Icons have the ability to influence the look of a generation. Fortunately, timelessness is of the essence in the latest trends, which means we can look back to these figures for inspiration.
The white fitted t-shirt with jeans is always in fashion. We can thank James Dean for this. There is something simple and sophisticated about this look that makes it cool for any generation. Add an adaptation of Dean’s leather jacket and you’re the retro, yet badass, boy or girl next door.
For girls, glam-infused early rock and roll style is found in tight three-quarter pants, neckties and playfully tucked tops, such as in Isabel Marant’s collection. For guys, two-tone and blazers can be done. We are leaving the flares out of this; however, the King’s collar can make a comeback.
Marilyn Monroe is another old-timer who remains youthful in popular culture. The return of the curve is very similar to Monroe’s sultry manner. Nina Ricci’s similar attention to shape is desirable, and her use of gloves, pink, black, and silk are of a vintage quality. Higher necklines and tighter fabrics are naturally feminine and coloured for Aquiliano Rimondi and Victoria Beckham.
Grace Kelly lived the dream, going from glamourous starlet to elegant royalty. Her style is emulated by Prada and Loewe, who know how to make any woman feel graceful. There is something special about clothes that
are modest yet exciting. Dries van Noten and Porena Schouler’s ‘dirty dames’ give a new age twist to Kelly’s pump heels, long lengths and two-pieces to create a classy edge. Lambs Anger’s punk royalty is a deeper colour and take on regal inspired clothes.
Audrey Hepburn’s simple style is bewitching. It is recognised in a split second over danishes and jewels. Alter ego Holy Golightly’s LBD is never out of fashion and is found everywhere. Harry Who and Jigsaw
make old cuts modern with their ageless approach. As good as she looked in designer, Audrey Hepburn could also rock simplicity.
Review is doing unpretentious retro to a tee at the moment.
A bit more adventurous, Brigitte Bardot’s style sent shockwaves of inspiration through her generation and ours. The protagonist of the two-piece swimsuit also hit major make-up trends such as liquid eyeliner flicks.
And no, we don’t all have legs like Twiggy but yes, we can dress in shifts. Rochas is doing a lot of 60s and 70s shapes.