The world of fashion is constantly evolving and changing, with new trends and styles emerging every season. Within this industry, there are certain individuals who have made a name for themselves as fashion icons – individuals who are admired and looked up to for their sense of style and influence in the fashion world.
But becoming a fashion icon is not an easy feat. It takes hard work, dedication, and a unique perspective to stand out in a highly competitive industry. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the journey of 27 influencers who have become fashion icons and the steps they took to achieve their success.
From social media influencers to designers and models, these individuals have all made a mark in the fashion industry and have become household names. Their stories serve as inspiration for aspiring fashion icons and offer valuable insights into what it takes to make it in this industry.
1. Chiara Ferragni
Chiara Ferragni is an Italian fashion blogger and businesswoman who gained fame through her blog, The Blonde Salad. She started her blog in 2009 and quickly gained a large following for her impeccable style and fashion advice. In 2017, she was named one of the most influential people in the fashion industry by Forbes, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
2. Anna Wintour
Known as the most powerful woman in fashion, Anna Wintour is the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine. She has been at the helm of the iconic fashion publication since 1988 and has been instrumental in shaping the fashion industry. Her signature bob haircut and sunglasses have become synonymous with her name and she continues to be a major influence in the fashion world.
3. Rihanna
Rihanna is a global superstar and a fashion icon in her own right. She has collaborated with major fashion brands and has her own successful fashion brand, Fenty. Her bold and daring sense of style has made her a fashion icon, with many looking to her for inspiration and trends.
4. Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld was a German fashion designer and creative director of Chanel, Fendi, and his own eponymous label. He was known for his eccentric style and iconic white ponytail. Lagerfeld’s influence in the fashion industry is undeniable and his designs continue to be admired and sought after.
5. Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid is a supermodel who has walked the runway for major fashion houses and graced the covers of numerous magazines. She has become a fashion icon with her effortless and chic style, often mixing high-end and affordable pieces. Hadid’s influence is not only limited to the runway, as she has collaborated with major brands and has her own makeup line.
6. Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham rose to fame as part of the pop group Spice Girls and has since established herself as a fashion designer and style icon. Her eponymous fashion brand has gained worldwide recognition and her own personal style is often admired and emulated.
7. Olivia Palermo
Olivia Palermo is a socialite and fashion influencer known for her impeccable style. She gained recognition through her appearances on reality TV show The City and has since become a major fashion icon, appearing on the covers of major magazines and collaborating with fashion brands.
8. Tim Gunn
Tim Gunn is a fashion consultant and television personality, best known for his role as mentor on the popular reality show Project Runway. He has become a fashion icon in his own right, known for his classic and polished style.
9. Zendaya
Zendaya is a young actress and singer who has become a fashion icon through her bold and unique sense of style. She has collaborated with major fashion brands and has gained recognition for her fashion choices on the red carpet.
10. Iris Apfel
Iris Apfel is a 98-year-old fashion icon known for her eclectic and colorful style. She has been a fashion editor and interior designer and continues to be an influencer in the fashion world. Her signature oversized glasses and statement jewelry have become iconic.
11. Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne is a British model and actress known for her bold and edgy style. She has walked the runway for major fashion brands and has appeared on the covers of numerous magazines. Delevingne’s unique and androgynous style has made her a fashion icon.
12. Diane von Furstenberg
Diane von Furstenberg is a fashion designer and businesswoman who gained recognition for her iconic wrap dress. She has become a fashion icon with her elegant and timeless designs, and her influence in the industry continues through her work as a mentor and philanthropist.
13. Chiara Totire
Chiara Totire is an Italian fashion influencer known for her effortlessly chic style. She has gained a large following on social media and has collaborated with major fashion brands. Totire’s style is a mix of classic and trendy, making her a fashion icon for many.

The Making of a Fashion Icon: 27 Influencers' Journey to Success
14. Alexa Chung
Alexa Chung is a British model, television presenter, and fashion designer. She has become a fashion icon for her unique and quirky sense of style, often mixing vintage and high-end pieces. Chung has collaborated with major fashion brands and has her own successful fashion line.
15. Kate Moss
Kate Moss is a British supermodel who has become a fashion icon for her effortless and cool style. She has appeared on the covers of numerous magazines and has collaborated with major fashion brands. Moss continues to be an influential figure in the fashion industry.
16. Emily Weiss
Emily Weiss is the founder and CEO of popular beauty brand Glossier, and has become a fashion icon through her minimalist and chic style. She has been featured on the covers of major magazines and has been recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and influence in the beauty and fashion industry.
17. Olivia Culpo
Olivia Culpo is a former Miss Universe and fashion influencer known for her sophisticated and glamorous style. She has collaborated with major fashion brands and has become a fashion icon for her red carpet looks and everyday style.
18. Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is a fashion designer and business tycoon who has become a fashion icon for his preppy and classic style. His eponymous brand is known worldwide and his influence in the fashion industry is undeniable.
19. Blake Lively
Blake Lively is an actress and fashion icon known for her elegant and glamorous style. She has been featured on the covers of major magazines and has collaborated with fashion brands. Lively’s style is often a mix of classic and modern, making her a fashion icon for many.
20. Jenna Lyons
Jenna Lyons is a fashion designer and former creative director of J.Crew. She has become a fashion icon for her chic and effortless style, often mixing high-end and affordable pieces. Lyons has also been recognized for her work in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry.
21. Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton, also known as the Duchess of Cambridge, has become a fashion icon for her elegant and timeless style. Her fashion choices are often emulated and her influence in the fashion world is significant. Middleton is also known for promoting sustainable and ethical fashion.
22. Rachel Zoe
Rachel Zoe is a fashion stylist and designer who gained recognition through her reality TV show The Rachel Zoe Project. Her bohemian and glamorous style has made her a fashion icon and she continues to be a major influence in the fashion industry.
23. Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks is a former supermodel and television personality who has become a fashion icon for her bold and fierce style. She has been featured on the covers of major magazines and has her own successful fashion and beauty brands.
24. Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger is a fashion designer known for his preppy and all-American style. His eponymous brand has become a global powerhouse and Hilfiger continues to be a major influence in the fashion industry.
25. Leandra Medine
Leandra Medine is a fashion blogger and author known for her quirky and eclectic style. She has gained a large following through her blog, Man Repeller, and has collaborated with major fashion brands. Medine’s unique and fearless style has made her a fashion icon.
26. Christian Dior
Christian Dior is a French fashion designer known for his iconic New Look silhouette and his eponymous fashion house. His influence in the fashion industry is still evident today and his designs continue to inspire and influence fashion trends.
27. Coco Chanel
No list of fashion icons would be complete without mentioning Coco Chanel. The French fashion designer and businesswoman revolutionized the fashion industry with her designs and continues to be a major influence in the industry. Her signature little black dress and Chanel suit have become iconic pieces in the fashion world.
In conclusion, the journey to becoming a fashion icon is not an easy one. It takes hard work, dedication, and a unique perspective to stand out in the highly competitive fashion industry. These 27 influencers have all made a mark in the industry and continue to inspire and influence others with their impeccable style and business acumen.