Nazareno Fonticoli and Gaetano Savini launched the Brioni line of men’s clothing in 1945, but the pair grew famous in the 1950s when they were proclaimed tailors to the stars, dressing Clark Gable and Gary Cooper on screen and off. Known best for pioneering the streamlined Roman suit with broad shoulders, a V-silhouette and no cuffs, this dynamic duo returned to Italy in 1957 to host the first-ever menswear fashion show.

Pierre Cardin. Post-war France found designer Pierre Cardin in a position to launch his brand in 1950. Cardin was zealously committed to adding flair and style to men’s fashion. His signatures were collarless suits and slim silhouettes for men eager to break out of conservative dress mode. Cardin was a pioneer in lifestyle licensing, showing the world that men’s fashion didn’t begin and end with the well-tailored suit.

Ascot Chang. You don’t read much about Asian men who rose to fashion fame after World War II, which is why Chang belongs on this list. In 1953, he launched his custom shirt design empire from his Hong Kong boutique. His fame spread as tourists brought home his distinctly-styled garments. Chang’s reputation hit the big time thanks to launching 16 shirt boutiques worldwide. To this day, he remains king of the impeccably-tailored shirt.

Simon Ackerman. Brit Simon Ackerman’s ambition was to create Savile Row-quality men’s suits for the international menswear market. He achieved his goal with room to spare. His hallmark? Bespoke tailoring at ready-to-wear prices. From his clothing empire in England’s Cheshire County, he sold his designs around the world at establishments with panache, including Harrod’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

It’s Closet Time!

Thanks to the aforementioned designers and their colleagues who infused life into the 1950s with their innovative ideas, styling, textiles, tailoring and wider color palette, men’s fashion was given a new direction that broke open design constraints ruling this industry for decades.