Throughout its history, WWD has covered designers and executives almost from the beginning of their careers — and then watched as many of them have become pillars of the industry and of the broader culture in general. And they have done it their way. Here are The Originals, 50 icons of today.

“Fame is an illusion — if you really want it, anyone can have it.” — Lady Gaga, July 2012

“Among my many wonderful WWD memories, the crowning one is owed to the beauty industry’s premier oracle, the great Pete Born. Way back in 1994 when I began Iman Cosmetics — talk about your naive newcomer — I had strong instincts and convictions but zero practiced experience in the business of beauty. But from the brand’s evolution from wobbly rookie to making and taking its place in the field, Pete always covered Iman with serious interest, insight and importance. As fashion and beauty’s trade bible, WWD’s coverage was vital for the Iman brand’s success. For me, Pete’s coverage was vital encouragement and inspiration. Congratulations WWD on turning 115 years young.” — Iman, founder Iman Cosmetics, Iman Global Chic, supermodel
 
“From the very beginning, even when Sephora was only in France with very few boutiques, I had what I call a ‘planetary vision’ for Sephora, and WWD contributed to it by sharing the voice of international and American figures of the beauty industry, showing me how close we were in our thinking about beauty. In 1996, I invited Annette Green, who was the president of the Fragrance Foundation and a worldwide icon of fragrance, to ‘La Nuit du Parfum,’ the opening party of our Sephora Champs-Élysées flagship. We talked about our vision of beauty, which brings people together while celebrating individualities. We were very connected. It was very inspiring.” — Dominique Mandonnaud, founder, Sephora

“My favorite WWD memory has to be winning the Beauty Inc Award for Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation in 2019. It was more than a product win. It was recognition that artistry, innovation and inclusivity could transform luxury beauty. It’s been an honor to be part of WWD storytelling, where you see artistry, diversity and boldness celebrated in every issue.” — Dame Pat McGrath, founder, chief creative officer and CEO, Pat McGrath Labs
 
“When I was named CEO of the Estée Lauder Companies in 2004, WWD was one of the first publications to announce this very personal and profoundly meaningful news. WWD has long been a trusted voice in our industry, and to see our company’s story — and my family’s legacy — reflected on those pages at a pivotal moment in my career was both humbling and motivating. It felt like a moment of recognition, but also a reminder of the responsibility I had to carry our values forward while continuing to evolve and grow.” — William P. Lauder, chairman, the Estée Lauder Cos.

“My favorite WWD memory is remembering that in the morning I wake up to the best fashion industry news.” — Donatella Versace

“My dearest memory goes back when WWD offered me an article at my very first beginning, which in a certain way introduced me as a newcomer in fashion. And my fashion then was very unconventional for its period.” — Martin Margiela
 
“It was fun, exciting and beautiful in every way. Sure, there were times when the coverage didn’t thrill you, but it was essential reading — both inside the industry and out.” — Ronald O. Perelman, chairman, MacAndrews & Forbes
 
“My favorite WWD memory is getting up in the morning, going to get a coffee and picking up a copy of the WWD daily from a newspaper kiosk to read the reviews for the shows that had just happened. They were the go-to for fashion reviews, especially before the internet. That routine was such a fun part of my NYFW experience.” — Guido Palau
 
“My favorite WWD memory has to be my first cover, in 1983, which was shot by George Chinsee, just after he became a staff photographer at the paper. We shot it on the original supermodel, Janice Dickinson, who ran through traffic on Seventh Avenue twirling a giant taffeta skirt without an ounce of fear. That cover let me know I was truly on my way.” — Michael Kors

“My favorite WWD memory goes back about 40 years, when I first developed my close relationship with John Fairchild, one of the great visionaries of the fashion world. John would come over to see me in Paris, always with some valuable advice to offer. Driven by hard work and passion, John transformed Women’s Wear Daily over the years into a true bible of the fashion industry.” — Bernard Arnault

“In an issue of WWD in 1986 or 1987 — I don’t remember perfectly — in a double page in addition to the photos this was wording in big letters: ‘Hot Hot Hot Romeo in Milan (Milan’s Hot Romeo)’ March 19, 1986.” — Romeo Gigli