Although the fashion industry introduces us to new styles each season, there are certain fashion statements that have been around for decades and key individuals who have had a large impact on the way we dress today. Here are the most influential fashion icons over the years and how they have shaped the industry.
1. Audrey Hepburn - 'the little black dress'
Recognised as the style icon of the 50's, Audrey Hepburn played a huge part in the fashion industry, pioneering the 'little black dress', a timeless piece which is still loved by many women today. Her elegant style is largely representational of 20th century Hollywood glamour.
Designer Hubert de Givenchy created a range of custom made pieces for Audrey, some of which were made famous in her movies such as the 1961 American classic 'Breakfast at Tiffany's.' The little black dress became iconic from this film and in 2004 went on to be auctioned for over four hundred thousand pounds. Her signature style was based on simple, flattering pieces which she wore with confidence and elegance.
Some of her most memorable pieces aside from the little black dress include straight black cropped trousers, boatneck tops, crisp white button-down shirts, fancy hats and classic stripes. She chose specific tailored pieces that complemented and flattered her body shape and made her feel comfortable. She was the embodiment of female power and therefore an extremely admirable fashion icon.
2. marilyn Monroe -'Hollywood glamour'
Born June 1st 1926, Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, model and singer who became the most famous sex symbol of the 1950's and early 1960's. Marilyn Monroe was another massive style icon of the 50s, bringing sexuality to the industry through emphasising her curvy figure in an incredibly glamorous way. Her timeless outfits and chic off-duty look made her a Hollywood style icon and someone who would be remembered for years to come.
Some of her signature looks include skirt suits, stiletto pumps and a trench coat, halter neck dresses, high waisted shorts and crop tops, one piece swimsuits and striped t-shirts. Monroe was also the queen of accessories and was rarely seen without diamonds around her neck. While we can't all afford to wear diamonds on a daily basis, Monroe taught us to bling up an outfit through the use of accessories. One of her most famous lines in the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was "I always love finding new places to wear diamonds", reinforcing the variety of ways you can jazz up an outfit with accessories.
3.Jane birkin- 'effortless chic'
Jane birkin, English actor, singer, songwriter and model is another female who was renowned for her casual, effortless style during the 60s and 70s. She had a successful career in french cinema and so her style embraced Parisian fashion as well as retro 1970s-era looks.
She was often seen wearing items such as flared jeans, simple knits, delicate jewellery, white tees and short mini dresses. Birkin made the simplest pieces look incredibly flattering and the confidence she wore them with made her stand out. One of her most iconic fashion moves was carrying a large wicker-basket purse which is making its way back into fashion trends today. Her effortless style accented her natural beauty, making her an incredible fashion icon.
4. Madonna - 'Costume crazy'
Considered the queen of pop, Madonna was the fashion icon of the 80's. Her striking outfits broke all the boundaries and her style became almost as influential as her music. She embraced many different looks on and off stage, radiating confidence and creativity whilst at the same time creating controversy.
Some of her most shocking looks include her sheer 'like a virgin' look which featured a 'boy toy' belt and lace gloves, her gold and black nipple tassels by Gaultier, her iconic cone bra by Jean Paul Gaultier and a sequin and jewel- encrusted body suit. Madonna used fashion to express herself and wasn't afraid to try new things and change her image. She has had a huge impact on the industry, encouraging change and experimentation with fashion. Many pop stars today still embrace her sexy underwear worn as outerwear look.
5.Princess Diana of Wales -'royal statement'
Although her legacy extends far beyond her wardrobe, Princess Diana became one of the style icons of the 20th century and influenced women all over the world. 22 years after her death the world still remains fascinated by her sense of style.
One of her most famous looks was the classy black off the shoulder dress which she turned heads in at a Vanity Fair party. She was also known for sporting bold patterns such a polka dots, statement puffy sleeves, statement necklaces including pearls and combining sweaters with cycling shorts.
