Unlikely style icons are popping up all over the place, gaining credibility for their quirky, unusual approach to fashion and take on style. Modern girls (and boys) are now naming the likes of politicians, geeks, and even cartoon characters as inspiration. A quick Google of the phrase ‘unlikely style icons’ produces results ranging from Marge Simpson to Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, and even…shock horror…Britney Spears – but in all seriousness, there were some truly great names there that are deserving of the accolade of “style icon , standing apart from the usual suspects because they are self-styled in a truly personal way.
The likes of musicians Annie Lennox and Amy Winehouse are true fashion trailblazers and my personal favourite, Ugly Betty is an icon in her own right. Her melange of printed shirts and colourful knits has a ‘just-thrown-together’ look, or geek-chic if you like, but is actually a combination of highly sought after labels like Primp, Marc Jacobs and Kenneth Cole….channelled by the cool indie kids whose image is interpreted as effortless but in reality is carefully co-ordinated, combining random charity shop finds.
On the other end of the scale, super-grooming and classic style is proving inspiring for many. Condoleeza Rice is frequently featured in the fashion pages, alongside burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese and immaculate Desperate housewife Brees. All in their own way achieving a kind of female ideal for very different reasons. The great think about unlikely style icons is their illustration that style is individual.
[Image:uglyisin]
