Iconic Images of Style…Who is Your Style Architype?

 

“It's our hearts and brains that we should exercise more often. You can put on all the makeup you want but it won't make your soul pretty.” Kevyn Aucoin

Kevyn Aucoin was a genius.

So is my sister. When I was 14 and having a really tough time defining myself and gettting no love from the who’s who in high school biotches my sister gave me sterling advice. She asked me who I wanted to be and what that would look like. After which I was to find a picture that mirrored that vision as closely as possible. Thus began my love affair with styling and fashion for fashioning a new identitiy. Clothes do make the man… and women it would seem. I remember to this day my  “picture” It was a woman channeling a Bianca Jagger-Marissa Berenson-Halstonian- smokey eyed-dark haired-celebutante. Wearing an ivory YSL shirtdress style cocktail dress that was open to her navel, she looked alluringly beautiful and mysterious. Surpirsingly it was a quietly confident and sexy image she projected. Sexiness is definately a slippery slope and can tumble into overt trashiness with one false move. In short elegance and sexiness can be a difficult achievement. This image managed both beautifully… Definately a woman with a story! This image is with me still and has informed my personal style for many years and many style incarnations.

Kevin Aucoin had it right. His re-imagining of celebrities and regular people alike into dramatic beauties using the glamor of a 30’s moviestar template was revolutionary for the conventional wisdom of the “natural look” movement. He was shaving hairlines and adding hair extensions long before it was a TMZ topic. His genius was at once before it’s time and yet reminiscent of the studio system of hollywood beauty. It is a concept worth exploring to define a direction and harness personal style.     

Many of us unconsciously express more than one iconic style. Sometimes all the same time! Who are you really and what makes the most of what you’ve got? The list of beautiful women of style is by no means complete but it is helpful imagery for discovering the woman within. Who is your dominant Style Icon? As your Lifestylist in residence I am available for a personal appointment or at this blog to style your best look! Send your questions or pictures here and I’ll post them along with clothing suggestions in keeping with your iconic style!

 

 

 

 “I never think of myself as an icon. What is in other people’s minds is not in my mind. I just do my thing.” Audrey Hepburn

 

The Modern Classicist – “Fashions Change, Style Remains” Coco Chanel.  

Whether it’s a crisp white shirt paired with black leggings and ballerina flats or a vintage Givenchy ball gown, some looks are as chic today as when Audrey Hepburn first taught us a thing or two about style when she burst on the scene 60 years ago. This look is defined by luxe fabrics, exquisite design, flawless fit and unexpected drama which makes it modern. Timeless elegance, like the woman who wears it, is unforgettably glamorous.

 

Women who exemplify The Modern Classicist:

 

Grace Kelly

Anne Hathaway

Michelle Obama

Charleze Theron

Donna Karan

Anna Wintour

Angelina Jolie

 

Gynneth Paltrow

Ivanka Trump

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicole Kidman

Jackie Kennedy

Natalie Portman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Cultivate your curves- they may be dangerous, but they won’t be avoided.” Mae West

 

The Bombshell- Va Va Voom and then some!

This woman is a star and she knows it. Generally not known for restraint, this look can be as individual as the woman who wears it but always gets a response! From glamorous bombshell to high voltage sex kitten, in jaw dropping excess or stunningly dramatic style she is a sex goddess personified!

 

Women who exemplify The Bombshell:

 

Kim Kardashian

Katy Perry

Mae West

Scarlett Johansen

Bridget Bardot

Tina Turner

Anna Nicole Smith

Sophia Loren

Beyonce

Jennifer Lopez

Mariliyn Monroe

Selma Hiyak

Kimora Lee Simmons

Most of the “Bond Girls” and all of “Hef’s Girls

 

 

 

“Fashion is very important. It is life enhancing and like everything that gives pleasure, is worth doing well.” Vivian Westwood

 

The LA Woman- You know who you are!

 This is a sexy hybrid of The Bombshell and LA Rockstar most at home on Hollywood Blvd and Melrose Ave. As timeless as a leather bustier or thigh high boots, this woman wears sexy pleather dresses from downtown sample sales, hats of all kinds and long scarves paired with Diesel Jeans and Chrome Bones jewelry…The sartorial daughter of Keith Richards and Deborah Harry.

 

Women who exemplify The LA Woman:

    

Carmen Electra

Pink

Cher

Vivian Westwood

Rosanna Arquette

Kate Hudson

Gwen Steffani

Luci Lui

Drew Barrymore

Dita Von Teese

Diablo Cody

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” Coco Chanel  

 

The Iconoclast- Fashion’s wild card!

A moving target on the edge of fashion’s latest trends. This woman is a style chameleon who uses fashion as creative expression and invention. First on a trend or a trend setter in her own right, you never know who she will be from one day to the next. Be it daring and edgy, ladylike refinement, exaggerated sculptural proportions or boho chic, the world is her stage and she is the leading lady of groundbreaking fashion!

 

Women who exemplify The Iconoclast:

 

Sara Jessica Parker

Little Kim

Victoria Beckham

Coco Chanel

Kate Blanchette

Hallie Berry

 

 

Katherine Hepburn

 

 

 

 

Patricia Field

Madonna

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Olsen Twins

Chloe Sevegny

Kate Moss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 “Once you figure out who you are and what you love about yourself, I think it all kinda falls into place.” Jennifer Aniston

 

Ms. Casually Chic – Style’s Cool Sister!

This woman pulls off fashion’s greatest illusion, fun, sporty and effortlessly chic. You know her. She has the perfect relaxed fit cargo pants and layered t-shirts, slightly disheveled yet on trend hair and fresh looking, natural makeup applied over lightly tanned, glowing skin. Think Jennifer Aniston running errands in Malibu. Its hard work looking this relaxed, but you’d never know it! She can look like her sister the Modern Classicist for special events but is at her sexy best when she’s wearing her boyfriend’s white shirt!

 

Women who exemplify Ms. Casually Chic:

 

Jennifer Aniston

Cameron Diaz

Cindy Crawford

Giselle Bunchen

Elle Mc Phereson

Meg Ryan

Jennifer Garner

Jessica Alba

Farah Faucett in Charlie’s Angels