Sprouse

Stephen Sprouse has been said to be one of the most influential fashion designers of his time. He was famous for combining pop art, punk rock, and street influences, with a particular elegance. In short, anyone who wears Sprouse, is going to look edgy and expensive.

SPROUSE FROM START TO FINISH: Stephen was born September 12, 1953 in Dayton Ohio. At the age of 12, Stephen's father shopped his son's portfolio around, which led to a meeting with New York designers Norman Norell and Bill Blass. 2 years later, at 14, Stephen was asked by Bill Blass to work for him as his summer apprentice. 4 years later, Stephen enrolled at RISD where he spent three short months before he decided that New York was where he belonged. At 18, he was working very closely with Halston. During the late 70's, Stephen lived in the Bowery section of New York. It was here that he met one of his muses, Debbie Harry - who happened to live downstairs. So Debbie would run around N.Y and go to all the coolest parties, wearing these pieces that Stephen had specially made for her. Needless to say it wasn't long before everyone wanted a piece of the Sprouse. Pretty soon, Stephen Sprouse became a household name among the rich and fabulous, as well as the uber chic kids of the New York club circuit. He was unstoppable. In 2001, Stephen collaborated with Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton , which featured his signature graffiti scrawled over every inch of the Vuitton monograms. In 2003, Stephen was diagnosed with Lung Cancer, and was told he had only three months to live. He kept his diagnosis under wraps, choosing to tell only a few close friends. On March 4, 2004, Stephen died of heart failure.