Liz Claiborne was a trailblazing entrepreneur and fashion designer who made a significant impact on the fashion industry. Born in Belgium in 1929, she went on to become the first woman to head a Fortune 500 company. Her eponymous clothing brand, Liz Claiborne Inc., became a powerhouse in the women's fashion world, grossing over twenty million dollars in its first two years of existence. Claiborne's success and contributions to the industry have solidified her legacy as a pioneer in fashion and business.
At the age of twenty, Liz Claiborne won Harper's Bazaar's Jacques Heim National Design Contest, propelling her into the world of fashion. She began her career as an artist in the Manhattan Garment District, working for Tina Leser's sportswear company and various other fashion houses and designers. Claiborne's talent and dedication to her craft quickly gained recognition, leading to her eventual founding of Liz Claiborne Inc.
With a keen eye for design and a strong business sense, Liz Claiborne revolutionized women's fashion with her eponymous brand. The company's innovative designs and quality products resonated with consumers, propelling Liz Claiborne Inc. to unparalleled success. By 1981, the brand had surpassed one billion dollars in sales, solidifying its status as a fashion powerhouse.
Throughout her career and into retirement, Liz Claiborne remained committed to giving back to causes close to her heart. She generously supported environmental foundations and funded programs such as PBS's Nature series. Her dedication to making a positive impact extended beyond the fashion industry, leaving a lasting legacy of philanthropy and activism.
Born to an American family with roots in Louisiana, Liz Claiborne spent much of her youth in Maryland, USA. She was married twice, with her second marriage to Arthur Ortenberg lasting until her death in 2007. Claiborne's personal life reflected her values of strength, resilience, and dedication to her craft.
Liz Claiborne's influence on the fashion industry cannot be overstated. As a pioneering female entrepreneur, she shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations of women in business. Her commitment to quality, innovation, and philanthropy has left an indelible mark on the fashion world and beyond.