Some Like It Haute Trivia Quiz

Answer: Coco Chanel

Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel (1883-1971) was a French fashion designer who founded the Chanel brand and changed the way women dressed in the 20th century. Born into poverty, she began her career as a seamstress before opening her first hat shop in 1910. Chanel's designs rejected the ornate, restrictive fashion of the Belle Époque in favour of simplicity, comfort and functionality. She popularised jersey fabrics, introduced relaxed silhouettes and championed neutral colours. Chanel's influence extended beyond clothing, as she also created iconic perfumes such as Chanel No. 5 and accessories such as the quilted handbag.

The Little Black Dress made its debut in the 1 October 1926 issue of "Vogue", which predicted it would become "a kind of uniform for all women of taste". The original design was a simple long-sleeved shift dress in black crepe de chine, embellished with pearls. At the time, black was associated with mourning, but Chanel reinterpreted it as a colour of sophistication and modernity. The LBD became a symbol of effortless elegance that could be worn both day and night. Its status in popular culture was sealed by Audrey Hepburn's iconic look in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961).

Answer: Christian Dior

Christian Dior (1905-1957) was a French couturier who reshaped post-war fashion and founded his eponymous house in 1946. In February 1947 he presented his first collection, which became known as the "New Look" and revolutionised women's fashion with its emphasis on femininity, luxury and elegance. Dior's designs contrasted sharply with the utilitarian styles of the Second World War, celebrating curves, opulence and meticulous craftsmanship.

The centrepiece of Dior's groundbreaking "New Look" collection, the Bar Jacket epitomised the designer's vision of ultra-feminine elegance. It featured a nipped-in waist, padded hips and a sculpted peplum that accentuated the hourglass silhouette. Typically paired with a full, pleated skirt, the ensemble exuded a sense of structured glamour. Crafted from luxurious cream wool with black piping, the jacket redefined women's tailoring and became a symbol of the post-war return to extravagance.

Answer: Gianni Versace

Gianni Versace (1946-1997) was an Italian fashion designer renowned for his bold, glamorous and unapologetically provocative designs. He founded his fashion house in 1978. Known for combining classical art motifs with modern sensuality, he brought vibrancy and drama to high fashion. Versace's work often featured luxurious fabrics, intricate embellishments and daring silhouettes. His designs were popular with celebrities, making him a favourite on red carpets around the world.

The Safety Pin Dress debuted as part of Versace's Spring/Summer 1994 collection, but achieved iconic status when Elizabeth Hurley wore it to the premiere of "Four Weddings and a Funeral". Made from black silk and lycra, the dress featured daring cut-outs held together by oversized gold safety pins, creating a perfect balance of edge and elegance. The revealing design, coupled with Hurley's new-found fame, catapulted both the dress and the brand to global fame.

Answer: Alexander McQueen

Known as the enfant terrible of British fashion, Alexander McQueen (1969-2010) was a visionary designer celebrated for his theatrical catwalk shows and avant-garde creations. After honing his skills at Central Saint Martins and working as head designer at Givenchy, McQueen founded his own label, combining technical mastery with provocative artistry. His designs often explored themes of nature, history and the macabre, making him one of fashion's most innovative and influential figures.

The Armadillo boot debuted during McQueen's Spring/Summer 2010 collection, Plato's Atlantis. Inspired by a futuristic underwater world, the collection featured aquatic hues and surreal silhouettes. The boot, with its towering 10-inch heel and exaggerated curved shape, resembled an armadillo shell or the exoskeleton of a sea creature. Made of wood, leather and resin, the boots were both architectural marvels and bold statements about the intersection of fashion and art.

Despite their impracticality, the boots became a symbol of McQueen's daring creativity. They were famously worn by Lady Gaga in her "Bad Romance" video.

Answer: Yves Saint Laurent

A pioneer of modern fashion, Yves Saint Laurent (1936-2008) was known for revolutionising women's wardrobes with designs that blended masculinity and femininity. After working under Christian Dior, Saint Laurent founded his own fashion house in 1961, introducing innovations such as ready-to-wear collections and breaking social norms with bold, androgynous styles. His work often celebrated freedom, individuality and the empowerment of women through fashion.

Introduced in Saint Laurent's Autumn/Winter 1966 collection, Le Smoking was the first tuxedo designed specifically for women. The sleek black jacket, tailored trousers, crisp white shirt and satin cummerbund offered an androgynous alternative to the traditional evening gown. The design redefined formal wear, allowing women to exude elegance and confidence while breaking gender norms. Famously photographed by Helmut Newton in 1975, it became one of the most enduring and celebrated pieces in fashion history.

