Online Class: Iconoclasts of Style — Revolutionary Figures in Modern Fashion

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
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15Lessons
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22Exams &
Assignments -
7Hours
average time -
0.7CEUs
Course Description
Imagine standing on the very edge of fashion's most thrilling precipice, where every stitch tells a prophetic tale and each design challenges the very boundaries of tradition. This is not just an invitation to study fashion; it's a call to join a revolutionary movement--a journey through time and innovation that will forever alter your view of the industry and your place within it. Welcome to "Iconoclasts of Style: Revolutionary Figures in Modern Fashion," an essential exploration into the minds and masterworks of fashion's groundbreaking visionaries.
This course offers more than an academic overview; it is your personal key to unlock the daring spirit of those who didn't just participate in the fashion world; they transformed it. Through the lens of history's boldest designers, you will gain firsthand insights into the symbiosis of struggle, culture, and creativity. Their stories are more than narratives; they are blueprints for breaking barriers and redefining norms in your own life and career.
Imagine tracing Coco Chanel's courageous journey from solemn beginnings to her revolutionary redefinition of femininity. Discover how the humble jersey fabric became the symbol of liberation for women worldwide. Chanel didn't merely design clothes; she crafted a lifestyle that empowered, transcended class, and broke free from the restraints of her time. Your creative courage will ignite as you follow in her footsteps.
Travel further into the tapestry of fashion with Yves Saint Laurent, a true pioneer whose creations wove new threads in the fabric of gender dynamics. What he offered women wasn't just a tuxedo; it was a powerful beacon of strength. Such audacious brilliance becomes your own guide, navigating the complex interplay of gender, identity, and style. Through his vision, cultivate your own voice to champion equality and innovation.
The journey intensifies as you uncover Alexander McQueen's gothic allure--a master of blending bleak elegance with somber romanticism. His designs don't drift through the ether of fashion; they provoke, incite, and inspire. In them, you will encounter a narrative art form that prompts your exploration into the unknown, channeling emotions and memories into sartorial masterpieces.
This course pulls you into the ferocity and fervor of Vivienne Westwood as well, whose punk essence took fashion by storm and elevated it into a staging ground for social and cultural rebellion. Her story is one of fearlessness and defiance, inviting you to ponder how clothes can become catalysts for change beyond the catwalk.
Yet, not all revolutions unfold in loud declarations. Rei Kawakubo's quiet brilliance in merging Eastern aesthetics with Western art forms speaks of a subtler kind of revolutionary--the one who whispers the future into the heartbeat of the present. Her journey beckons you to relish and embrace your authenticity, challenging the status quo without straying from your intrinsic self.
Throughout this course, you will delve not just into the designs of Versace, Lagerfeld, Lauren, and others, but into the visions they birthed. Witness how fashion entwined with art, culture, and technology, offering you a panoramic vista of past influences shaping the present, and inspiring future horizons. The pioneers you study are no mere subjects; they are your mentors, guiding lights charting trails to a path you will soon call your own.
By the end of this transformative adventure, you'll emerge with more than knowledge. You'll possess an awakened artistry and refreshed dynamism, ready to lead, transform, and influence. "Iconoclasts of Style: Revolutionary Figures in Modern Fashion" presents itself as your passport to not only follow in the footfalls of giants but to claim your own ground in fashion's ever-evolving landscape.
The revolution awaits--and its stage is here. Are you ready to join the ranks of the iconoclasts and redefine the world of fashion? The only step that matters now is your first: enrolling in this unmatched odyssey toward discovering the limitless horizons of your own potential.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1. Rise of the Chanel Suit: Liberation Through Design
Chanel's journey illustrates how personal struggle and innovation can challenge societal norms, leading to enduring cultural impact. By using elements like jersey fabric and breaking tradition with Chanel No. 5, she redefined femininity and luxury.Lesson 2. Breaking Boundaries: Yves Saint Laurent's Fashion Revolution
Yves Saint Laurent was a trailblazer in merging gender lines within fashion, introducing styles that allowed women to embody strength and authority. His iconic 'Le Smoking' tuxedo marked a pivotal moment in the fashion industry, promoting gender equality and opening the door for modern designers to embrace androgyny and non-binary design.Lesson 3. Gothic Inspirations: McQueen’s Narrative of Darkness and Beauty
Alexander McQueen’s legacy lies in his ability to blend historical narratives with modernity, resulting in provocative fashion pieces that challenge perceptions. His unique gothic inspirations continue to influence and inspire the fashion industry, encouraging story-driven, emotionally resonant designs.Lesson 4. Clothing as Cultural Manifestos in Vivienne Westwood’s Designs
Vivienne Westwood's journey from a modest upbringing to a trailblazer in fashion was fueled by her intrinsic blend of practicality and rebellious creativity. Her partnership with Malcolm McLaren catalyzed the punk movement, transforming fashion into a vehicle for social critique and cultural rebellion.Lesson 5. Avant-Garde Fashion: The Kawakubo Influence
Rei Kawakubo, through Comme des Garçons, continuously redefines artistry in fashion by merging Japanese and global aesthetics, breaking traditional norms. Her revolutionary approach influences the fashion industry to embrace non-conformity and highlights the importance of personal authenticity.Lesson 6. Gianni Versace: When Fashion and Art Collide
