Celebrating the style icons of today
When it comes to style icons, history has its Lauren Huttons, its Audrey Hepburns, Jane Birkins, and Jackie Os. But the kinds of style we look to for inspiration has changed a lot over the years—especially the diversity of style, and the individuality of it. So before March wraps up, in honor of Women’s History Month and hot on the heels of all the chic on display at the Academy Awards, let’s shine the spotlight on our current style icons.
Cate Blanchett: No wonder celebs from Joan Rivers to Adele have called Cate their personal fashion icon; she’s as serious about fashion as she is about acting. And this year’s Oscars presented a perfect example: Cate exuded confidence and classic beauty in a Louis Vuitton gown with a blue draping top and a flowing black skirt—winning points for both grace and strong lines. If she’s not in a Cleopatra-inspired Jean Paul Gaultier gown or a yellow, oxblood, and lilac Valentino frock, she’s in golden, flapperesque Balenciaga.
Rihanna: A perfect example of a woman who marches to her own sartorial beat, the singer, designer, and businesswoman blends imagination with a bit of daring. Just take her Met Gala outfits. In 2015, it was an over-the-top confection by Chinese couturier Guo Pei; in 2004 it was a luxurious black silk tuxedo by Marc Jacobs with puffed shoulders. And what other person can keep cool during a halftime show on a floating stage, rocking a Loewe jumpsuit and an Alaia coat over a baby bump?
Sarah Jessica Parker: SJP has had real fashion know-how going on offscreen since the ‘80s. She’s as comfy in Old Hollywood glam (sequined dresses and pearls) as she is in discoinspired wrap dresses and Vera Wang ball gowns. In everyday, she plays up jeans with heels and monogrammed Burberry blanket ponchos, and mismatched patterns.
Zendaya: A Valentino brand ambassador as of 2022 (she made formal crop tops a thing at the Oscars, in a look by the designer), Zendaya reminds us that youth can easily equal fashion wisdom. She loves vintage Bob Mackie gowns as much as pairing red athleisure with sleeveless overcoats, and people are still talking about that fantastic gold trench coat of hers.
Iris Apfel: She signed with IMG as a model at age 97. She designed textiles for the White House for decades. She wins acclaim for her costume jewelry collections at major American museums. She inspires documentaries about her outsized influence on the New York fashion scene. Iris Apfel is unquestionably a legend who lives and dresses with more imagination and vigor than many 20-year-olds.
Michelle Obama: Even as first lady, she was known for spotlighting up-and-coming (mostly American) designers— talent like Jason Wu and Prabal Gurung. Now, post-White House, you’ll find her on book tours wooing the crowds in a
Balenciaga silk dress and sequined boots. Interviewing in head-to-toe leather or denim, speaking at festivals in sparkly Sergio Hudson jumpsuits, or boarding planes in embroidered Peter Dundas suits.