Answer: Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld (1933-2019) is considered one of the most influential figures in fashion. He was the longtime creative director for Chanel, Fendi and his own label. Throughout his decades-long career, he became known for his ability to modernise legacy brands while introducing innovative designs. During his tenure at Chanel (1983-2019), Lagerfeld revitalised the brand and made it synonymous with contemporary elegance and creativity.

The Choupette Bag debuted as part of Chanel's 2013 collection, inspired by Lagerfeld's Birman cat, Choupette. Made from premium materials such as leather and faux fur, the bag featured feline-inspired details such as pointed ears, embroidered whiskers and a nose-like clasp. The limited edition became a collector's item, celebrated not only for its artistry but also for its personal connection to Lagerfeld's life. Choupette herself was a celebrity in the fashion world, with her own social media following and presence in Lagerfeld's campaigns, making the bag a symbolic extension of the designer's creative universe.

Answer: Jean-Paul Gaultier

Known as fashion's "enfant terrible", Jean-Paul Gaultier (b. 1952) has built a reputation for pushing boundaries and challenging norms. Since launching his first collection in 1976, Gaultier has become synonymous with daring, avant-garde designs that combine elements of streetwear, couture and cultural commentary. His work often subverts gender roles, celebrates diversity and incorporates unconventional materials and motifs.

One of Gaultier's most iconic creations, the Cone Bra, was designed for Madonna's Blond Ambition World Tour in 1990. The provocative garment featured exaggerated pointed cones as cups in pink satin, inspired by the bullet bras of the 1950s. It debuted as part of the Daring Glamour collection in 1982, but gained worldwide fame when Madonna wore it on stage. The Cone Bra became a cultural sensation, a symbol of empowerment, femininity and sexual liberation. It remains one of the most recognisable and celebrated garments in the history of pop culture.

Answer: Vivienne Westwood

British designer Vivienne Westwood (1941-2022) is widely regarded as the godmother of punk fashion. Emerging from the counterculture movement of the 1970s, her designs challenged conventional aesthetics, combining a rebellious spirit with historical influences. Often inspired by art, history and subversion, Westwood's work helped redefine the boundaries of high fashion.

Debuting in Westwood's 1981 Pirates collection, the Pirate Boots were an instant icon. Made from soft leather with slouchy folds and distinctive buckled straps, the boots embodied a playful, unorthodox take on historical footwear. Their exaggerated, theatrical design was inspired by 18th century buccaneers and combined romantic nostalgia with punk attitude. The pirate boots became a cult favourite, celebrated for their comfort, versatility and rebellious flair.

Answer: Tom Ford

American designer and filmmaker Tom Ford (born 1961) is credited with revitalising the Gucci brand in the 1990s and early 2000s. After joining Gucci in 1990 as a womenswear designer, Ford was promoted to creative director in 1994. His work at Gucci, characterised by sleek silhouettes, bold sexuality and luxurious fabrics, transformed the struggling fashion house into a symbol of modern glamour. Ford later served as creative director at Yves Saint Laurent before launching his eponymous label in 2006.

Ford's crimson Velvet Suit for Gucci, from the autumn/winter 1996 collection, is one of the most iconic garments of the 1990s. Famously worn by Gwyneth Paltrow at the MTV Movie Awards, the suit's sharp tailoring and deep V-neckline eschew traditional shirts for a naked, confident look. The suit's lush fabric and bold colour were a nod to 1970s decadence, reinterpreted through Ford's minimalist lens.

Answer: Miuccia Prada

Italian designer and businesswoman Miuccia Prada (born 1949) is best known for revolutionising luxury fashion with her innovative use of materials and unique approach to design. After taking over the family brand in 1978, she redefined the concept of high fashion by incorporating utilitarian elements and embracing the unexpected. Prada's designs are characterised by their minimalist aesthetic, intellectual approach and attention to detail.

Introduced in 1984, the Prada Nylon Backpack is one of Miuccia Prada's most iconic contributions to the fashion world. Made from durable, lightweight nylon, this utilitarian bag was a bold departure from the leather bags that dominated the luxury market. Its simple, functional design resonated with a generation seeking both luxury and practicality. The bag became synonymous with "hidden wealth" - luxury that wasn't immediately apparent.