Designer Tahari Crossword Clue: The Answer and the Designer Behind It
Looking for the “Designer Tahari” crossword answer? It's ELIE. See related fashion designer clues and learn the story of New York designer Elie Tahari.
Stuck on a crossword clue that reads "Designer Tahari"? You're not alone — it's a favorite of puzzle setters because the answer is short and packed with vowels. Below you'll find the answer, related fashion clues that often appear in crosswords, and the story of the designer behind the name.
The answer: ELIE
Designer Tahari = ELIE (4 letters)
The clue refers to the New York fashion designer Elie Tahari.
If the clue is flipped — "Designer Elie" — the answer may be TAHARI (6 letters). But be careful: there is another famous designer named Elie. If the answer has 4 letters, it's probably SAAB, for the Lebanese couturier Elie Saab. Use the crossing letters to confirm.
Why crossword setters love this clue
- Vowel-heavy: ELIE is three vowels out of four letters, which is perfect for filling tight corners of a grid.
- Common letters: E, L and I appear in many crossing words.
- Two famous Elies: Tahari and Saab give setters different ways to write the clue.
Other fashion designer clues you'll often see
| Clue | Answer | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| Designer Tahari | ELIE | 4 |
| Designer Saab | ELIE | 4 |
| Designer Elie | SAAB / TAHARI | 4 / 6 |
| Designer Wang | VERA (or ALEXANDER) | 4 / 9 |
| Designer Schiaparelli | ELSA | 4 |
| Designer Gucci | ALDO (or GUCCIO) | 4 / 6 |
| Designer Cassini | OLEG | 4 |
| Designer Karan | DONNA | 5 |
| Designer Klein | CALVIN (or ANNE) | 6 / 4 |
| Designer Mizrahi | ISAAC | 5 |
| Designer Saint Laurent | YVES | 4 |
| Designer Christian | DIOR | 4 |
| Designer Rykiel | SONIA | 5 |
| Designer Herrera | CAROLINA | 8 |
| Designer McCartney | STELLA | 6 |
Fashion clues are often "first name" puzzles: the clue gives the surname, and you write the first name — or the other way round.
Who is Elie Tahari?
Elie Tahari is an American fashion designer known for polished, feminine tailoring — sharp suits, sleek dresses and refined workwear. His story is one of the great immigrant success stories in New York fashion.
- Born in Jerusalem in 1952 to Iranian-Jewish parents.
- Arrived in New York in 1971 with very little money, and worked as an electrician in the Garment District.
- Helped popularize the tube top in 1973, which launched his fashion career.
- Launched his own label in the 1970s, later opening a boutique on Madison Avenue.
- Co-founded Theory in 1997 with Andrew Rosen — now one of the best-known contemporary workwear brands.
- Honored by New York City with "Elie Tahari Day" in 2013, and received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2014.
- Celebrated 50 years of his brand in 2024. The company remains based in New York.
The Elie Tahari style
If you're curious about the designer beyond the crossword, these are the signatures his collections are known for:
- Tailored suiting for women, with slim trousers and sharp blazers.
- Sheath and wrap dresses suited to the office and evening events.
- Luxurious fabrics such as silk, wool crepe and soft leather.
- A neutral, sophisticated palette with occasional bold color.
It's a look that fits neatly into the "contemporary designer" tier of fashion. Read more in our guide to contemporary designers fashion, and for workwear inspiration, see our 12-piece work wardrobe for women.
Tips for solving fashion crossword clues
- Count the letters first. Many designer names have both a short and a long option.
- Check whether the clue gives a first or last name — the answer is usually the other one.
- Use crossings. One confirmed letter often settles it.
- Learn the regulars: ELIE, ELSA, VERA, OLEG, YVES, DIOR and ANNE appear again and again.
- Watch for abbreviations or brands — "Fashion monogram" is often YSL, and "Designer initials" can be DKNY.
Frequently asked questions
What is the answer to "Designer Tahari"?
ELIE — the first name of designer Elie Tahari.
What is the answer to "Designer Elie"?
Usually SAAB (4 letters) or TAHARI (6 letters), depending on the space in the grid.
Did Elie Tahari found Theory?
He co-founded Theory with Andrew Rosen in 1997.
The takeaway
The answer to "Designer Tahari" is ELIE. Behind that four-letter fill is a designer who went from Garment District electrician to the founder of a 50-year-old fashion house — and co-founder of Theory. Bookmark our table of common designer clues, and the next fashion puzzle will be a breeze.