Pioneering the era of supermodels, Versace crafted a new dialogue on beauty, using the runway as a stage for empowerment and celebrity influence. His designs, embraced by icons and royalty alike, were more than garments; they were declarations of confidence and statements of cultural expression.Lesson 7. 'Lagerfeld's Chanel: Innovation Meets Tradition'
Karl Lagerfeld revitalized Chanel by infusing Coco Chanel's foundational elegance with contemporary flair, turning iconic pieces into modern statements that captivated new generations. He innovatively blended tradition with bold creativity, establishing Chanel as a trendsetter that transcended fashion norms.Lesson 8. Crafting American Dreams Through Fashion
Ralph Lauren's journey from the Bronx to a global fashion icon is a testament to resilience and innovative vision, embodying the American Dream through timeless elegance. His brand transcends traditional fashion by crafting a lifestyle narrative that marries Hollywood glamour with Americana sophistication.Lesson 9. Issey Miyake: Legacy of Innovation and Tradition
Issey Miyake redefined fashion by blending innovative technology with traditional Japanese crafts, creating collections that emphasized pleated designs, sustainability, and personal expression. His transformative work demonstrated fashion's potential to be both a cultural and technological intersection, ultimately reshaping design narratives and consumer engagement.Lesson 10. Gaultier’s Journey: From Corsets to Conical Bras
Jean Paul Gaultier, through exploration and risk-taking, elevated conventional garments into statements of individuality. His work with gender-fluid clothing and multicultural motifs reshaped the industry, proving fashion could be a medium for social commentary and change.Lesson 11. Conscious Couture: The Stella McCartney Narrative
Illustrating the fusion of style and sustainability, Stella McCartney leverages her upbringing and education to redefine fashion ethics. Through initiatives like Clevercare and partnerships with luxury conglomerates, she champions consumer education and accountability, motivating the industry toward transparent, eco-conscious practices.Lesson 12. Pop Art Revolution: Redefining the Artistic Landscape of the '50s and '60s
Through iconic works like the Campbell's Soup Cans, Andy Warhol blurred the lines between art and commerce, sparking discussions on consumerism's role in society. His method of using repeated imagery and vibrant colors became an enduring element in fashion, inspiring designers to integrate art's power into wearable statements.Lesson 13. Exploring Margiela: Deconstruction & Abstract Elegance
The designer's anonymity and preference for collective talent over individual stardom revolutionized fashion's focus, encouraging authenticity and questioning the typical glorification of designers. Margiela's endeavors in recycled and upcycled materials laid the groundwork for present-day sustainable fashion, blending artistry with eco-conscious craftsmanship before it gained widespread traction.Lesson 14. The Revolutionary Vision of Diana Vreeland: Transforming Fashion Journalism
Through her editorship at Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, Diana Vreeland stood at the cultural crossroads, transforming fashion into an articulate medium of personal identity. Her eye for innovation brought new voices and visions to the forefront, significantly changing how fashion was perceived and presented.Lesson 15. From Fabric to Futurism: Chalayan's Multidisciplinary Impact on Fashion
Chalayan's artistic journey, marked by his 2000 collection 'Afterwords,' speaks volumes about adaptability in design and identity amid chaos, turning furniture into garments as a metaphor for survival and belonging. This transformative use of art and technology paved the way for integrating social issues into fashion, offering designers a blueprint for narrative-driven creativity.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze the impact of Chanel's innovations, such as the Little Black Dress and the Chanel Suit, on women's movement towards independence in the 20th century.
- Identify and describe how Coco Chanel's early life experiences influenced her revolutionary fashion designs, focusing on simplicity and practicality.
- Describe the influence of Yves Saint Laurent's 'Le Smoking' tuxedo on gender norms in fashion, analyzing its impact on contemporary gender-fluid designs.
- Identify the ways Yves Saint Laurent blended masculine and feminine elements in fashion, evaluating their contribution to modern androgynous styles.
- Analyze how McQueen's use of gothic themes in fashion design reflects broader societal and historical narratives by examining examples from his work.
- Recognize the influence of gothic aesthetics in Alexander McQueen's designs by identifying specific elements from his collections that exemplify this theme.
- Define the impact of Vivienne Westwood's designs on the punk fashion movement by identifying key elements that challenged societal norms.
- Demonstrate understanding of Westwood's sustainability philosophy by describing specific practices she implemented in her fashion collections to promote environmental responsibility.
- Describe the impact of cultural influences on Rei Kawakubo's design philosophy and identify elements that challenge conventional fashion norms.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how Rei Kawakubo's deconstruction approach has redefined traditional fashion aesthetics by analyzing specific collection examples.
- Demonstrate an understanding of Versace's use of color and pattern by analyzing how they reflect Mediterranean cultural influences.
- Identify the architectural influences in Versace's fashion designs and describe their impact on his collections.
- Recognize Karl Lagerfeld's transformative impact on Chanel by identifying key strategies he used to modernize the brand while preserving its heritage.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

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Time to complete | 6 months |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
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