6. Kate moss - 'model off duty'
Born 16th January 1974, Kate Moss is an English model and business woman who shot to fame in the 90's after being recruited by Sarah Doukas who was the founder of Storm Model Management. Moss was the creator of the model of duty look which became a new category of fashion and showcased her everyday ensemble. Her effortless street style has influenced many celebrities and pop stars today.
Her most regularly worn items are black skinny jeans, boho blouses, statement faux fur coats, satin dresses and tuxedo-style suits. Moss has inspired designers from Alexander McQueen to Marc Jacobs and in 2007 she launched her collaboration with Topshop which featured a range of chic, easy pieces that can be worn by the ordinary woman in her everyday life.
7. Blake Lively - 'Girl next door to red carpet glam'
Most known for her role as Serena Van der Woodsen in the American television series Gossip Girl, American actress Blake Lively is constantly in the spot light and is admired for her elegant and timeless style. Fashion was a huge part of the show and viewers saw Blake sporting a range of different looks, the majority of which were bohemian and had an effortless feel. Over the years her girl next door look has gradually turned into a more glamorous and sophisticated one as she is often seen in figure flattering gowns on the red carpet.
During her early gossip girl days she loved paring blazers with shorts and wearing blazers as dresses for a more flirty and casual look. Her style then became more glamorous and figure flattering as she turned into a red carpet queen. Some of her most jaw dropping red carpet looks are her 2018 Met Gala Versace gown, her 2016 Carolina Herrera dress which she wore to the New York premiere of The Shallows and her Monique Lhuillier dress which wowed crowds at the 2015 Age of Adaline premiere.
8.Rhianna - 'fashion diva'
Singer and songwriter Rhianna is a modern day style icon with a huge passion for fashion. Her love for the industry and her willingness to test out different styles has left people looking to her for inspiration. Some of Rhianna's most extravagant looks include her 2014 Swarovski crystal-covered Adam Selman dress which was completely see-through and very daring. Her 2015 met gala look designed by Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei and her Alexis Mabille Couture white lace jumpsuit and satin overlay skirt which she wore with confidence at her 4th annual Diamond Ball.
As well as her extremely daring looks Rhianna also knows how to do street style and look both casual and edgy. Her go to off-duty looks mostly feature sweats and a hoodie complemented by a red lip, designer hand bag and a pair of oversized sunglasses.
9.Lady Gaga- 'brave and bold'
Many people may have a love-hate relationship with Lady Gaga's style, but there is no denying that her outrageous and shocking outfits have had a large impact on the fashion industry. She treats her style as art and leaves us wondering what inspired such an ensemble. Her style has slowly developed over the years and has now become more sophisticated and glamorous.
Her most memorable and controversial looks include her VMAs meat dress, her 2009 bubble dress which she wore to perform at House of Blues and her red latex dress which she wore to the 2009 Royal Variety Performance. Her style then transitioned from extremely extravagant to more glamorous and feminine. Some of her latest looks include her strapless Alexander McQueen dress for the 2019 Oscars, her blush pink strapless dress at the Annual Patron of the Artist Awards and her long white dress at the 75th Venice Film Festival. Whatever Gaga wears she's always making a statement and making her outfits the centre of attention.
10.Meghan Markle- 'Powerful yet elegant'
From a successful American actress to The Duchess Of Sussex, Meghan Markle has been thrown into the media spotlight and her royal wardrobe is one that is admired by many. Consisting of mainly monochrome and tonal looks, The Duchess has crafted her own style which is slightly different to the traditional royal expectations. Despite many of her dresses and coats being made by high end fashion designers, she has attended pubic appearances in items from high street brands such as H&M and Marks and Spencer.
Some of her most significant outfits include the white Line the Label wrap coat which she wore on the announcement of her engagement, the blue Safiyaa gown, emphasising her baby bump, which she wore to a dinner in Fiji and the pale pink Prada dress she wore to meet 'The Queen's Young Leaders' at Buckingham Palace.
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