There are so many women that I look up to whom are not afraid to stand out from the rest of the manufactured clones that walk among us, so I have decided to do the very difficult task of choosing My Top Five Female Fashion Icons ( in no particular order). Here it goes...
1. Bianca Jagger
Bianca Jagger is a Nicaraguan-born social and human rights advocate and a former actress and model. Bianca was formally married to Mick Jagger, but has established herself over the past thirty years as a human rights advocate, speaking on numerous issues including genocide, the war on terror, war crimes against humanity, crimes against future generations, Central America, children and women’s rights, the rights of indigenous peoples, climate change, corporate social responsibility, and the death penalty - just to name a few. Not only is Bianca an intelligent woman, but she is also credited for her signature androgynous style which mixes male-inspired clothing with a feminine appeal. Some of my favourite looks include her use of turbans, matching pantsuits and monotone colours.
2. Jennifer Lopez
When it comes to glamour there is one woman that always does it right in my eyes. Jennifer Lopez may not be the luckiest when it comes to love, but her fashion sense always gets it right. While she may be most recognized for her infamous curves, she is a inspiration for many Latin women (including myself) for her business-savvy choices; she is the first woman to have a #1 album, perfume, clothing line, and movie all at the same time. What I love about Jennifer's style is that she always dresses according to her body shape, and no matter how sexy she looks, she always maintains a sophisticated and well-polished look.
3. Kelis
Kelis struck the music scene in 1999 with her loud hair and rebellious voice, but most people may know her from her #1 song "Milkshake" which spent many weeks as #1. Kelis is the definition of a fashion chameleon - her fashion choices may not be for everyone but she always shows how fearless she is of making a mistake when she is expressing herself. While her music may not be as mainstream in North America as it is in the UK, she has become a muse for a new generation of female artists that continuously grab from her past style choices.
4. Sophia Loren
Loren is widely recognized as the most awarded Italian actress. She was the first actress of the talkie era to win an Academy Award for a non-English-speaking performance, for her portrayal in Vittorio De Sica's Two Women. In 1991, Loren received the Academy Honorary Award for her contributions to world cinema and was declared "one of the world cinema's treasures." Sophia is not only known for her contribution to cinema, but she is also regarded as a pioneer in fashion for her glamorous clothing and hour-glass figure which has served as inspiration for many women to come. Sophia is the definition of an Italian bombshell, and her clothing never fails to neglect her beautiful physique.
5. Anna Dello Russo
Anna Dello Russo may be the least known on my list, but she is definitely one of the most inspiring in the fashion industry today. Anna is the editor-at-large and creative consultant for Vogue Japan, however, she has became famous for her own personal style within the last ten years due to fashion blogs such as Jak and Jill and The Sartorialist which photographed her outfits outside of Fashion Week events. Anna has proved that what is worn to fashion shows are nearly as important as the actual outfits that are being showcased. A self-described fashion maniac, it is clear that Anna eats, sleeps and breathes fashion. Her signature style is over-the-top, full of colour, and always showcasing her athletic physique. Watch out Anna Wintour, Dello Russo shows why Italians do it better.
