In the ever-changing world of fashion, models and icons have made a lasting impression—shaping what society falls in love with and inspiring countless individuals to get creative with their personal style. And when it comes to runway fashion, the influence of these models is particularly evident. To honor their remarkable contribution, let’s take a look at some of the runway fashion icons who have helped define—and redefine—what’s trending in the fashion industry.
1. Shining the Spotlight on Runway Fashion Icons
Fashion today moves at a fast pace with strong opinions and influence of fashion icons. However, there were a few trailblazers that helped set the tone for fashion entire. They are the coveted few that left lasting impressions on the industry and current fashion trends.
Today, we are shining the spotlight of admiration and reverence on four of the most iconic runway fashion icons throughout history.
Coco Chanel
A driving force behind fashion throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was the first popular designer to focus on ready-made clothing rather than solely haute couture. Her brand lives on today and her classic combinations of elegance and comfort still serve as primary fashion influences.
Miuccia Prada
The modern fashion collector longed for a more modern take on fashion. Miuccia Prada, granddaughter to the founder of the Prada fashion house, used her creative panache to reshape her heritage, creating a new way of paying homage to the classic looks. Her business acumen and creative fashion prowess earned her a place in history.
Linda Evangelista
Step aside runway, Linda Evangelista proved that fashion empires could be built by a single model. Representing nearly every major designer during her heyday, she was the ’90s supermodel taking the entire world by storm. Some fashion experts still consider her to have the best walk of any model to date.
Kate Moss
Her street style and Americana sense of fashion earned her a place in the Hall of Fame of fashion icons. Her waif aesthetic quickly became iconic in the late ’90s and stayed with her throughout her career. She even branched off to create her own clothings line, which was inspired by her unique look and style.
These four fashion icons made an indelible mark on fashion throughout mainstream culture, making them the undisputed legends of the fashion world and runways throughout the decades.
2. Making a Statement: The Impact of Models
The impact of models on the fashion industry is undeniable. Whether it be on the catwalk or in advertisements and campaigns, these talented individuals have the power to transform and shape the way we think about clothe and fashion. Here, we look at the impact of models on the fashion world and debate how much of an influence they have.
Changing Trends: Models can have a huge impact on fashion trends and what people are wearing at a given moment in time. Take Kendall Jenner for example. Whether it be from her outspokenness about body confidence or the clothes she chooses to wear, Jenner has an impressive level of influence that cannot be ignored.
Fashion can diverge quickly between generations and countries and having models that represent different minority groups can go a long way in helping this transition. Models like Cara Delevingne and Ashley Graham have become a symbol of body positivity and have arguably changed the conversation around beauty standards.
Advertisers’ Dream: Let’s not forget that models have a huge economic effect on the fashion industry. By representing a brand, the model has an incredible amount of power in promoting products and encouraging people to buy them. It’s not a surprise then that modelling is an extremely sought after job and those at the top of the food chain can earn a fortune.
Having a Platform: In addition to the financial impact, models also allow individuals to voice their opinion and stand up for the thing they believe in. For example, many models take advantage of Twitter and Instagram to post about topics that they care about and engage with their followers. This influence can have a powerful effect on society and encourage societal change.
Opportunity to Shine: The modelling industry has come a long way in recent years to be more inclusive and break traditional stereotypes. For some, this has opened up many opportunities to start a successful career in the industry that might otherwise be impossible. Platforms such as Instagram have become a great way for aspiring models to gain exposure and hopefully kickstart their fashion modelling career.
3. Runway Models: An Inspiration to All
Runway models are an icon of the fashion industry, exuding grace and confidence. They are an undeniable source of motivation for many aspiring fashionistas, even the everyday shopper! Here’s how runway models have the potential to inspire us all:
- High Standards
Runway models are renowned for their look. They are tall, slim yet muscular, carefully coiffed and immaculately dressed. In other words, they set the standard of physical appearance. By appreciating the hard work that goes into their look, we can learn to take care of our own physical image better.
- Unfazed Confidence
A model’s catwalk is their stage; they exude confidence and self-belief which is often contagious. While probably reserved in real life, grace and self-assurance come naturally to them on the runway. It is a great reminder that we too can confidently be ourselves in public.
- Trendsetters
From clothes to makeup and haircuts, the designers determine the fashion trends. And runway models are the ones marketing them. It’s fashion heaven for onlookers, who try to interpret the latest looks and keep up with the trends. It’s an easy way to stay ahead of the game!
- Flexibility and Adaptability
It’s a known fact that the fashion world loves change! Runway models have to remain current and adaptive to fit in. Not only do they need to look the part, they must make alterations to their own unique sense of style. This encourages us to break the boundaries of conformity.
- Informed Opinions
From criticism of racial bias to sustainability, runway models have often voiced their opinions towards issues that affect the fashion industry. This has impacted the lives of many, even changing the rules of modeling. Through their influence, we become more knowledgeable on wider issues and form our own opinions.
- Passionate and Diverse Talent
Runway models come from diverse backgrounds, wearing a variety of styles and bringing different stories to the runway. Many have dedicated time, energy and money into their craft, and their enthusiasm radiates the moment they walk onto the runway. This inspires us to be excited and passionate about our work and life.
No matter the stage, runway models bring energy and a statement of style. By looking up to these models, we become motivated to embrace our individuality and become our best selves.
4. Celebrating Runway Fashion Icons of the Past and Present
From Mary Quant’s miniskirts to Marc Jacobs’ lavish collections, no one can deny the ingenuity and creative spark of runway fashion icons of the past and present. Their remarkable looks, daring combinations and revolutionary ideas are celebrated to this day – and deservedly so!
- Mary Quant – The British Pendulum-Swing
British fashion designer Mary Quant revolutionized the fashion industry in the ’60s with her miniskirts, hot pants and micro-dresses. At the time, women’s liberation movements started to gain serious momentum and Quant answered the call with her easy-to-wear garments. She introduced cuts suitable for female anatomy and pushed the boundaries of fashion and sexuality.
- Oscar de la Renta – The Red Carpet King
Oscar de la Renta was a Dominican-American iconic fashion designer who adorned the world’s most famous celebrities and royalty. Big names such as Jackie Kennedy, Lupita Nyong’o and Sarah Jessica Parker have all been fans of his timeless creations. With intricate embroidery, luxurious feathers, needlepoint lace and a unique devotion to craftsmanship, de la Renta was a talented designer who elevated fashion to an art form.
- The Introducers of Haute Couture
Haute couture, meaning ‘high sewing’ in French, has been around since the early 19th century. It was Coco Chanel who introduced the concept that fashion should be more about a woman’s comfort than anything else. From then on, French designers such as Pierre Balmain, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent took haute couture to new heights with their luxury and ready-to-wear collections.
- The Tommy Hilfiger Phenomenon
Contemporary fashion is hugely influenced by American designer Tommy Hilfiger. His collections are full of bright colors and bold designs. He’s a master of taking classic patterns and giving them a modern twist. His fashion shows in the ’90s generated quite a stir among the press and there’s no questioning his influence over modern everyday streetwear.
- Marc Jacobs – The Innovator
Innovator Marc Jacobs always manages to impress with his sense of style and modern edge. His passion for fashion has given us memorable collections since the 80s. He often experiments with unexpected materials and exaggerated silhouettes. He’s also an advocate for diversity and inclusivity in fashion, tapping into gender expressions and non-conformity.
For all the models that paved the way for revolutionary designs, the world of fashion owes them a huge debt of gratitude. Their larger-than-life presence both on and off the runway serves as a reminder of the lasting impact these icons have had on the industry. Their passion and dedication for fashion will live on forever!
