Messori's defining philosophy gives priority to quality over quantity. Care and attention to quality are the central strategic factor in the product policy: careful selection of fabrics, tailored cutting of garments, fine details and exclusive lines set this trademark securely in the top market band. Messori leaves behind the classical sterotype of Latin virility and the image of the Meditterranean male for that of a cosmopolitan man.

http://www.messori.it

Years of designing for the theatre earned him a respectable reputation in the fashion industry, but it was his collaborations with American photographer Richard Avedon that helped Versace become one of the world's elite designers. His 1982 collection introduced metallic garments that would become his trademark, and his elaborate stage costumes for Elton John in the late '80s helped cement his reputation as one of the beautiful people. At the time of his murder in 1997, Versace had an extensive empire that included boutiques, fragrances and household products. He was shot to death outside his Miami Beach home, the last victim in the killing spree of fugitive Andrew Cunanan. Versace's sister Donatella succeeded him as head of the fashion house.

http://www.versace.com

Originally inspired by eclectic, thrift shop Bohemia, Dolce & Gabbana's deeply coloured, animal prints have been described as "haute hippydom" taking inspiration in particular from Italy's prestigious film history. "When we design it's like a movie," says Domenico Dolce. "We think of a story and we design the clothes to go with it." They claim to be more concerned about creating the best, most flattering clothes than sparking trends, once admitting that they wouldn't mind if their only contribution to fashion history was a black bra.

Once dubbed the "Gilbert and George of Italian fashion", Dolce and Gabbana gave their fashion interests a musical turn in 1996, by recording their own single, in which they intoned the words "D&G is love" over a techno beat. Newer to the design game than other heavyweight Italian fashion houses such as Versace and Armani, the pair acknowledge that luck has played its part in their phenomenal success. By 1997, their company reported a turnover of £400 million, prompting both designers to announce that they planned to retire by the age of 40 - a promise they happily did not keep.

http://www.dolcegabbana.it

The origins of Gant can be found in the traditions and lifestyles of America's East Coast. Today, this style has followers all over the world, but the authenticity of Gant cannot be matched without the same kind of genuine roots that Gant has. Gant is more than just a product; it's a lifestyle to which people aspire.

Gant has a distinctive culture and feel that people come to expect. Built on solid American tradition, but also reflecting a European way of thinking. They define it as American casualness and European elegance. It's the fusion of these two cultures that shapes the Gant world.

http://www.gant.com