Helmut Lang

Self-taught Austrian designer Helmut Lang got his start creating made-to-measure garments in his Vienna studio at the age of only 21. A mere two years later, he opened a boutique in the same city, finding success in his home country with ease. After appearing in an exhibition at the famous Centre Pompidou in Paris, France, Lang made the move to the City of Light, officially launching his eponymous label in 1986 and showing his first collection of Helmut Lang clothing. A year later, he launched the Helmut Lang menswear line to much success. Sometimes compared to Japanese designers Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto, who were forging the path for the minimalist design that was in fashion at the time, Lang’s designs were known for a simplicity that bordered on austere. Clean lines and precise cuts became a hallmark of the brand, which applied both to their designer womenswear and menswear, all of which were presented as one collection to keep the brand’s identity strong and concise—just like the clothing. As the brand grew, ownership changed, finally landing in Japan, the spiritual home of the minimalist movement during which it was born. A fitting home found, the line has flourished anew, with Helmut Lang dresses as simple and elegant as always, and Helmut Lang menswear looking minimalistic and refined down to the T-shirts. When you want to keep it stylishly simple, shop the collection of Helmut Lang clothing for women and men at Neiman Marcus.