Fashion in and of itself is a vast world with many facets, sections and layers. A notion spurred out of necessity and became materialized, think of tree leaves, fur hides and leather, it stretches back to the beginning of time..the beginning of man. Fashion and humans go hand in hand. When viewing fashion as a spectrum its ends are rather difficult to meet. Sorted out by quality, complexity, craftsmanship and social structures.
Style is the only method that melts the distance and merges the ends and everything in between and adapts the outcome to translate a sense of identity in the form of clothing.
Fashion today is witnessing a growth in speed to which trends are chasing one another, skipping through time like a fleeting phase, given no space to absorb.
In the crowded fashion scene from runway collections to shopping experiences.
Style; on a personal level is truly the distinction and the luxurious skill that separates one from the masses and creates an everlasting impression that with enough eccentricity..turns into legacy.
Fashion and style are two words often paired together yet are wildly different.
I may go far and bold and state that “style” in a sense and as a value to obtain towers over its “fashion” counterpart in this equation!
Legendary fashion designers and couturiers that I consider the founders of different directions in fashion who their influence is still shaping our fashion present and their legacies are being carried on by successors as creative directors. Although their creative minds and skillful hands created fashion, their eloquent words championed style.
Yves Saint Laurent once said “Fashions fade, style is eternal. “. Yves Saint Laurent was Monsieur Dior’s successor and have carried out the haute couture legacy requested by royalty after his passing. Under his own name he was the designer who empowered women through the creation of “ Le smoking “ in 1966, the first tuxedo for women and with the commencement of its cigarette pants on the shocked streets and restaurants that turned women who wore them away.. was the birth of androgynous style.
It’s extremely telling when a fashion designer champions style.
Another example yet this one is from the heart of fashion journalism, Diana Vreeland, the celebrated editor and fashion expert who her influence in journalism have echoed the strongest in a good part of the 20th century. She sat front row for various decades in the most important shows from Haute Couture to Ready to wear, dresses and garments have brushed her resting heels on the side of the runway. Subjected to collections after collections of clothes..of fashion..yet Diana still stated “ You gotta have style.
It helps you get down the stairs. It helps you get up in the morning. It’s a way of life..without it, you’re nobody. I’m not talking about lots of clothes. “
Looking at some of history’s most notable style icons like Lady Diana, her personal style and fashion moments still influence fashion today. A royal who communicated with her fashion choices, when dissecting her style we’ll see a strong color contrast between her and the rest of the establishment. She often opted for colors, prints and turned a sapphire diamond from a broach to a choker necklace..framed with strands of stunning pearls.
Along with her signature coiffed short blonde hair that dominated the demands in the salons as the reference picture, Lady Diana had fashion moments that turned to pop culture.
Like the 1994 Christina Stambolian plunging neckline black off the shoulder thigh-grazing draped dress. She stepped out of the car with her chiffon sash flying behind her along with all the dressing rules she broke. Dubbed the “Revenge “Dress. Still inspiring today, the youngest couturier in the world designer Andrea Brocca presented his own version of the revenge dress in 2021 named the “Ashna” dress.
After the commencement of her independence from marriage in the 90s. She pulled some of her best looks that truly signified her freedom symbolized in her style.
A baseball cap, an oversized graphic sweater, a padded shoulders blazer, jeans and brown leather cowboy boots.
Cycling shorts, large sweatshirts sunglasses and Gucci Bamboos tote..to the gym.
Her style choices are incredibly influential these specific looks were recreated for the September issue of Vogue Paris, 2019. Modeled by Hailey Bieber.
A lace trimmed floor length navy blue Christian Dior slip dress style by John Galliano, worn to the 1996 Met Gala, Themed Christian Dior.
The King of Pop..Michael Jackson a definite style icon and immortal fashion figure. He influenced and still influence fashion today and paved the way for current singers and performers to make their own distinct style part of their show and identity. An article of clothing that’s paired with an iconic dance movement and hand gesture for all of eternity..you can’t see glittering white gloves without an image of Jackson lowering his hat on stage flashing before your eyes. Military jackets that are intricately embellished and structured are as well part of his recognizable arsenal. Beyonce, Kanye, Britney Spears, Rihanna and more have emulated his style in homage many times.
David Bowie..dubbed “ The Best Dressed Man in British History “ Back in 2013 by a panel of fashion experts in BBC history. Through his flame red hair and colorful stage makeup. His style and fashion sense was and still is unparalleled. He leaned into androgyny and bended gender dressing. He himself created a legacy designed and imagined by him carried out by colorful suits, kimono robes, pleated pants and eccentric silhouetted jumpsuits.
He inspired designers like Jean Paul Gaultier who referenced bowie’s style part of his spring 2013 ready to wear collection.
Those examples of treasured style icons, illustrate that a distinctive style that perfectly translates persona can turn the individual into a brand in and of itself..referenced and recreated. Defying the changes of time by standing still in style legacy.
To fashion at large, style is the backbone and the act of natural selection. Where individuals with a recognizable sense of it are drawn to specific designers, clothing, pieces and garments that speak to them on a deeper level that surpasses trends and what is considered fashionable. But dress to announce who they are to the world or enhance their confidence by donning what they like and what they’re comfortable with and in. Style is getting to know who you are and residing proudly in your own skin by utilizing fashion to speak for you with textures, silhouettes, cuts and colors..or the lack there of .
Style is one of the main roots of sustainability, a social goal that’s being called for action across industries. In our industry, fashion. Style which is
an individual fashion compass that leads to curation of purchasing and curation leads to rationing. Rationing leads to less waste and more value through emotional attachment and quality recognition.
Style is what sets you apart. Each season, each decade..throughout the interchangeable realm that is fashion, its looks and era defining elements.
✍✍✍ Nora B Nora.