Simply Iconic

I constantly come across new people who encourage my style changes, influence a purchase or just inspire me in general. From Leigh Lezark to John Galliano, a huge part of my fashion DNA is made up of other peoples’ looks. Personal style, although difficult to master, can be a poignant visual representation of your life and what I love most is channelling my individuality through style icons in an attempt to discover who I am and what I like. The key is to emulate without copying.

 

Number one on my style-icon list has to be Edie Sedgwick; the first “it-girl”. This woman defines not only my dress sense but more importantly, my outlook on life. When Edie entered a room she commanded the attention of every being. Even up until her death, she took on each day like it was her last; living extravagantly and exuding confidence even if she didn’t feel it. 

People everywhere talked about Edie and, upon meeting her, were mesmerised by her aura. When I first saw a picture of her at 14, I instantly felt her presence and I wanted to be her in every way. From that day on, I threw out every pair of trousers that I had, exchanging them for black tights in an effort to be the modern equivalent of Miss Sedgwick. After a few years of trying I came to learn that I simply can not copy Edie’s look but by wearing the black tights, a smokey eye and my heart on my sleeve, part of her can live on through me. 

 

Another one of my fashion heroes re-writes what it means to be cool; front-woman of The Kills, Alison Mosshart. Looking at her, you know she is a true artist and I love that she absolutely does not try to look good. She drinks too much, smokes like a train, her hair’s messy, her clothes don’t match, she looks like she stinks but she is still a goddess. Effortlessly dishevelled. Trying on her style, I look effortlessly homeless; my mum just shakes her head and I walk back up the stairs to get changed. No-one can do it like she can because she has attitude. Not the angry, I don’t give a fuck attitude, more like a very raw passion that is written all over her face and her clothes.

 

  When talking about her admired look, she said one thing that has stuck with me; “wear all of your favourite things at once”. This is a mantra she clearly stands by. Dior Homme gold boots, a leopard print blouse and a cigarette are her key statement pieces that make her instantly recognisable. She wears the exact same thing all the time and, through that, i get a real feeling that she lives the rock and roll lifestyle; up all night, partying, writing, screaming and whatever else she wants to do. Clothes are the last thing on her agenda but she is so darn sexy and my jealousy is painful. She’s real, she’s charming, she’s everything i want to be and I will follow her advice until the day my fashion sense dies.