Fashion is often thought of as a continuous cycle with styles from the past being brought back by current trends. This cycle is often led by iconic style figures of the times and throughout history some of the most influential role models have graced the public eye with their timeless persona and fashion sense. Today, we remember the fashion icons of the past who have not only changed the way people dress but also the way future generations view fashion and its power.
1. The Everlasting Style of Timeless Fashion Icons
The age-old adage that fashion trends come and go is true for most – but not all. There has always been an elite handful of fashion icons whose distinct styles have transcended the vagaries of time and remained culturally relevant for decades.
Audrey Hepburn is perhaps the ultimate timeless fashion icon. A lover of high fashion and classic couture, her timeless style still influences today’s fashion trends. Her ‘LBD’ or ‘Little Black Dress’ from Breakfast at Tiffany’s made an impact throughout the 50s and continues to make an impact even today. She created a legacy of modern elegance that has been copied and modified throughout the decades and is still a fashion classic.
Bianca Jagger is another of fashion’s timeless icons. Jagger even mixed fashion styles that may have seemed conflicting at the time, such as her signature blend of off-the-shoulder casual and glam eveningwear. She also popularized menswear tailored-style pantsuits. Today, her style ripples through tabloids of sexy fashion statements and striking clothing combinations.
Marlene Dietrich was arguably the world’s first fashionista. She captivated audiences during Hollywood’s golden age in the 1930s wearing sharply tailored pantsuits. This look had been revolutionary for women at the time and is now a part of fashion’s vocabulary. Her timeless style continues to inspire generations of fashiongoers to this day.
Twiggy will forever be remembered as a mod fashion icon. Her famous look – a slim, boyish frame, long golden hair, and thick eye liner – still influences fashion to this day. Twiggy became a muse for the Androgynous trend, and still serves as an iconic and feminine figure of fashion for many to embrace.
The styles pioneered by these iconic figures have survived the test of time, remaining relevant in the fickle world of fashion culture. While other trends and styles come and go, their timeless style has created an enduring look that will remain fashionable for generations to come.
2. Remembering the Iconic Style of the Past
Some of our favourite celebrity fashion icons of the past are some of the most recognizable looks in fashion history. They not only pioneered in pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion, but in many ways they defined the look of their era and left an iconic impact on the way we dress today.
- Audrey Hepburn’s style of tailored casual is often seen today with the iconic turtleneck sweater-and-cigarette look she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
- Marilyn Monroe’s signature look of short dresses with bold details has never gone out of style – and it looks as gorgeous as ever.
- Twiggy’s androgynous fashion was a huge statement back in the 1960s, and it gave young girls everywhere the courage to experiment with their personal style.
These classic style pioneers not only inspired an entire generation of fashionistas, but they created their own distinct fashion brands. By popularizing their signature styles, they encouraged generations of fashionistas and fashion designers to dare to experiment and break the rules of traditional fashion.
We love seeing their iconic styles make their way back into mainstream fashion—the bold lines, classic silhouettes, and vintage fabrics are always in style. Whether it’s a classic Hepburn look, Monroe’s timeless glamour, or Twiggy’s free-spirited androgyny—the trends of the past never cease to remain trendy.
From Audrey Hepburn to Twiggy, these iconic style icons certainly left a lasting impression on the fashion world!
3. A Look Back at the Pioneers of Fashion
The Storied Beginnings of the Fashion World
Fashion has come a long way since its emergence as a cultural concept centuries ago. From Marie Antoinette’s extravagant gowns to Coco Chanel’s iconic pieces that still inspire modern fashion today, this world is steeped in a long history of pushing boundaries. Here’s a look back at some of the most notable fashion pioneers without whom our wardrobes wouldn’t be the same.
Charles Frederick Worth
The man who paved the way for modern fashion as we know it today, or at least traces his steps back to the 19th century. Charles Frederick Worth was an English-born designer who founded one of the first couture houses in Paris. He is credited with ushering in a host of fashion concepts, such as changing collections twice a year, the designing of full ensembles, and the notion of branding.
Mary Quant
The woman who defined the 1960s fashion movement. Mary Quant was a fashion designer in London from the late 1950s to late 1970s who was at the forefront of the mod and miniskirt trends. Her colorful designs were a breath of fresh air that connected with young people of the time, establishing her as a fashion icon and influencing countless designers to come.
Elsa Schiaparelli
An Italian designer who made her mark on the fashion world throughout the 1920s and 30s. Known for her avant-garde designs, she was an innovator in her day, collaborating with artists like Salvador Dalà to create intricate and eye-catching pieces. Schiaparelli’s designs were bold and daring, and set the tone for decades of flamboyant fashion to come.
