Luxury Leaders: The Ladies Behind Renowned Fashion Labels
Luxury Leaders: The Ladies Behind Renowned Fashion Labels
By Kelly Hoang — April 10, 2026
Kelly Klein
Soon after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Kelly Rector landed a job as a fashion assistant at Ralph Lauren. She later attempted to transfer to Calvin Klein but was turned down. However, one night, she met Calvin Klein at Studio 54; he offered her a job the very next morning. Rector quickly became his muse and, later, his wife for 20 years until they split in 2006. Today, Kelly and Calvin have remained friends, and she is remembered as the visionary behind the idea of women wearing men’s underwear, which she described as “boyfriend’s underwear.”
Wanda Ferragamo
After the unexpected passing of her husband, Salvatore Ferragamo, in 1960, Wanda Miletti Ferragamo took over the iconic fashion house. At just 38 years old—while raising six children—she became president of the company and secured its future. Under her leadership, the small family shoemaking business exploded into the globally recognized luxury brand we know today.
Rosita Missoni
Fashion designer Rosita Jelmini came from humble beginnings, working in her family’s shawl and embroidered fabric manufacturing business in Northern Italy in her youth. It was there that she developed a love and appreciation for textiles and craftsmanship. During the 1948 Olympic Games, Jelmini met athlete and artisan Ottavio Missoni. The two married and together founded the Missoni fashion house. What began as athletic wear quickly became one of the most recognizable luxury brands, known for its signature zigzag pattern and space-dyed knits we know and love today.
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