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Swedish fashion designer Johan Lindeberg—co-creator of the Diesel brand—has lofty ambitions: He aims to "change the world, not only in the way we dress, but also in the way we think." To a passer-by of his small and relatively unassuming shop, this statement is fairly absurd. Can simple gray slacks be an earth-stopping fashion statement? Probably not. But simplicity has its own wide appeal, evidenced by the dozens of Lindeberg shops and boutiques across the globe—and to the rock’n’roll savvy that matched Depeche Mode and actress/singer Juliette Lewis to Lindeberg’s designs. Lindeberg's high-quality basics provide men with a large selection of suits and button-down shirts, with a few well-tailored surprises; for women, slacks and strapless tops blend understatement and skin. Solid colors predominate, but look closely: You might find the occasional extravagance—bright pink waterproof pants, anyone?—hiding between the business-casual and dinner-party attire. — Allison Blum

This Stockholm-based designer is known for the lean, flattering silhouettes of his suit jackets. A lightweight peaked-lapel one-button black suit runs about $800; with vest, $950.

At the end of summer and winter, you'll find all designs marked down 30% or more