Icons who never go out of style

In fashion, we have a thing called trends, things that come and go. From disco pants to shift dresses, flared boot-cut jeans to silk scarf print shirts, and who could forget the spice girls, 90s favourite – platform trainers.

These and so, so many have come and gone so many times, we’re sure we’ve all lost count. However, one thing that never goes is style. Good, old-fashioned personal style. Because this, ladies and gentlemen, can last forever, inspire many and can descend through the ages, long after that stylishly blessed one has gone. There have been many well-dressed people in time but only few truly, famous stylish ones. And as we look back through the decades, two stylishly influential periods stand out like a sore thumb: the 50s and 60s. This is where style flourished and produced so many greats.

Marilyn Monroe

This woman was beautiful, she really was. Every time she appeared in a film, her blonde hair would light up the screen. Her mere presence would cause uproar. For example, we all remember her singing happy birthday to JFK in that gorgeous dress. Even though it was being featured on black and white TV, her sparkly, glittered dress still shined through like a diamond as she moved. Marilyn was made for the red carpet and her looks have transcended into the 21^st century, with many such as Christina Aguilera and Christina Hendricks emulating her look. However, it is the Oscars where you will see her legacy at its best, as everyone there has a little bit of Marilyn’s style in them.

Audrey Hepburn

What can we say about this beauty, other than… absolute classic. You already know her name, you already know her face. All we need to say is one movie: Breakfast at Tiffany’s. She invented the term little black dress. A look every girl still owns, swears by and calls upon in times of a fashion emergency.

Twiggy

She defined the 60s in Britain. With her innocent school-girl look, Twiggy in the 60s, had a key signature cover look unlike any one else. But it was her powerful eyelashes that had a mind of its own. As she modelled her way through the decade, Twiggy took the fashion world by storm and illustrated the swinging 60s movement. Even British “it” girl, Alexa Chung, swears her style by Twiggy’s 60s look.

Bridget Bardot

The originator of sexy bed-head hair, Bardot was the French sex kitten the 60s loved. Her killer curves, talent and sexuality propelled her into the spotlight of the world, but it was her feminine French style that demanded notice. Her bouffant hairstyle and famous flick eyeliner, beauty make-up have been copied numerously in magazines and video tutorials but Bardot will always be the original.

Jackie O

The ultimate first lady.  Her summer staples were simple cotton shirts and cropped trousers and her suits were iconic. She defined the American, Hamptons look and always looked primed to perfection in the eyes of the American public as she stood by her man. Even as tragedy surrounded her, she still held her head high and with great style. She was even the inspiration for Lana Del Rey’s music video, National Anthem, in which the singer took up the role of Jackie O, while US rapper, ASAP ROCKY played president John F Kennedy. 

Their impact was great. Their style was beautiful. Their faces forever unique. These are the style icons that will always be remembered. Even to this day, their impact and inspiration in fashion still remains. They continuously inspire designers like Chanel and Marc Jacobs; Hig-street power houses like Topshop and Zara, magazine editorials for ELLE and Vogue as well as editors, fashionistas and celebrities all over the world. These women weren’t just style icons that inspired style, they invented style and for that will never, ever go out of fashion.

Flavie Belanco