10 Iconic American Fashion Brands That Defined Style Worldwide

Cain Palmer • April 8, 2025

Fashion is not what you wear, it's the way you move. It's confidence. It's culture. It's your narrative, being whispered. With the previous generations of American fashion, its brands have been charged with having the power to enable individuals to be capable of being themselves and to feel whatever they desire. From revolution denims to streetwear empires, these companies didn't ride the wave, they wrote the lines upon which fashion is in the world.

Flash back to 10 timeless American icons who dressed the globe. And watch for the lone name that isn't merely joining the list; it's claiming its place: RHO & NYA.


1. Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren isn’t just a brand, it’s an institution. The company started with neckties and quickly grew into a fashion empire. From crisp button-downs to iconic polo shirts, Ralph Lauren brought the American preppy style to the world stage. It’s polished, refined, and always recognizable. The brand captured the spirit of the American dream and gave it a global audience.

2. Levi’s

You can’t talk about American fashion without Levi’s. Known for inventing blue jeans, Levi’s turned durable workwear into a universal symbol of cool. The 501 jeans are legendary, worn by rebels, rock stars, and everyday people alike. Levi’s jeans transcend borders and generations. They’re not just clothing, they’re culture.

3. Calvin Klein

New, straightforward, and almost risqué, Calvin Klein revolutionized American fashion. Streamlining and unapologetically merchandising, Calvin Klein designed clothes that were uncomplicated but interesting. Underwear icons. Fragrance icons. Fashion endures.

4. Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy infused attitude into prep American. The company exploded in the '90s with street and traditional men's fashion blended. The red, white, and blue of its logo cried international cross-over cool and power. Poured on by artists, musicians, and athletes, Tommy Hilfiger redefined cool American.


5. Michael Kors

Michael Kors popularized glamour. Sterile lines, urbane-refined handbags, and relaxed coats: the brand civilized wearability. Runway to runway, Michael Kors apparel was poised to soar. Sophisticated but relaxed, refined but understated, apparel without borders.


6. Nike

Nike is a culture and a movement and a monolithic big something more than a brand. From being a performance sport shoe company to a global fashion behemoth, Nike is today one such big fashion house. Sports people no longer are the only ones wearing Nike sneakers,  fashionistas wear it globally. Swoosh owns performance, sure, but imagination, passion, and personal creative expression as well.

7. DKNY (Donna Karan New York)

DKNY was quick, functional, and hip - as was New York City. For working professionals, they wanted fashion to be as wild as their life. From fashion dresses to pieces of clothing that could be layered quickly, DKNY was city living. DKNY revolutionized the way one dressed well, rushed around, and did all that being hip involved.

8. Coach

Coach brought leather fashion to a work of art. They grew from a small Manhattan workshop to one of the world's most famous symbols of wealth. Their totes were the symbol of status. Ready-to-wear expansion just made them hold on tighter. Coach is all about quality, integrity, and creative innovation.

9. Guess

Guess is all about bold, sexy fashion that fuses European elegance with a shot of American attitude. Renowned for its iconic denim, Guess has led the way in charting the direction of American fashion, most notably in the '80s and '90s. Guess was the brand of choice among those who sought cool, rebel fashion with a shot of luxury thrown in. With its Guess logo and legendary ad campaigns, Guess is still the height of fun, fashionably risqué, and cool with a hint of glamour.

10. RHO & NYA

And lastly, the sole brand that's reigning over rulebooks: RHO & NYA.

While the others were mired in yesterday, RHO & NYA ought to be doing the exact opposite. It's judging next-gen fashion a little too soon; the one who doesn't care about fashion anymore but more in all that they buy. RHO & NYA add strength, subtlety, and purpose to each line.

RHO & NYA do not want to make a splash but want to. It must make a splash.

  • For purpose: No frills unnecessarily on purpose. In any and every cut.

  • With every cut, utter confidence: Cutting edge and sharp, always making its presence felt. You can feel it the very moment you wear it.

  • Substance with style: RHO & NYA isn't following the trend,  it's setting the trend.

It's a brand for change-makers, creatives, and game-changers. For individuals who know who they are and don't make fashion about what they're wearing.

Why RHO & NYA Is the Brand of Now

Whereas classics provided us with something to stand on, now demands more. More purpose. More edge. More identity.

RHO & NYA is answering that call.

