Top 5 Lessons Learned from Historical Fashion Icons

Human civilization has always been fundamentally influenced by fashion. It has altered and evolved as a result of numerous social, economic, and cultural changes. Some people have emerged as fashion icons during this change, having a lasting influence on the field and inspiring future generations. 

Here are some things that historical fashion icons may teach us.

Coco Chanel: Embrace Simplicity and Elegance

Coco Chanel was an entrepreneur and fashion designer from France. She was the founder and namesake of the Chanel brand, and she is credited with popularizing sporty, casual chic as the feminine standard of style in the post-World War I era. 

She is the sole fashion designer in Time magazine's list of the century's 100 most influential people. Chanel, a renowned fashion designer, extended her impact beyond luxury apparel, manifesting her aesthetic design style in jewelry, handbags, and scent. Chanel No. 5, her signature smell, has become an iconic commodity, and Chanel devised her famous interlocked-CC monogram, which has been in use since the 1920s.

Modern fashion was invented by Coco Chanel, who gave women's clothing a more functional and straightforward aesthetic. She thought that while keeping an image of elegance and sophistication, clothing should be useful and comfortable. Her iconic looks, like the tiny black dress and tweed jacket, are still in fashion today.

Lesson learned: Styles come and go, but simplicity and elegance endure.

Audrey Hepburn: Less is More

A well-known actress and style icon, Audrey Hepburn was noted for her sophisticated and understated appearance. She adhered to the philosophy of "less is more," which informed how she approached both life and design.

Audrey Hepburn loved simple, timeless garments that prioritized quality over quantity. She frequently wore fitted bottoms, straightforward tops, and timeless gowns that highlighted her body without becoming overly flamboyant. She had ballet flats, pearls, and black sunglasses as her defining accessories.

She frequently wore understated, timeless items that emphasized her attractive features, such as the famous black Givenchy dress she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Hepburn demonstrated that modest elegance can have a significant impact and that there are times when less is more.

Lesson learned: Minimalism may be strong and enduring.

David Bowie: Embrace Individuality and Experimentation

Bowie's sense of style was more than just a fashion item or the work of a designer. It was produced in the same way as he had created the characters for his concept CDs. As the sole member of his species, Bowie was unique and no one could compare to him, which led to the development of his style. He came up with himself. Bowie, who was born of the young David Jones' hyper-creative mind, is in and of himself a pure event.

David Bowie was known for his unique style and flamboyant stage outfits. He was unapologetically himself, and his fashion choices reflected that. Bowie showed us that fashion can be a form of self-expression and experimentation and that there are no rules when it comes to personal style.

Lesson learned: Embrace your individuality and don't be afraid to experiment with fashion.

Princess Diana: Fashion can be a Platform for Change

There has been extensive research and retelling of Diana's fashion journey. She had a somewhat conservative taste before marriage (turn-down collar shirts, knit vests, thick cardigans, and midi skirts), but after marriage, she underwent a full transformation. The need to adhere to a new high status overcame the need for a good family life.

Princess Diana was a humanitarian who utilized her platform to draw attention to significant causes in addition to being a style icon. She frequently utilized her clothing choices to make a statement, such as when she showed up to a charity event wearing a black off-the-shoulder dress, which was considered a daring choice at the time. Princess Diana demonstrated how effective fashion can be as a vehicle for activism and social change.

Lesson learned: Fashion may be used as a platform to spread knowledge and make a statement.

Rihanna: Take Risks and Have Fun

Rihanna is renowned for making audacious, daring fashion decisions that go beyond accepted norms. Rihanna is never afraid to take chances and have fun with fashion, as evidenced by her memorable Met Gala costumes and her street style. She demonstrates to us that experimenting with fashion can be fun and rewarding.

Beyond just being a singer, Rihanna is a successful celebrity who knows what she wants and where she is heading. She is once again breaking fashion rules and starting fresh discussions about style while expecting. Introducing a new way to be a muse—at the fashion show for the Dior Autumn/Winter 2022 collection, she showed off her growing belly, especially in a highly revealing negligee.

Lesson learned: Have fun with fashion and don't be scared to take chances. 

Conclusion

Historical fashion idols have influenced the business for a long time and inspired future generations. There are a lot of things we can take from these fashion superstars, from Rihanna's flamboyant and daring style to Coco Chanel's understated elegance. These lessons can be applied to our sense of style and approach to fashion, whether it's embracing individualism, using fashion as a vehicle for change, or just having fun and taking chances.

Written by Phillip Adebayo