A Tribute to Fashion Icons
Long before the era of influencers and bloggers, there has always been fashion figures who ceased full control on fashion trends: what they wear is what everybody, including designers, keeps a close eye on. A fashion icon, however, is not only a bunch of trending looks. Rather, an icon is a powerful force adding intricate touches to fashion to last generations ahead.
At times where we find fashion still kneeling for fashion icons, it is deemed necessary to acknowledge a selection of those who shape fashion to our modern day.
1950s: Marilyn Monroe
Unquestionably iconic, Marilyn Monroe casted a unique combination of beauty and style. With sultry lips, keen and captivating eyes, and an extremely feminine body, she is known for many defining features.
Marilyn Monroe’s makeup is known for her signature bold red lip and eyeliner, and her hair for platinum blonde curls, both of which are still iconic to our day.
For her wear, she often preferred bold colors such as red, pink, and white which complement her hair perfectly.
Marilyn Monroe's most iconic moment in 'The Seven Year Itch' 1955
1950s: Grace Kelly
As an award-winning actress, model, and Princess of Monaco, Kelly served 52 years of fashionable attire. Grace Kelly was known for her simple accessories, Dior circle skirt, and the Kelly bag, iconically renamed by Hermès after her.
1960s: Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn balanced simplicity, comfort, and elegance. Unlike similar icons of her time, Hepburn’s style was idiosyncratic. Her style was built by her and her designer friends, like Herbert Givenchy, and her picks matched her ballet body flawlessly.
Being one of the most elegant fashion icons, she is known for Dior’s clinched waists and full skirts, as she is one of the main faces behind the popularity of such designs. In addition, she is known for wearing ballet flats, polo necks, and lace dresses.
Audrey Hepburn is also known for her accessories: her hairbands, waistbelts, and her headscarf.
1960s: Jacqueline Kennedy
During her three years as the First Lady (1961-1963), Jacqueline Kennedy appeared in notable elegant pieces. Known for her Dior suits, boatneck dresses, gloves, and variety in color choice, she is still regarded a fashion icon to our day.
Even before becoming first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy had a unique, elegant personal style.
1950s–1960s: Brigitte Bardot
“I dressed as I did my hair, as I liked it at the time. I wore elegant dresses from top designers, but also lovely unconventional bohemian outfits, things that I found by chance and that were becoming fashionable! I am proud to have created a style that never goes out of fashion since I have never been in fashion,” wrote Brigitte Bardot in Le Style Bardot.
Indeed, the French icon displayed a variety of elegant designer looks and revealing, sometimes peculiar ones, leaving behind numerous additions to the fashion world.
A winner of Miss Elegance in 1950 Miss Italia, Sophia Loren shined as an actress and model. Loren often appeared in luxurious fabric and striking jewelry and accessories, however keeping the chic spirit she presents. With sophisticated signature makeup, an hourglass silhouette, elegant voluminous hair, the Italian icon left her print in fashion.
1970s: Diana Ross
As a fashion icon whose influence extends from 1970s to the late 1990s, Diana Ross is known for her “Golden Girl” look. However, her shine is not only present in gold, but Ross is well-known for choosing bold, shiny, strikingly unique pieces. Red, pink, gold, silver, and purple seem to be her colors.
The least that can be said about her is that she definitely survived the fashion critics.
1980s: Princess Diana
From extremely elegant and modest royal looks and the very famous bold black dress to her every-day looks, Princess Diana’s extraordinary fashion legacy continues to our day.
Even though she was limited by the institution she married into, Princess Diana managed to showcase her own personal style through Versace, Christina Stambolian, Catherine Walker, and Victor Edelstein gowns.
Also, her fashion choices, as a Lady, before joining the Royal family as princess are quite mentionable.
2000s – Present
In the evolving landscape of fashion, a new generation of fashion icons has emerged. They redefine trends and introduce individuality, diversity, and sustainability into the fashion industry.
While some of them, like Beyoncé and Rihanna, have changed their fashion choices to fit today however conserving their identity, new figures like Zendaya enter the world of fashion icons.
The rise of social media and influencers such as Aimee Song proves that you don't need to be a Hollywood star to influence millions, ensuring diversity.
Emma Watson and Stella McCartney are the prime introducers of sustainability.
The past decade has been a vibrant tapestry of fashion innovation, aimed at celebrating the uniqueness and push the boundaries of traditional style.
However, the influence by all fashion icons, from all eras, extends beyond clothing to reach a more diverse spectrum of self-expression and fundamental changes to the field itself. One must wonder what names of our time will join the lead of icons.
