The fashion industry- especially over the past two years- has become one of the most popular industries among both existing and upcoming models, designers, and influencers. Not only has working as an influencer on TikTok and Instagram become infinitely more possible for anyone with little as a cellphone, but new aesthetics like “downtown girl” and “balletcore” (unpopular among many professional dancers) have more than become an obsession for millions of fashion enthusiasts. But it’s only a matter of time before these trends- which are often very short lived- are replaced, and the popularity of their respective niche influencers dies down yet to be replaced by the latest “it girl.”
There are some key names in fashion, however, that somehow haven’t lost their touch over the years, and it leaves us all wondering how they manage to do it. Therein lies the key to that ever-coveted success: a sense of not just fashion, but style.
Dozens of icons ranging from high-fashion models and the internet’s most famous ‘nepo babies’ to powerful industry figures like Vivienne Westwood and Ralph Lauren have trademarked their unique styles. Some have even started their own trends, like Hailey Bieber and her glazed doughnut nails or Kendall Jenner’s go-to “model off duty” look.
But it’s the statement styles that so many are after, and that keep our attention like no others.
Let’s take a look at some of the industry’s favorite style icons:
Emma Chamberlain
The internet’s favorite “it girl,” debuted her career on YouTube when she was only 16 years old and a junior in high school. And while she didn’t cling to a specific niche at the time, her style-based first video certainly set her tone. Over the years, Emma has become well known in both the fashion and entertainment industries for her unique and versatile style, and has since made a rather large name for herself in the fashion world as a major trendsetter.
Miss Emma has now traveled with and represented several designers, even making an appearance at the MET Gala for the first time with Louis Vuitton in 2021, and again representing Cartier in 2022. While it hasn’t yet been confirmed that we’ll see her again in 2023, fans have been anticipating the date.
Regardless of her association with different designers, however, Chamberlain has always been slower to post heavily branded content, and maintains a real and down-to-earth social media presence through her fan-favorite personal style and passion for the meaning behind it.
Matilda Djerf
Whether it be for her perfect, bouncy hair or her popular Scandinavian aesthetic, Matilda Djerf is rapidly becoming a household name- not to mention her wildly successful career in the fashion industry with her very own label, Djerf Avenue. But what really stands out about Djerf is that unlike many others in the industry, her style has remained extremely consistent for what could easily be considered her entire career.
Scandi-core, clean girl- whatever it is you decide to call it- it’s in. Djerf’s personal style has made a massive impact on the fashion industry, but more importantly, the style scene. Millions of young women have taken to Djerf’s personal style for inspiration, promoting their looks with tags related to Miss Djerf and her brand.
And while she still doesn’t shy away from wearing famous designer pieces from time to time, Djerf’s presence in the industry is certainly unique in the sense that she believes in maintaining good representation and an honest outlook as to not only what she wears, but who she is.
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid had doubtlessly been the biggest name in fashion for many years now, fully dominating the industry in 2022 when she won Model of the Year. But it wasn’t just her work on the runway that earned her the title. Hadid’s effortless and infinitely diverse street style has been a major part of her image since she started modeling at 16 years old.
Growing up in the modeling industry, Bella has always had a vast mount of access to the fashion world, with and infinite amount of styles and connections at her fingertips. But despite her means, she’s been one of the very few A-list names to style herself, having revealed that she hasn’t worked with a professional stylist in over two years as of 2022. The world really is her runway.
Over the years, Hadid’s style has become wildly popular among many teens and young adults, who often take to her looks for day-to-day inspiration; however, the model’s style is never too consistent. Ranging from edgy to elegant, Bella’s frequent fashion appearances leave us not only wanting more, but on the edge of our seats.
Fashion vs. Style: What’s the Difference?
While we know that fashion and style aren’t mutually exclusive, it’s also clear that they have their key differences.
Fashion is intended to come and go, hence the world’s fashion weeks and constantly evolving trends and labels- it’s something that’s handed to us like a tool in a set. Style, however, is intended to be created and sustained over time. It’s your own thing, meant to be developed using the fashion- the tools- that are presented to us throughout the years.
To put it best: style is an art and a skill. It’s not something that can be passed on or learned- it’s something that has to be cultivated on it’s own through a genuine passion for the industry, and that is what makes a true icon.
By: Mackenzie Ostrowski
“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self expression and, above all, attitude.”—Iris Apfel
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