The fashion industry, valued at approximately £1.2 trillion and employing around 430 million people globally, has seen its power dynamics shift. The Standard's Fashion Power 100 list for 2023 ranks the most significant figures based on revenue, followers, clout, and overall influence on what people wear.
Marta Ortega, chair of Inditex since 2021, tops the list. She has positioned Zara at the heart of fashion, attending Paris Fashion Week shows, launching a collection with Steven Meisel at Dover Street Market, and hosting a Helmut Newton exhibition at her foundation in A Coruña. In September, Inditex reported a 40% jump in half-year net profits, reflecting her blend of industry clout and customer loyalty.
Bernard Arnault, worth about $187.4 billion, presides over LVMH's 75 fashion and cosmetic brands, including Christian Dior, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton. His five children lead star houses with equal stakes in the holding company. Louis Vuitton is the second most valuable fashion brand globally.
Kim Kardashian's impact is undeniable, with 364 million Instagram followers and her brand SKIMS, valued at around £3 billion, turning control pants into a cool commodity. Her personal worth is estimated at $4 billion.
Edward Enninful, exiting British Vogue, has left a mark with provocative covers and an agenda of change and inclusivity. He has signed with WME talent agency, handling TV and film rights to his memoir, A Visible Man.
Anna Wintour, at 74, remains a doyenne of Condé Nast, overseeing global magazine output despite a 5% workforce cut. She reimagines Vogue as an experiential brand with 'Vogue World' events, the latest featuring Stormzy at London Fashion Week.
Phoebe Philo, after six years away from Celine, launched her solo venture in October, crashing the internet with £3,000 'Mum' necklaces and £6,000 handbags, while 'Philophiles' traded past season Celine stock at rising prices.
