Runway Ready

Can You Match These Fashion Icons to What Made Them Famous?

August 27, 2025 • Read in 4 minutes

Dear Hyphenly Readers,

From the pageboy bob that never changes to the dress that liberated working women, immigrant designers and fashion figures have shaped how America looks, feels, and expresses itself. Whether they arrived with big dreams or were born into multicultural families, these fashion icons brought their heritage, creativity, and fresh perspectives to transform American style forever.

Think you can match these fashion powerhouses and what made them household names?

Which British born fashion icon is credited with putting the first pair of jeans on a major fashion magazine cover and transforming the Met Gala into fashion's biggest night?

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The Dominican-born Oscar de la Renta is known as "America's First Designer" and his final masterpiece before passing away was Amal Clooney's wedding dress. Why did he earn this prestigious title?

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Diane von Furstenberg was born in Belgium and created one iconic piece that became a symbol of women's liberation in the 1970s. By 1976, she was selling 25,000 of them per week. What did she popularise?

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This supermodel has 76 million Instagram followers and is the daughter of a Palestinian refugee whose family fled in 1948. She started modeling at age 2 and recently launched a knitwear line. Who is she?

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Prabal Gurung credits Oprah with inspiring him to move to America from his home country. He's dressed Michelle Obama multiple times and once sent models down the runway wearing sashes that asked "Who Gets to Be American?" Where is he originally from?

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How did you do? These fashion icons prove that American style is a beautiful mix of global influences, immigrant dreams, and cultural heritage. Each brought something unique from their background and changed how we think about fashion.

Speaking of redefining identity and belonging, listen to the final Immigrantly episode from 2024. Saadia sat down with Bambadjan Bamba - you know him from Black Panther and The Good Place - but his story goes far beyond the screen. As a DACA recipient and passionate immigrant rights advocate, Bambadjan shared his journey of challenging what it means to belong in America, plus his creative work behind Bogolonfini, an Afrocentric streetwear brand featuring the stunning Afro Poncho Collection.

Which fashion icon's story surprises you most? Hit reply - we love hearing what resonates with you!

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This newsletter was curated by Devna Shah.

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Hyphenly curates the latest news, art, and businesses from immigrants around the world. Have a tip or story we should feature? We’d love to hear from you.