Clean and minimalist yet intrinsically romantic, New York-based designer Narciso Rodriguez’s sleek, contemporary silhouettes are a sartorial mainstay season upon season. An alumna of the Parsons School of Design, he came to attention in 1996 when he created a simple, bias-cut sheath dress for close friend Carolyn Bessette’s marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr. With the dress’ modest silhouette informing the feel of his debut collection in October 1998 – “No one but Narciso has ever made a simple line more stunning,” was what Vogue editor Anna Wintour said – it’s little wonder his career has continued with critical acclaim, with consecutive CFDA Womenswear of the Year Awards in 2002 and 2003, and his Spring/Summer 2009 collection hand-picked by Michelle Obama to be worn at the inauguration of President Obama.