Thom Browne

American designer Thom Browne introduced his men's ready-to-wear collection in 2004 after gigs at Club Monaco and Ralph Lauren. Known for the distinctive structure and fit of his suits (think cropped slim-tailored jackets with narrow lapels and flat front pants with exposed ankles), Browne won the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award in June of 2006 and in the fall of the same year, designed his first women's pieces as part of his hugely successful collaboration with Brooks Brothers, Black Fleece. In 2008, he was recruited by Moncler to design Gamme Bleu, the men's counterpart to their women's line, Gamme Rouge.

"Too many people are not confident enough about themselves to have their own individual style. That's the biggest mistake."