Glamour from South Africa

South African-born fashion designer Marc Bouwer wanted to be an actor but instead went to design school and won the South African Vogue Young Designers Award. He wanted to move to Los Angeles, but instead moved to New York, where he received his big break when Roy Frowick Halston looked through his portfolio and offered him a job. Today, Marc's clients include Angelina Jolie (white dress worn at the 2004 Oscars), Whitney Houston (first client when he launched his label), Shania Twain, Toni Braxton, Oprah, Blythe Danner, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Paris Hilton and Julianne Moore. He made fashion history when his Mercedes Benz Fashion Week collection, which was entirely animal-product free, was sponsored by PETA. He celebrates 15 years in business this year. His latest line is a couture-inspired sportswear, dressy evening basics, called M by Marc Bouwer. It was recently launched on QVC and features 10 pieces priced between $50 and $150; instead of the $1500 to $7000 that you’d pay for a dress from his signature collection.