Five most iconic designer-muse relationships of all time

Some fashion duos are just made in heaven.

A muse in fashion is like a designer’s secret weapon; their style, vibe and energy spark the creativity behind the designs we see on the runway. These partnerships are personal, inspiring, and sometimes, even a little magical. Muses - whether models, actors, or musicians - help shape trends, define campaigns, and deliver some of fashion’s most memorable looks.

1. Hubert de Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn

Hubert de Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn created fashion magic together, with Hepburn calling his designs "the only clothes in which I am myself." Their bond gave us unforgettable moments, like the iconic black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, reflecting how truly special their relationship was.

2. Gianni Versace and Naomi Campbell 

Naomi Campbell’s 1995 Met Gala look in Versace is an iconic moment in fashion history. The jaw-dropping silver dress, made from sparkly fabric, shimmered like a Barbie dream, perfectly showcasing Naomi’s fierce presence and Versace’s glamorous design. It remains one of the most spectacular and memorable fashion moments ever. Gianni Versace was assassinated in July 1997, a loss that hit Campbell deeply. Speaking to the New York Post, she said, “He would push me to step outside and go further when I didn’t think I had it in me. So when he died, my grief turned very bad."

3. Jean Paul Gaultier and Madonna

This collaboration revolutionised Madonna’s style and solidified her as a fashion icon. For her 1990 Blonde Ambition Tour, Gaultier designed the now-iconic cone bra, a bold tribute to Madonna’s rock-and-roll yet sensual persona. Their partnership pushed boundaries, with Gaultier creating unforgettable looks for Like a Virgin and Vogue music videos, now easily certified in the fashion hall of fame. 

4. Bob Mackie and Cher

This list would be incomplete without what is arguably the most impactful designer-muse relationship of all time: Bob Mackie and Cher. Mackie, known for his flamboyant and daring designs, became Cher’s go-to designer, creating the extravagant costumes that defined the singer’s stage persona. One of their most iconic moments was Cher’s 1975 Met Gala appearance, where she wore a sheer nude feathered gown. At the time, the ‘naked dress’ was the first of its kind and extremely controversial. However, naked dresses are now a staple of red carpet fashion, even Kim Kardashian referenced this Cher look at the 2019 Met Gala. 

5. Princess Diana and Catherine Walker

Catherine Walker was one of Princess Diana’s most trusted designers, known for creating elegant and timeless pieces that perfectly reflected the royal’s sophisticated style. Walker crafted many of Diana’s iconic outfits, including the famous “Elvis dress”. The snow-white beaded dress and bolero, hand-embroidered with 28,600 pearls, featured a crisp, tall collar, earning it the "Elvis dress", dubbed so by Diana herself. Interestingly, Walker’s designs have come full circle, as they are now a favourite of Diana’s daughter-in-law, The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.