary Swank
Humble Billionaire Brag: This helicopter ride

 

Ralph Lauren, Founder of Ralph Lauren

Brand Launched: 1967
Signature Items: Preppy polo shirts, tweed blazers
Friends in High Places: Nacho Figueras, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow
Humble Billionaire Brag: This Bugatti

 

Giorgio Armani, Founder of Armani

Brand Launched: 1975
Billionaire Birthdate: 2002
Signature Items: Impeccably tailored trousers and suits
Friends in High Places: Beyoncé, Cate Blanchett, Alicia Keys
Humble Billionaire Brag: His Saint Tropez-docked yacht

 

Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, Owners of Chanel

Launched: 1909
Signature Items: Quilted leather bags, Chanel No. 5 perfume
Friends in High Places: Keira Knightly, Kate Moss, Brad Pitt
Humble Billionaire Brag: They own a Bordeaux estate

 

Tommy Hilfiger, Founder of Tommy Hilfiger

Brand Launched: 1984
Signature Items: Cable-knit sweaters, preppy Americana
Friends in High Places: David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen
Humble Billionaire Brag: His $80 million penthouse at The Plaza

 

Renzo Rosso, Founder of Diesel

Brand Launched: 1978
Billionaire Birthdate: March 2013
Signature Items: distressed-style denim
Friends in High Places: Nicola Formichetti, Kanye West
Humble Billionaire Brag: This vintage car

 

Nicolas Puech, Owner of Hermès

Brand Launched: 1837
Billionaire Birthdate: October 2012
Signature Items: Kelly and Birkin handbags, silk scarves
Friends in High Places: Katie Holmes, Kim Kardashian
Humble Billionaire Brag: His gorgeous white horse

 

Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada, CEO and Designer of Prada

Brand Launched: 1913
Billionaire Birthdate: 2006
Signature Items: Nylon handbags with a triangular metal tag
Friends in High Places: Carey Mulligan, Nicolas Sarkozy
Humble Billionaire Brag: Their home in the Swiss Alps

 

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