From Audrey Hepburn’s little black dresses to Jackie Kennedy’s big sunglasses, historic style icons have informed fashion for decades after their time. As trends come and go, however, we are influenced by different fashionistas season to season — so here are ten of today’s biggest fashion influencers.
Kate Middleton
The image of elegance and royalty, the Duchess of Cambridge has become every fashion geek’s idol. Her style influence is everywhere from high fashion to the high street — after all, British retailer Tesco’s replica of Kate’s engagement dress sold out an hour after it was released (and we thought Missoni for Target created a phenomenon!). Besides, who else could make a long-sleeved, Queen-approved wedding dress look so good?
Alexa Chung
For the second year in a row, TV personality Alexa Chung was crowned Style Icon at the 2011 British Fashion Awards — beating out even the Duchess. For somebody who has been the muse for Yves Saint-Laurent, Louis Vuitton and Chanel, the latter for whom she is an ambassadress, this comes as no surprise. And with a utilitarian version of the Birkin bag named after her — Mulberry’s popular ‘Alexa’ bag — it’s clear her influence is present from designers to consumers alike.
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Michelle Obama
Like Jackie O., another Mrs. O is influencing our style. We were first introduced to the First Lady’s impeccably put-together style when she blazed through President Obama’s campaign trail like it was her own runway. What makes her the people’s fashionista is her ability to wear Thakoon one day and H&M the next — her timeless style is one we can all look up to, even on a collegiette’s™ budget.
The Olsen Twins
Talk about influential: the Olsen twins’ $39K backpack was the quickest item to sell out in their collection for The Row. The actresses turned businesswomen turned designers have made more of a name in the fashion world than just as the makers of a luxury backpack, though. Their dumpster chic look has always been both long-celebrated and critiqued, yet somehow, whether in Birkenstocks or carrying Birkins, they still pull the looks off enviably well. Their dedication to personal style is a trait every collegiette™ should have, so whether or not layers (and layers… and more layers!) is flattering on you, their “wear with confidence” persona is something to run with.
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Lady Gaga
Thought the Olsen twins’ sense of style was hard to replicate? Unless you have access to a human-sized egg or are besties with your local butcher, you’ll likely never get Gaga’s look down pat. What Gaga has done is turn high fashion into high art and expression, so next time you’re preparing an outfit, consider what Gaga would do and think about what you want your outfit to say about yourself.
Olivia Palermo
Sophistication is Olivia’s middle name. In her 14 Days of Fashion feature with Vogue, the New York City socialite mixes high end labels like Hermès with everyday brands such as Topshop and Zara to create work-appropriate but oh-so-stylish looks. How does she do it? By using all the right accessories to complement her outfits, from timeless totes to statement necklaces.
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Rachel Zoe
“I die” for Rachel Zoe, whose reminder to “Be Glamorous. Every Day” is reflected in her own wardrobe of draped layers, giant (HUGE) jewelry, fur and towering heels as well as her Spring 2012 line of flowy chiffons, sheer ruffles and of course, oversized shades. From a personality filled with Zoe-isms to a successful fashion line — even without formal training! — Rachel’s glam but classic looks are over the top in all the right ways and look good on anybody.
Agyness Deyn
If anybody does rocker with chic, it’s Aggy, whose choppy bleach-blonde pixie cut and effortless edge make punk less about Fall Out Boy and more about fashion. Combining glamorous pieces such as sequined dresses with more hardcore items like leather jackets and lace-up boots is the supermodel’s specialty — and today’s trend of merging genres of style is evidence of Aggy’s influence.
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Rihanna
RiRi’s style has evolved rapidly throughout the years, but whether she’s urban, punk, mod, or glam, she does it right because she goes all out and wears her looks with confidence. She’s always got a signature look and right now, it’s her stunning stop-sign-red hair. Rihanna makes the look work by letting the hair work for itself; she pairs it with softer outfits such as delicate florals and pastel colors so the blazing hair is her personal stand-out accessory.
Margherita Missoni
It’s no surprise that the heiress to the Italian fashion house Missoni is among today’s best dressed. Her love for chunky knit layers and crazy patterns (she really is a Missoni) is fashion-forward yet completely cozy. Her go-to soles are a pair of black leather buckled shoes, which she wears with nearly every outfit — so next time you wear your favorite flats for the fifth time in a row, remember, it’s okay, because Miss Missoni has done so. From classy to utilitarian and cozy to downright crazy, today’s style influencers hit every trend in the market. Whose closet would you raid?
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/03/the-row-backpack-sold-out_n_992606.html