Although the fashion business might not always be entirely glamorous, there's something profoundly alluring about the world of runways and spring-summer collections — not to mention the amount of money that goes around.
Fashion United estimated the global apparel market at $3 trillion (£2.21 trillion).
Business Insider has compiled a list of the 25 richest people in the fashion industry. Using information from Forbes' 2017 list of billionaires, the list contains designers, founders, CEOs and marketing moguls that have made their fortunes in fashion retail — from fast fashion to haute couture.
Scroll on to discover the 25 richest people in the fashion industry, including a description of each brand's rise to prominence, ranked in ascending order.
23 (tie). Alexandre Grendene Bartelle — $2.4 billion
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Alexandre Grendene Bartelle (right) with twin brother and Grendene co-founder Pedro Grendene Bartelle and daughter Lise Grendene.
Alexandre Grendene Bartelle founded the shoe brand Grendene with his twin brother Pedro in 1971. Grendene is a household name in its home country of Brazil, and international supermodel Gisele Bundchen even released her own line of flip-flops in partnership with the brand.
Grendene is now the world's largest sandal manufacturer and Brazil's leading shoe exporting company, according to Forbes. Some of Alexandre Grendene Bartelle's fortune is also a result of his investments in sugar and kitchen unit manufacture.
23 (tie). Bernard Lewis — $2.4 billion
Bernard Lewis founded UK high street fashion retailer River Island in 1948, with three of his brothers. Lewis decided to move into fashion retail following the success of his greengrocer's shop which he founded beforehand, according to nephew and current River Island chief, Ben Lewis. The high street name has come a long way since then, with sales reaching $1.26 billion last year, according to a report by Fashion United.
River Island has always been a family business. Lewis remains Chairman of the company, with his son Clive taking on the role of Deputy Chairman. Nephew Ben Lewis is now chief of operations.
22 (tie). Miuccia Prada — $2.6 billion
Miuccia Prada holds a 28% stake in luxury fashion and handbag brand Prada. She shares the role of CEO with her husband, Patrizio Bertelli. The husband and wife have a net worth of $2.6 billion each.
Prada was founded in 1913 by Miuccia's grandfather as a luxury luggage company. It was under Miuccia Prada's leadership that the brand expanded into fashion and designer womenswear. Miuccia Prada is also the founder of the Prada subsidiary, Miu Miu, which was founded in 1993.
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