Where other brands were founded yesterday, RHO & NYA is founded today. It's not embarrassing to be bold, clean, and unapologetically intentional. It meets you where you're at and propels you forward. And that's what fashion needs to do: speak to you, move you, and grow with you.

It's not the next American fashion brand,  it's the next thing.

Last Thought

American style made legends. Style, though, can't be repaired. It just continues to evolve, such as you.

The past was powerful. The future is thrilling.

And the future? That is RHO & NYA.

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Akupe Igbo is a hand fan, teaser, tool and something more, it's a badge of pride, dignity, and heritage. To the symbolic fan of Igbo traditional society, there are always bridegroom, elder, titled men, and chiefs who bear it as a symbol of power and dignity. Bearing it for marriage, chieftaincy, or cultural festivals, akupe igbo is centuries of significance in an action. A Fan That Speaks Culture In Igbo society, the clothes and accessories you have on and bring to the border of transition speak volumes about you. The akupe igbo, made traditionally from the animal hide or leather, is not mere ornamentation, it is a symbol of respect, authority, and heritage. In the traditional marriage rituals, the bridegroom would, at times, finish his ceremonial outfit by donning the akupe fan. The fan, composed of coral beads and the traditional cap, is a royal attire. It talks of preparedness, responsibility, and pride in culture, adjectives that are synonymous with Igbo culture. More Than Decoration: The Deeper Cultural Story All akupe igbo are well-made. Rho & Nya's is made of actual cowhide, which gives it a durable but fashionable appearance. The patina and the grain of the leather and the natural patina provide all of the fans with a one-of-a-kind look. That attention is not so much about looks, it's not so much about looks, it's about it being for the makers and the generation of people who went into creating the custom. It was a symbol of status, and to be in possession was a sign that one had worked one's way up ranks to society. Today, it remains so, the groom and cultural officials proudly using the fan for ceremonies. What Makes Akupe Igbo Special? The version sold by Rho & Nya brings this tradition to life: Made from authentic cowhide, showing natural texture and strength Designed for adult men, especially grooms and titled individuals Affordably priced at $55.99, offering real cultural value Why You Should Own an Akupe Igbo Fan If you’re considering purchasing an akupe igbo for an event, a gift, or your cultural collection, here are eight solid reasons why it’s worth it: Shows Authority A visible symbol of respect and leadership, often carried by chiefs and grooms. Carries Tradition Handmade with real cowhide, it preserves Igbo cultural values and craftsmanship. Perfect for Ceremonies Ideal for weddings, coronations, and traditional events where heritage matters. Adds Elegance Complements outfits beautifully, blending culture with refined personal style. Fabulous for Photography Imparts visual beauty to event or wedding photography with a touch of cultural essence. Makes for Thoughtful Gift Thoughtful, symbolic gift for those who value tradition and reputation. Durable & Collectible Hard-wearing, pass down as family heirloom across generations. Cultural Centerpiece Employ as home, museum, or cultural display decorative art. These advantages extend far beyond looks. To own an akupe igbo is to have a share in a rich, vibrant heritage that is still very alive today. Disadvantages to Consider While the akupe igbo is lovely and rich in history, there are a few things to consider before purchasing: Not for everyday use: The akupe is a ritual item, not a household fan. Needs to be handled with care: Cowhide is hard but needs to be dried lest it cracks and kept in the dark to avoid fading out. Less design: Heritage enthusiasts are built in a way that they are committed to heritage, so they're not generally too customized. But those arguments truly only go to demonstrate the cultural authenticity of the fan. 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In the contemporary era, grooms, cultural sponsors, and all guests who attend Igbo affairs can wear it. Can a woman wear the akupe igbo? Historically, the fan is male, especially in official cultural affairs. Some of the contemporary designs have incorporated the embracing of women wearing symbolic ones, though. Is it alright as a gift? Yes. An akupe igbo is a wonderful wedding, birthday, or chieftaincy award cultural present. How do I care for an akupe igbo fan? Put it flat in a shaded, dry spot. Keep out of water and sunlight to keep the cowhide fresh. Last Words: Carry Your Culture With You The akupe igbo is a fan, in fact. It's a way of adding culture, pride, and meaning to every moment and memory. You're getting married, your heritage is something that deserves to be proudly claimed, or you simply want to feel roots about, this fan has something uniquely special to offer. You may also own a part of this rich heritage. Visit Rho & Nya and view the hand-assembled Traditional Akupe Igbo Wedding Hand Fan and own this heritage in your own hands.
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