Seven timeless style icons who shaped fashion history
A feature on Artribune profiles seven legendary figures whose aesthetics continue to influence contemporary fashion. David Bowie (d. 2016) pioneered glam rock and androgyny through Ziggy Stardust, inspiring brands like Gucci and Saint Laurent. Iris Apfel (d. 2024) epitomized eccentric maximalism with her bold eyewear and eclectic wardrobe, influencing kitsch and pop art movements. Winona Ryder defined 1990s grunge and normcore aesthetics through films like Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands, echoed by Marc Jacobs and Vetements. Grace Jones challenged beauty norms with futuristic androgyny, collaborating with Jean-Paul Goude and inspiring Rick Owens and Mugler. Frida Kahlo (d. 1954) merged surrealism with Mexican folk dress, reinterpreted by Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino. Sade embodies minimalist elegance and quiet luxury, influencing Phoebe Philo and The Row. Courtney Love created the 'kinderwhore' aesthetic—a mix of infantile sweetness and punk provocation—later revived by Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Westwood. The article underscores how these icons' visual legacies persist in fashion's ongoing dialogue with identity, gender, and cultural heritage.
Key facts
- David Bowie died in 2016.
- Iris Apfel died in 2024 at over 100 years old.
- Frida Kahlo died in 1954.
- Bowie's alter ego Ziggy Stardust introduced glam rock and androgyny.
- Apfel's style is described as maximalist and eccentric.
- Ryder's aesthetic is linked to grunge and normcore.
- Jones collaborated with artist Jean-Paul Goude.
- Love's 'kinderwhore' aesthetic mixes baby doll dresses with punk elements.
Entities
Artists
- David Bowie
- Iris Apfel
- Winona Ryder
- Grace Jones
- Frida Kahlo
- Sade
- Courtney Love
- Andy Warhol
- Jean-Paul Goude
- Phoebe Philo
Institutions
- Artribune
- Gucci
- Saint Laurent
- Moschino
- Dolce & Gabbana
- Marc Jacobs
- Vetements
- Rick Owens
- Mugler
- Valentino
- The Row
- Vivienne Westwood