There are some style icons that will never go out of fashion. Think Marilyn in that white dress; or Audrey in Breakfast At Tiffany’s dressed decadently in black with those sunglasses. These women became cult fashion icons as a result of consistently setting a good example when it came to the way they presented themselves. Marilyn Monroe had such influence that just mentioning that all she wore to bed was a drop of Chanel No.5; inadvertently became one of the most effective advertisements in history.
Unfortunately the media-perpetuated modern day equivalent of these talented and fashion-forward women usually comes in the form of a Kardashian; so it’s worth remembering what real glamour used to be by exploring the tastes and fashion triumphs of some of the most influential women to ever have lived.
Grace Kelly
The all American princess of Monaco was a star of the silver screen and came to represent the very meaning of her name. Her beauty and class captivated audiences and one of the things she is remembered for today is her immaculate sense of style.
To recreate the classic Grace Kelly look; opt for soft feminine tailoring paired with a delicate string of seawater pearls. Kelly’s timeless and elegant style meant that there was never too much skin on show- the majority of her skirts fell below the knee and she’d often show just a hint of décolletage; ignoring calls from studios asking that she enhance her bust. Team light, delicate florals with cashmere shawls and soft pastel tones.
Josephine Baker
The American born singer, dancer and actress hit her heyday in the 1920’s and became a political and musical icon. She is recognised for having made significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. She was a pioneer and a style icon whose striking beauty earned her nicknames such as "Bronze Venus", and the "Black Pearl".
She embodied the art deco movement of the time and her dress sense was elaborate and exotic. To emulate her striking style; choose dramatic geometric shapes. Embellishments and accessories are a must- especially in the form of layered necklaces and enormous earrings.
Audrey Hepburn
Melissa Hellstern wrote in ‘How to Be Lovely’; that Audrey’s “style, and its evolution, simultaneously defies and defines fashion. Hers was a closet built on quality, not quantity. The pieces were deceptively simple - a black dress, a white wrap blouse, a tasteful suit. Not always the latest, simply the best."
Hepburn forever cemented the celebrity status of the little black dress as a fashion staple with her performance as Holly Golightly; and the silver screen lovely captured the hearts of audiences across the globe.
For classic Hepburn chic; stick with a monochrome colour scheme, and team a big floppy hat with cats-eye designer sunglasses. Pick sculpted, statement shapes with softness around the shoulders.
Who is your bygone fashion icon?
Susannah Perez is a fashion-fixated writer with a passion for vintage style. She writes for Valley Optics.
Images by fred baby totordenamur cwangdom
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