One standout moment involved Badgley Mischka, who nearly missed their big break when Winona Ryder wore their lace gown to the 1996 Academy Awards. A last-minute dyeing mishap turned into a creative solution. LaQuan Smith saw a turning point in 2010 when Lady Gaga sported his racy 3-D mesh leggings, followed by Rihanna donning his gold lame design. Japanese designer Tadashi Shoji’s fame skyrocketed when Octavia Spencer wore his gown to the 2013 Oscars, and Michelle Obama became a fan during her White House tenure.
Wes Gordon, creative director at Caroline Herrera, was thrilled when Michelle Obama donned their designs in 2012. Naeem Khan launched his career by apprenticing for legendary designer Halston, working with Hollywood stars like Liza Minnelli. For Paul Costelloe, Princess Diana was his first celebrity patron, promoting his brand from 1982 until her passing in 1997. Princess Caroline of Monaco played a pivotal role in launching shoe designer Christian Louboutin’s career when she visited his first store in November 1991. These anecdotes underscore the significant impact of celebrity endorsements in the fashion industry.
