In celebration of the United States' 250th birthday, take a look at influential figures who have shaped the aesthetic.

This upcoming Fourth of July is a big deal for the United States. On July 4, 1776, the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, which announced the founding principles of the new country. Ever since then, the U.S. has witnessed many ups and downs throughout its 250-year-long history.Western. Rock-n-Roll. Diner. Pop Art. Greaser. These are not just distinct fashion aesthetics that have defined stars like Lana Del Rey, but the Americana style that she and others have become known for. Americana refers to the historical context, patriotism, nostalgia, geography, folklore, and cultural heritage that make up the U.S.&nbsp;The northern, eastern, southern, and western parts of America each offer distinct elements that contribute to the fabric of this country. Even in a time when politics can be divisive, the Americana style is for everyone to proudly wear and add flair to for the next 250 years.So, whenever you are ready, turn on the grill, crack open a cold one, and watch the fireworks as L'OFFICIEL honors ten American fashion icons who have contributed to the ever-evolving Americana style.

Fien Kloos in Valentino x Levi’s jeans, photographed by Alberto Tandoi for L’OFFICIEL USA Spring 2021 Issue

Born and raised during the Russian Empire, Jacob W. Davis emigrated to the U.S. to work as a journeyman tailor. After moving across the country to Canada and eventually back to America, the creative opened a tailor shop in Nevada that offered tents, horse blankets, and wagon covers for railway workers. One day in December 1870, a customer asked Davis to make a pair of heavy-duty pants for her woodcutter husband, made from heavy-duty cotton duck cloth and cotton denim from Levi Strauss &amp; Co. Word spread, demand grew, and US Patent No. 139,121 was filed by Davis and Levi Strauss &amp; Co. in 1873. The now-iconic blue denim jeans were officially born.

Anne Klein in her New York offices. Getty Images.

Ever wanted to give thanks to the creator of the fully coordinated closet and casual separates? Well, your time has finally arrived with Anne Klein. Originally from Brooklyn, the creative studied fine arts and drawing during high school, where her design talent was born. As a 15-year-old, she landed a freelance sketching gig at a warehouse before joining Varden Petites, where she redefined the company's collection and introduced a young and petite line, "Junior Miss." Designing at Maurice Rentner, Inc., joining a trio of American sportswear icons like Claire McCardell and Bonnie Cashin, and the launch of the Junior Sophisticates label followed shortly after. These designs would ultimately influence Anne Klein and Company, which made jackets and suits with a feminine twist.

Ralph Lauren on the Spring/Summer 2002 runway. Getty Images.

After serving in the U.S. Army for two years, Bronx native Ralph Lauren worked for companies like Brooks Brothers and Rivetz before joining necktie manufacturer Beau Brummell. When the then 28-year-old convinced the company president to launch his own line, The Ralph Lauren Corporation, in 1967. Ever since then, Lauren has become the shining definition of classic Americana style. Preppy polo collections, western-forward collections (especially in his offshoot brand, Double RL), and the best turquoise pieces in the fashion world have been popularized by the designer. Not to mention, the multi-award-winning creative has held a deep love for cowboys in and out of his labels.&nbsp;

Calvin Klein in his New York Atelier. Getty Images.

Also born and raised in the Bronx by immigrant parents from Galicia and Bukovina (now Ukraine and Romania), Calvin Klein always had a creative spirit within him. An apprenticeship at Dan Millstein in 1962, the launch of his first company with childhood best friend Barry K. Schwartz, and a successful meeting with a buyer at Bonwit Teller were key to the designer's origins. When Klein became Baron de Gunzberg's protégé, he was exposed to the elite New York fashion scene and shortly after had a killer hit with his first jeans line. When his first major showing at New York Fashion Week was praised by many, he went on to create the tight-fitting signature jeans, revolutionize the undergarment sector, and become a worldwide sensation.

Donna Karen at her 1987 fashion show at Bergdorf Goodman. Getty Images.

Known as the creator of the capsule wardrobe, Donna Karen was born and raised in Queens with fashionable parents. Her mother was a model and employee of Chester Weinberg's showroom, while her father was a tailor and haberdasher. With many hours in the art department in her high school, Karen attended Parsons School of Design, and right after, worked as a designer for Anne Klein. In 1984, she launched her eponymous label to "design modern clothes for modern people." Karen's "Essentials" line was favored by the industry for its mix-and-match versatility. Hailed as "The Queen of Seventh Avenue," lines like DKNY, DKNY Jeans, and DKNY for men were hits amongst consumers and beyond.

Vera Wang at the 2023 CFDA Awards. Getty Images.

