From Audrey Hepburn and Kate Moss to Jane Birkin, Lady Di and Rihanna, every era has its fashion icon. Discover the greatest!

The greatest fashion icons of the last 20 years

Fashion is a way of living and thinking that undergoes metamorphosis over the decades, embodying social transformations and new trends. cultural movements. Each era has seen the emergence of striking trends and mosaics of styles telling their own story. To embody this era and the essence of a period through its unique style, numerous personalities, synonymous with elegance, originality and glamour, have made their mark in fashion icons. Their emblematic looks and remarkable personalities have left their mark on generations and continue to enter the collective imagination. From Marilyn Monroe à Rihannato Jane Birkin and Coco ChanelDiscover the influence and style of these icons.

What is a fashion icon?

How can a personality stand out as a fashion icon? A fashion icon is much more than just a clothing reference. It doesn't follow fashion, it creates it, with a true visual identity. That's why it plays such an essential role in the industry.

This figure, with his emblematic style, confidence and originality, spans the years and decades, leaving a timeless legacy and influencing generations, both designers and the general public. 

Each fashion icon has an impact that is felt not only in the world of haute couture, but also in ready-to-wear and streetwear. She has the power to define standards of style and beauty. Her influence extends beyond fashion to become a symbol of innovation and an emblem that defies social convention. 

Visit fashion icons have a flagship piece that is naturally associated with their name. Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Kate Moss... Each of these icons has its own stylistic and cultural heritage. To decipher the fashion codes and influence of these personalities, theISAL PARIS fashion school offers enriching training courses to build a real fashion culture.

What are the must-have fashion icons?

From Audrey Hepburn to Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy, every era has its fashion icon. Which fashion icons revolutionized women's fashion? 

1) Coco Chanel Coco Chanel: Coco Chanel revolutionized the fashion industry with her sophisticated, comfortable outfits and timeless elegance. A native of Paris, she captured the essence of Parisian chic and transformed it into an iconic brand. One of her most famous creations is undoubtedly the little black dress, which has become a wardrobe staple. The tweed suit Chanel with its impeccable cut and clean lines, also embodies French refinement. And last but not least Chanel House without mentioning the two-tone beige and black ballerina? Contemporary designers and Karl Lagerfeld and revisiting these classics, perpetuating the tradition of Coco's legacy.

2) Marilyn Monroe Marilyn Monroe is a Hollywood myth. The actress whose career exploded in the 1950s became the ultimate icon of fashion and pop culture. She captivated the world and inspired generations of women with her glamorous style, sensuality and stunning beauty. Her blonde curls have become her signature, adding a touch of elegance to her irresistible allure. When you think of MarilynHer flouncy white dress, held over a subway grate in the film "Sept ans de réflexion", is a symbol of innocence and seduction. The knitted sweater she wore in the film "Le Millionnaire" has also become iconic. The French brand Gérard Darel has bought back the sweater and reissued it for autumn-winter 2010-2011.


3) Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn is one of history's most emblematic fashion icons. Her natural grace and undeniable charm made her a muse for the designers of her day, including Hubert de Givenchy. Today, she continues to inspire women the world over with her minimalist yet sophisticated style. Her wardrobe of chic basics has become a benchmark for those seeking a timelessly elegant look. One of her most symbolic outfits is, of course, the black dress with turtleneck she wore in the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Her chic ballerina looks with tulle skirts and high-waisted capri pants also made a lasting impression. Finally, the eternally neat and elegant chignon has become a veritable signature for the actress.

4) Jackie Kennedy Jackie Kennedy is undoubtedly the most fashionable, chic and elegant first lady in history. Emblem of preppy look, she left her mark on the 1960s with iconic outfits such as her tailored suits, silk dresses, inseparable trench coats and famous oversized sunglasses. Her upper-class style continues to inspire designers the world over.

5) Jane Birkin actress, singer and muse of Serge Gainsbourg, Jane Birkin has inspired many women to adopt a less conventional, more relaxed look. She is the epitome of French bohemian chic. Her wardrobe features comfortable, loose-fitting pieces in natural materials, such as cotton shirts, lightweight dresses and flared jeans. Across the Atlantic, Jane epitomizes the baby-doll fashion icon, exemplified by the Hermès House to which it gave its name: the Birkin. She is also famous for popularizing the trapeze dress and the wicker basket as a fashion accessory.

6) Lady Diana : Lady Di left behind an irreplaceable legacy that continues to reverberate in our wardrobes today, and even on our screens with the series The Crown. An essential fashion icon, here are her greatest classics: the revenge dress, the large collar, the university sweater, the bag... Lady Dior, Bermuda shorts, kitten heels and polka-dot print. 

Who are the fashion icons of modern times?

The 2000s also have their fashion icons, some of them inspired by 60s icons. So, what are our icons of today? 

1) Britney Spears The pop star is undoubtedly one of the iconic figures of the 2000s. Between low-rise pants, denim jacket, pleated skirt and crop top, her style reflected the candor of that era. Today, the Y2K (short for "2000s") draws from dress codes of the singer to offer a range of looks retro-futurists

2) Sarah Jessica Parker the actress revealed by the Sex and the City series has drawn inspiration over the years from her character's wardrobe, making the style "Carrie Bradshaw"a reality. The TV star has proven her sense of style with a touch of eccentricity, on red carpets, in the streets of Manhattan or at the Fashion Week. We remember her evening gowns worn during the Golden Globes or during the Met Gala.

3) Kate Moss The first model: discovered at the age of 14 by a modeling agency, Kate Moss had a meteoric rise to fame at the very start of her career. She modeled for Galliano at the age of 15 and became the face of the brand Calvin Klein. In 1995, she won Fashion Personality of the Year and the following year Model of the Year. Her trademark is her natural, casual look, the opposite of the glamour of the time. Now less present on the catwalks, Kate Moss remains a recurring cover girl for the biggest magazines, including Vogue Paris.

4) Madonna Madonna: a symbol of strength and provocation, Madonna uses fashion as an extension of her artistic identity. Nicknamed theQueen of pop"She is recognized as one of the most influential figures in entertainment. Her provocative, audacious style is a byword. Her signature conical corsets are a case in point. Jean Paul Gaultiercrucifix jewelry and layered tulle skirts.

5) Rihanna singer, actress and fashion designer with her own brand FentyRihanna has become a true modern fashionista. Whether on stage or on the street, she experiments with new trends and creates eye-catching looks. Her chic streetwear style allows her to mix casual pieces with sophisticated elements, creating a balance between comfort and glamour. 

6) Kate Middleton the Princess of Wales is a true ambassador for the British fashion. The style of the Queen Elizabeth II skirt suits, coats and brightly-coloured hats. Kate Middleton is also a big fan of colorful clothes. Her chic, trendy looks give her a modern image. She influences brands and women the world over, so much so that her outfits are sold out.

7) Gigi Hadid: American model Gigi Hadid is a modern fashion icon thanks to her prolific career, influential collaborations with renowned brands and strong media presence. Her unique style, combining elegance and modernity, and her commitment to the fashion industry, reinforce her status as a contemporary icon.

The influence of fashion icons continues to live on in modern society. Their legacy lives on and inspires today's designers. So, who will be our future fashion icons?