John Seabrook

Helmut Lang was born in Austria but has become an influential force in the American fashion world. His simple yet stylish designs epitomize the "new casual" outfit popular in the 1990s, a look which has become the dress code for many workplaces. Along with impacting clothing design-the end result of the fashion industry-Lang's success and personality is promoting American fashion manufacturers themselves. Lang, along with colleagues such as Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan, has turned fashion designers into public figures. Indeed, part of this fame is related to the new, more visible relationships between movie stars, musicians, and sports figures and designer clothing.

This article offers a glimpse into Helmut Lang's fashion philosophy and his professional and personal influence on the American fashion community. Author John Seabrook is a freelance journalist and staff writer...