Are Celebrities Icons of Fashion or Just Fashionistas: Stars Define Their Style
Style is much more than fabric and accessories in the glittering world of celebrity culture; on the contrary, it has actually been a strong means of self-expression. Each passing day shows us our favorite stars dressed in outfits that roam our imagination. Looking on in admiration at their fashion choices leads us to wonder, though: Are these celebrities true fashion icons or just fashionable?
What sets a person apart as a fashion icon rather than fashion is an experience transcending into the realm where one influences the trends. She stands aside from the trend-setting; she creates it. She is uniquely styled, inspiring millions, and therefore leaves her indelible mark in the industry. Audrey Hepburn and David Bowie defined what was 'fashionable' in style by creating art in individuality.
Being fashionable, on the other hand, often simply means being 'current'; it means to be up-to-date without necessarily leaving an impression. Many of today's celebrities fall into this category, wearing, day in and day out, outfits, which are often put together by stylists and reflect what's 'current' on social media or at mainstream fashion weeks. The splendor may wondrously shine in their faces for a few seconds, but it fades like yesterday's fast fashion, a mere flash in the pan.
Take the phenomenon of a red carpet event. In that scenario, the distinction between icon and fashionable tends to dilute. Here are some stars such as Zendaya and Billy Porter who walk in with jaw-dropping ensembles so challenging to conventional norms. Zendaya embodies something of the sense of the fashion icon: bold color choices and a willingness to experiment. Storytelling through looks often reference art, culture or even past fashion eras. This was not just a matter of what she wore on her red-carpet entry because that old, dramatic gown stands for something beyond the outfit. She came out as one of the strongest declarations of independence and creative attitude on the red carpet.
Other celebrities you might see sporting designers' latest creations leave you uninspired. Their outfits seem more the effort of capturing the trend itself rather than telling a story. It's rather extremely common with social media influencers, who don't dress in anything but copied outfits off of everyone else. Think off-the-shoulder tops and high-waisted jeans, a staple in the feeds. They may look good, but choices never seem inspiring or different in most cases.
What really defines fashion icons is being fearless in being bold. After all, Rihanna is one of the modern-day goddesses who shaped and changed what it really takes to look fashionable. To be from walking in a voluminous ball gown and donning that daring sheer outfit, which simply says which genre of fashion is what describes Rihanna's choices. She leaps out and against societal norms and expectations; hence, to many, she has been their muse. No wonder: for the vast majority of them, Her Galas are now the stuff of legend, marrying high fashion to social comment in what will soon become her classic looks.
A fashion icon can easily be defined by some sort of style that makes them uniquely identifiable. Consider Harry Styles and the very gender-fluid mode he is famous for with a propensity of masculinity and femininity in his clothing. That aspect of not being abiding by what a man or woman should wear because of one's gender has even got him the status as fashion icon and also started people talking about the issue of inclusivity in the world of clothing.
Compare that to celebrities who pose with godly glamour looks and yet fail to display creativity because of what makes one iconic. They look amazing, but they frequently lack a story that is so very interesting regarding fashion. And so, it comes to the authenticity of fashion: are we dressing for ourselves or are we letting our true selves shine through our choices?
It finally becomes an argument of who is more of a true icon and who is merely just fashiony: individuality and storytelling. It's the way we dress to tell who we are, how we rebel against the norm, and how we can inspire others to follow in our footsteps. Although celebrities most undoubtedly influence fashion, it's the one who dares to be different and weave a little narrative into their wardrobe that truly becomes the fashion icon.
The next time you browse through a red carpet gallery or catch a fashion show, take a few seconds to think about what each outfit is communicating. Are celebrities basically just riding the waves of trends, or do they really build legacies of style which will be relived long after the shows are over? That's precisely what the world of fashion says about what their clothes have to convey.
