The Making Of A Fashion Icon
True fashion icons transcend time and space, leaving a lasting impact on the industry
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, the term ‘style icon’ has lost much of its lustre. Once reserved for individuals with celebrity status or significant cultural influence, it has now become a label attached to anyone and everyone. It seems like we have a habit of slapping this tag on people we aspire to dress like or look up to, and anyone who dares to flex their fashion muscles in the public sphere.
But what does it mean to be a style icon? And who truly deserves such a title?
Let's face it, the concept of a style icon has become so overused that it has lost its value. Like a broken record, the term is repeated endlessly, diluting its original significance. Nowadays, we find ourselves using it to describe even the most mundane fashion choices. But being a style icon goes beyond just wearing trendy clothes or following the latest fads, it’s about a certain je ne sais quoi someone has without having to say a damn thing. IYKYK.
Traditionally, style icons were individuals who embodied the cultural zeitgeist of their time. They had the power to influence how others dressed and set trends. They were celebrities who effortlessly exuded a unique sense of style that captivated the masses. Think Audrey Hepburn, Grace Jones, James Dean, Madonna, David Bowie, Prince and Princess Di.
These were icons who left an indelible mark on fashion and popular culture as they embodied something that can’t be so easily replicated.
In today's media-saturated social media-dominated world, however, things have changed. Tabloid culture and the insatiable appetite for celebrity fashion has transformed being a style icon into a cottage industry. Celebrity outings have become choreographed pap shots generating headlines and sparking conversations, dull conversations at that. And now every other celeb and their mum are vying for the coveted style icon title.
But it's not just the established stars who are striving for style icon status. There is a new generation of fashion creators, previously unseen in the high-fashion context, who are making their mark. These modern-day dubbed style icons are not necessarily A-list celebrities, but they possess a certain flair and audacity that catches the eye.
In a crowded market saturated with countless fashion choices, content creators are managing to level up and stand out as a new breed of style icons emerge.
Social media has played a significant role in reshaping the landscape of style icons. Platforms like Instagram have given rise to a breed of stars who turn their likes into hard cash. These content creators, with their relatable and approachable personas, have become more influential than mainstream celebrities. They have built an entire ecosystem around their online presence, attracting brands eager to tap into their vast reach.
But let's not forget the true essence of being an icon. Beyond the superficiality of the title, being a fashion and style icon is about embodying a sartorial approach that resonates and influences others. It's about consistently creating a cultural conversation, and setting trends that outlive one's existence.
It's a prestigious position that requires more than just a few well-executed aesthetically pleasing IG posts — it demands consistency, and the ability to serve a look at a moment's notice.
In an era of fast fashion and fleeting trends, the meaning of the word ‘icon’ has become watered down. Being a style icon is not about viral style or selling a ton of products; it's about leaving a lasting impact and shaping the way we think about clothing. To be an icon within the bubble of fashion, you have to have that little something extra, that thing others dream about even if they can't quite put their finger on it. You’ll know it when you see it.
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