By: Melissa Vanderplow

 

We all know that one look, which was worn by that one celebrity, at that one show, or that one party. You know- the style icons. The people who bring designers’ creations to life, setting the trends and defining the season.

 

How does one become a fashion icon? You can be a designer, a model, or a socialite. It doesn’t matter. It’s just all about leaving your mark on the fashion world. And some, have done so very differently then others.

 

In the past ten years we have lost not one but many individuals who have influenced runways and trends for as long as we can remember.

 

Fashion designers Kate Spade and Alexander McQueen are amongst these unfortunate deaths. And if you remember reading these headlines like I do, then you will feel the shock and dismay once the true stories unfolded. A tragedy of stories comes to light, many not known to most of us. How can that be? These were labels that have been popular since before I even knew what fashion was.

 

And this leads me to my next question. What kind of “iconic” message does that leave us with? The pain and suffering that many in high profile positions is nothing to be taken lightly, I am just wondering- when I think of Kate Spade or McQueen, what is the first thought that comes to mind? Cheerful patterns? That beyond badass brass knuckle clutch? I admit, sometimes I fight with myself to keep such fabulous memories at the forefront of my head.

 

Then there others. Take Karl Lagerfeld, for example. Gracing houses like Fendi and Chanel. Delivering these iconic pieces with glamour and grace. Forever a staple in the industry. Now, this doesn’t mean that others have not suffered undoubtedly from stress, anxiety and depression.

 

This piece I write today, is about leaving a legacy. Each icon has made an imprint in our closets and for many, an imprint on their style choices for life. How we decide to view it is up to us as individuals, creatives, and empaths.

 

Fashion icons deliver much more to our world aside from garments and “looks”, they are shaping how we feel about ourselves. What you buy to clothe yourself, does matter. And there is a reason that you chose it, whether you are aware of that or not.

 

We gravitate to these “style stars” because we feel we have a connection with them. On some level.

 

With the passing of just these few in the past years, it has become apparent that the fashion industry will always leave a mark on the world- no matter what the circumstances.

 

We mourn the passing of those who gave us those feelings of joy and confidence when we wear their collections. And there is no doubt, these names will remain engrained in fashion history until the end of time.