Bring up the topic of style icons and my face lights up. There are so many influential men and women that have shaped fashion history, not only specifically to the fashion industry, but beyond that through music, literature, art, film, and television. For me, it’s always been characters in books and movies spanning the decades, or iconic women in particular eras that have influenced me the most. It’s Zelda Fitzgerald in the ’20s steering from the norm (of the time) wearing drop-waist dresses and opulent accessories. Actress Charlotte Rampling in the ’60s vibing cool beach girl with minimal bikinis and borrowing denim shirts from the boys. In the ’70s it was Lauren Hutton and her metallic, quirky (but still classic) outfits that are still relevant today. And who can look past the ’90s supermodel era when Linda Evangelista embraced masculinity with her cropped hair and oversized power suits. It’s the women that have gone against the norm and made statements that have managed to stay icons today.
More recently though, I adore fashion director and illustrator Jenny Walton’s street style. She’s got the high/low, designer/vintage contrast down to an art, as well as clearly being well-informed on each era she herself is influenced by, which you can see through the way she wears her clothing and accessories. Through Instagram we’re able to see real insight to the daily lives of celebrities and influencers as they broadcast their true personal style to the world. And so, the Who What Wear Australia team want to share their own favourite style icons that they always turn to for inspiration.
Keep scrolling to read our editors’ favourite icons.