Coco Chanel
The French designer who changed the face of women’s fashion. Coco Chanel’s signature style of simplicity with a touch of luxury was revolutionary in the early 20th century. Her popularity soared, and her designs remain iconic even today – the little black dress, the quilted handbag, the tweed suit – all essential pieces of a classic wardrobe.
Yves Saint Laurent
The boundary-pushing fashion designer who changed the landscape of men’s and women’s couture in the late 20th century. Yves Saint Laurent was a key figure in the fashion world of the 1960s and 1970s, taking risks with his artistic, androgynous designs. His experimentation earned him the title of one of the greatest fashion designers of all time.
Vivienne Westwood
The final name on this list belongs to none other than the undisputed empress of punk fashion: Vivienne Westwood. An English designer who made her debut in the 1970s, her bold and often outrageous designs paved the way for modern punk fashion. Her influence continues today, with her signature style of combining classic elements with edgy details.
4. Demonstrating Influence Through Timeless Design
Achieving timeless design is more than just for aesthetics – it can also be a powerful tool to demonstrate influence. From the everyday products to the sheer brilliance of a modern-day masterpiece, timeless design is a beautiful blend of form, function and influence. Here are four ways to demonstrate influence through timeless design:
1. Use Aesthetic Details
Designers can use ornamental details to set an item apart from the rest and add a touch of personality. This could be intricate beading styles in jewellery, the graceful lines in furniture or the sculptured detail of a vase. Small aesthetic details can make a big impact when creating a timeless design.
2. Bring In Rustic Charm
Timeless designs often have a rustic charm to them. From the classic carvings of a farmhouse kitchen table to the organic textures of a pottery wheel, rustic touches create a timeless connection you can’t find in mass-produced items. When attempting to demonstrate influence, designers should strongly consider this approach.
3. Explore Different Styles and Materials
Designers can explore different styles and materials to find the right mix of function and aesthetics. Think outside the box when creating timeless designs. Some of the most iconic designs didn’t look like much at first, but the nuance of detail and combination of form and function made them irresistible.
4. Capitalize on Universal Appeal
Every culture has its own style, and timeless designs can appeal to many cultures. For example, a Chinese Vase may look unique, but when it’s paired with a traditional Chinese pillow or panel, the whole look transcends cultural boundaries. To demonstrate influence through timeless design, capitalize on its universal appeal.
5. Balance Trends with Timelessness
When creating a timeless design, remember to balance the existing trends with timeless characteristics. For clothing, this could mean adding in a classic piece of jewellery or a vintage floral print. For home decor, it might involve a bold wall mural or an antique lamp. The trick is to keep it subtle while still making an impact.
When creating timeless designs, designers must strike the perfect balance between form, function and influence. By using aesthetic details, exploring different styles, capitalizing on universal appeal, and balancing trends with timelessness, designers can easily demonstrate influence. With the right combination of elements, any design can be timeless.
5. Exploring Fashion’s Trailblazers and Trendsetters
Fashion has evolved and changed over time, thanks to a few trailblazing trendsetters who dared to be different. These risk-takers pushed the boundaries of fashion, resulting in major influence on today’s style. Here are five of fashion’s trailblazers and trendsetters that have shaped the industry.
Christian Dior – His ‘New Look’ revolutionized ladies fashion after WWII. His designs, which featured cinched waists, full skirts and flowing dresses, sparked a change in the fashion landscape. His influence can be seen in modern runway collections today.
Pierre Cardin – He was one of the first couturiers to bring fashion into mass market, making it accessible to the general public. Cardin was well known for his use of synthetic fabrics and iconic geometric shapes. His styles are still serving as inspiration for many streetwear brands.
Jean-Paul Gaultier – He was a boundary-pushing designer, known for introducing a mix of fabrics, fabrics and subcultures to the runway. Gaultier often used models to make social statements and he was among the first to put plus-size models and transgender models on the runway.
Alexander McQueen – His shows made a huge impact on the fashion industry. His theatrical, avant-garde designs are still influencing current collections. His unique construction and use of technology to create intricate gowns astonished fashion critics.
Yves Saint Laurent – Often referred to as the father of prêt-à -porter (ready-to-wear), Yves Saint Laurent pushed the boundaries of fashion. He revolutionized male style, providing a much needed alternative to traditional menswear. He was also the first to bring a form of hazing to the runway, dressing his models in an array of colors and fabrics.
From Christian Dior’s ‘New Look’ to Alexander McQueen’s avant-garde designs, the fashion industry has been heavily influenced by the trailblazers and trendsetters who dared to be different. Their iconic collections continue to influence fashion trends and drive progress in the industry, resulting in a truly unique collective history.
We can learn a lot about fashion and style by studying the icons that came before us. They were trendsetters who made waves in the fashion world and certainly helped shape the fashion trends of today. By looking back to appreciate the timeless fashion of these style legends, we might even be able to glean a few lessons and be inspired for the future.
