Naming a fashion label is one of the most important things a designer will do for his or her brand; it's the first thing that consumers hear when it's being introduced to the world. Fashion designers put everything into creating brands that will command attention in the industry and live beyond designers themselves. Labels appear everywhere from handbags to storefronts, and the names stamped on them can communicate anything from a family legacy to a philosophy of life. Here are nine labels with interesting inspiration behind their names:
1. Marchesa
You may have seen Georgina Chapman, co-founder of this womenswear line, on Project Runway Allstars or you may know it by the many spectacularly glittery, feminine dresses that float across red carpets during awards season (like the amazingly dramatic one above on Eva Longoria). Chapman met Keren Craig at design school and together they founded Marchesa in 2004. The inspiration for the name came from Italian socialite Marches Luisa Casati, who was famous for her patronage of the arts and for transforming herself into living works of art with wild outfits.
2. Elizabeth and James
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's brand Elizabeth and James has shown the world that they are more than the twins we remember from Full House and their many movies from the '90s and early 2000's. The Olsens are keeping it high fashion with their contemporary line (they also have a higher end line called The Row), named after siblings Elizabeth and James (pictured above with the twins and their mom).
3. 7 For All Mankind
This premium denim label was inspired by a study that shows the average American owns 7 pairs of jeans.
4. COMME des GARÇONS
When this Tokyo-based fashion label was founded in 1969, it focused on tomboy-esque clothing for women. In French, the brand name means "like boys."
5. Tibi
Tibi began as a small collection of dresses coming out of St. Simon's Island, Georgia. Co-founders Amy Smilovic and Octavia Hyland named the brand after Hyland's grandmother. Now, the label is a powerhouse in the fashion industry, known for its updated take on minimalism.
6. Band of Outsiders
Designer Scott Sterberg was inspired by Godard's 1964 film Bande à part, which translates to Band of Outsiders. Anna Kendrick (above) and many other celebs have rocked this line on the red carpet.
7. BCBG
This brand name is an acronym for "bon chic, bon genre," which translates to "good style, good attitude."
8. Alice + Olivia
This flirty, girly fashion line was inspired by moms! Stacey Bendet (above) and her former business partner named the line after their mothers, Alice and Olivia.
9. rag & bone
Designers Nathan Bone and Marcus Wainwright were inspired by the old English concept of a "rag and bone man," which is someone who refashioned trash and scraps to be resold. And this fits right in to the somewhat industrial, effortless-but-polished vibe of their line: a little edgy, a little grungy, a little downtown-cool.