One of the things about the fashion industry is that there are always a lot of secrets. Some are better kept than others, but when amazing items of clothing start showing up on editors, tastemakers, and models, what was someone's best-kept secret is almost assured to become a sensation. A longtime stylish staple of the fashion insider is now a must-have label straight from her underground roots of Paris: meet Isabel Marant.

Marant rejected the notion of French femininity at an early age, instead embracing a more tomboyish flair. She asked her father for a sewing machine and in 1982, began reworking old army jackets and remnant fabrics into a more bohemian wardrobe. She had modest success selling her wares at the famed Les Halles market in Paris with partner Christophe Lemaire. She attended Studio Berçot design school and apprenticed with Michel Klein and went on to work on design projects with lines such as Yohji Yamamoto, Martine Sitbon, and Chloe after graduation. Marant launched her signature accessories line with oversized jewelry in 1989, which was followed by the establishment of her own label and a line of womenswear in 1994. Her clothing and accessories spread in popularity among the hush-hush fashionistas that would effortlessly wear her trophy jackets, minidresses, and form-fitting pants.

Now one of the world's most popular clothing and accessories designers, Marant has her namesake line as well as Etoile (French for "star," a lower-priced line). The designer's empire continues to spread across the globe with multiple boutiques in Paris, Asia, and a US flagship in New York City. Celebrities flock to the label, including Kate Moss, Marion Cotillard, Heidi Klum, Kate Bosworth, Zoe Saldana, Alexa Chung, Nicole Richie, and Brooklyn Decker.

With a fall collection that was a gritty salute to Americana--and an instant hit--look for Isabel Marant to join some other household favorites very soon. Here's a sneak peek at the collection:

For her incredible talent and rise to fame on nothing but the whispers and recommendations of some very famous clients, we salute Isabel Marant. Her clothing and accessories are magnifique and very much Character Approved. Check out some of her looks in the slide show below!

[Images: Isabel Marant Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection. Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com, courtesy of Style.com]