When Florence Wu and Cheng Ching Wang immigrated to the U.S. in the mid-1940s, they didn't know what was coming. Born in New York City, Vera Wang grew up figure skating, entered the fashion industry, and graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with a degree in art history. From being the youngest editor at Vogue to working for Ralph Lauren, the creative eventually began her journey as an independent bridal-wear designer. Even when people doubted that she would break into the industry in her 40's, Wang defied the odds by becoming one of the most famous American designers. Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, Kim Kardashian, and Michelle Obama have worn her designs.

Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2024 Ready-to-Wear. Photo by WWD Courtesy of Getty Images.

Hailing from Elmira, New York, Tommy Hilfiger had interests in sports, fashion, and music at an early age thanks to his eight siblings and parents. While working at a clothing store on Cape Cod in the summer of 1969, the young designer decided to open up People's Place while discovering his love for designing clothes. Tommy Hill, 20th Century Survival, and Click Point were not only brands that Hilfiger founded, but also ultimately led him to Tommy Hilfiger Corporation. From a huge surge in fans during the 1990s to celebrities and television sporting the brand, Hilfiger has and continues to influence the sportswear, streetwear, and preppy areas of the fashion industry.

Tom Ford. Getty Images.

Switching gears to the southwest, Austin-native Tom Ford is easily one of the most influential designers of all time. But, while living in cities such as Houston, San Marcos, and Santa Fe, he moved to NYC for school before dropping out to act in TV commercials after meeting Ian Falconer, who took him to Studio 54. Ford returned to school at Parsons The New School of Design to study interior architecture, interned at Chloé in Paris, and began studying fashion before graduation. After working at Perry Ellis and growing tired of American fashion, he headed to Milan to revive the then-struggling brand Gucci. Not only did he turn the brand into a top house, but even landed a creative director job at Yves Saint Laurent. After he departed from Gucci in 2004, Ford launched his eponymous label in 2006 with menswear, beauty, eyewear, and accessories. Now, he is directing films and has announced that he would give creative control of Tom Ford to Haider Ackermann in September 2024.

Marc Jacobs at the Marc Jacobs x Nordstrom party in New York City. Photography by Yvonne Tnt/BFA.com

If you had to define an intellectual who can break boundaries while doing it fashionably, the only right answer is Marc Jacobs. Born and raised across NYC, he went to high school at the High School of Art and Design to fulfill his passion for fashion. While at Parsons, Jacobs worked for brands like Charivari and Reuben Thomas Inc. before partnering with Robert Duffy to launch Jacobs Duffy Designs. In 1986, his first collection with the Marc Jacobs label was designed, and the following year became the youngest designer to win the CFDA's Perry Ellis Award for "New Fashion Talent." Being named creative director of Perry Ellis, Jacobs' collections were well-received by critics, but were the opposite commercially. In the following years, the debut of Jacobs' debut menswear collection, appointment as creative director of Louis Vuitton for 16 years, and the expansion of the Marc Jacobs brand were crucial to his success. From the launch of Heaven by Marc Jacobs to the recent acquisition of the main brand by WHP Global, Jacobs has and will continue to be on a creative roll.&nbsp;

Portrait of Willy Chavarria. Courtesy of Willy Chavarria.

Even though Mexican American designer Willy Chavarria has begun to gain traction in recent years, he has been a powerful force in the conversation about Americana. Born in Huron, California, the creative studied graphic design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco while working at Joe Boxer's shipping department. Hours of sketches led Chavarria to secure an internship with Nicholas Graham at Joe Boxer before working on Ralph Lauren's cycling diffusion line, RLX, through Voler. Palmer Trading Company, which opened in November 2010, was founded by the designer and David Ramirez before Chavarria founded his eponymous label five years later. Since the beginning, the designer has combined politics and fashion together through his collections, presentations, and campaigns. From exploring vast Mexican styles to adding a Chicano touch to extravagant silhouettes, he is essential to the new wave of Americana in the fashion space and beyond.

The Most Influential Designers Who Shaped Americana Style

Tags

Recommended posts for you

L'Officiel Art

Sam Taylor-Johnson Turns the Lens on Herself

Fashion

L'OFFICIEL's November 2026 Issue: Letter From The Editor

Fashion

The Art Of Self-Expression According to Debra Shaw

Fashion

Matteo Tamburini To Exit Tod's

Men's

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Edit for the Stylish Man

Fashion

Bulgari’s 24-Carat Pink Diamond Sells at Christie’s Geneva

Travel & Living

Inside Route 66's Illustrious History

Film & TV

Gabby Windey's Next Act