Style Icons
The immortal Kate Hepburn
Who are your style icons? Here are mine:
#1. Coco Chanel: While today Chanel represents the epitome of luxury, she built her business from the ground up. Not only that, but she broke down gender barriers by freeing women from the corsetry of the Victorian era and created the “la garconne” look which was a first in gender-fluid dressing. Always confident and sexy, she attracted lovers even as an octogenarian.
#2. Katherine Hepburn: this is who I want to be when I grow up! I’ve always admired her - I even did a term paper about her in high school! I love how she exudes confidence and was not afraid to take on the patriarchy with her words, her films, and her wardrobe. In the 1930’s when glam dressing was back in (slinky dresses cut on the bias) she made wearing pants fashionable!
#3. Audrey Hepburn: (no, there is no relation between Audrey and Katherine - in case you were wondering.) In fact, when Hubert de Givenchy first met Audrey, he was expecting Katherine, who was the better-known star at the time. It’s well known that Audrey and Givenchy had a mutual partnership in which each helped propel the others’ success. It was quite a departure when, in a later movie “Two for the Road” (1967) Audrey showcased a variety of newer brands including the famous dress by Paco Rabanne as well as a mini skirt by Mary Quant.
#4. Virginie Viard: simply put, Virginie Viard as creative director of Chanel has earned our respect. Karl Lagerfeld’s passing was a tragedy, but Virginie Viard is nothing less than a Phoenix rising out of the ashes. Just as Lagerfeld accomplished in the 80’s, reviving a brand relegated to Grandma’s closet, Virginie has made the house more relevant and engaging than ever.
#5. Maria Grazia Chiuri: OK, I have two loves….Chanel and Dior. Dior, the “house of dreams,” is home to one of the greatest moments in fashion history, when Monsieur Dior unveiled the “bar suite” aka the “New look” which was revolutionary for the post-war period. Plus it inspired another decade or so of tres chic cocktail dresses which, as you may have guessed, is one of my favorite eras in fashion! (OK yes, I am a bit bi-polar on this front, as I equally admire the freedom of the “la garconne” look as well as the corseted, cocktail attire of the 1950’s. You got me.)
But, moving on….Chiuri has espoused the cause of feminism quite loudly from her pulpit, and I applaud! Not to mention, J’adore her designs! J’adore aussi her willingness to partner with local artisans, for example the show she staged (during Covid, no less) in the Puglia region of Italy with the aide of a local school that strives to continue the ancient art of bobbin lace weaving. Brava!
So, I’ve shown you mine…..now show me yours!!!
