Nasassistic

By NASA MARIA ENTABAN
alltherage@thestar.com.my

EVERY week for almost three years, I’ve had my little corner in R.AGE to write about fashion and beauty events, personalities, shows and trends, and also to run giveaways and get your feedback on what’s hot in the world of fashion.

In the six years that I’ve worked here, I’ve woken up every day and pieced my outfit for the day together, asking myself questions like ‘How do I want to feel today?’, ‘What do I want people to notice about me (Or what do I not want people to notice about me)?’, ‘Am I going to an event after work?’ and ‘Do I need to run around a lot and be comfortable?’ before I decide on a look.

Six years and many outfits later, it’s come to this – my very last week at R.AGE, and also my last ever Nasassistic column, as I’ll be moving on to Clove (which comes out every Sunday) to continue writing about fashion and beauty events, personalities, shows and trends.

So as a tribute to all the thought I’ve put into my daily work outfits all these years, and all the wonderful work outfits I’ve seen on other people, this week’s article will be about just that – work clothes!

Here’s a few ideas that have worked for me in the past, and are still very current today.

The bright stuff

Loud prints, florals and bright colours may seem like the thing to wear on weekends or during vacation but with the right mixing and matching you can make this look work for the office.

The only thing you might want to avoid is wearing a full floral maxi dress to work, except if its to a casual work event.

Florals and print can be worn to work.

Pair floral dresses and blouses with neutral-coloured blazers, pants and vests – darker colours can also help balance out the ‘girliness’ of colourful prints.

A punch of colour here and there is a great way to brighten up an outfit, and yes, neon is acceptable so long as its limited to an accessory or a pair of shoes, perhaps.

One piece wonders

There are so many things you can do with chic, one-coloured form-fitting work dresses, that you should stock up on more of these.

Any plain black, white or grey dress – with creative use of accessories, outerwear and shoes – you can transform any simple dress into a fabulous (but work-friendly) ensemble.

Form-flattering work dresses are a great investment.

To economise, look out for classic pieces that are form-fitting, flattering and well-made. As long as your size doesn’t change too much, you can wear them for years to come.

Dressing down

Not everyone has the luxury of wearing jeans to work, but there are many ways to dress down and still abide by the rules.

One great look that works for offices is pairing a cardigan over pants and a t-shirt or a casual blouse with flats or wedges, and I’ve always loved the oversized shirt, belt and tights combo.

A combo like this is office-friendly.

Pairing a plaid shirt and khakis is another chic casual look, topped off with a pair of ballerina flats.

By NASA MARIA ENTABAN

alltherage@thestar.com.my

ONCE again the seasons have changed in trend-setting countries, and with Fall/Winter comes some brand new trends.

Many old trends have been given new and creative twists, and designers are introducing plenty of fresh looks that local fashion lovers will be thrilled to try out.

Let’s take a look at some of the key trends of the season:

In-style shades

Katy Perry in a metallic silver gown by Dolce & Gabbana.

The Fall/Winter season always brings about darker hues, but this doesn’t mean you should abandon brights altogether. Punches of bright colours to liven up an outfit are encouraged, as well as colour blocking.

Key colours of the season are scarlet red, indigo, uniform grey and military green, but one trend you simply have to adopt is metallic. Whether its gold, silver or bronze, try it out on tops, skirts, bags, shoes or even an entire dress like what Katy Perry wore to the Katy Perry: Part of Me premier in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil recently.

Blend your metallics with other colours, and if you’re not a big fan of the hue, get it in belts, accessories and shoes.

Light outerwear

Blazers like the one Maggie Grace is wearing are still a hot trend.

Fashionistas in colder climates will be piling on the layers this season, and we can do the same, just with lighter fabrics like soft leather, cotton and silk.

Outerwear like cardigans, capes, blazers, jackets and scarves are a hot trend right now, especially the more “masculine” variety.

Military and uniform-inspired pieces, as well as bomber and biker jackets, military trench coats and boyish blazers are the way to go this season.

Look East

Taylor Swift at the 54th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California.

When it comes to dressing up for an event or a dinner party this season, look no further than our own back yards. Experts have predicted that Eastern-inspired blouses and dresses will be a massive trend this Fall/Winter, and so far we’ve seen quite a few pieces on runways worldwide.

Take a cue from the cheongsam and wear your slits high, and keep an eye out for Mandarin collars on tops and dresses.

Kimono-inspired dresses and tops too, are slowly working their way into our stores, and loose kaftans, while already pretty established in the local fashion scene, are making a comeback.

Prints

Step out in nature-inspired prints like Kerry Washington.

Nature is a running theme this season, so look out for animal prints, feather motifs, floral patterns and leaves of every kind, appearing on skirts, tops and bottoms.

There are plenty of other prints to choose from if nature is not your style, so check out geometric patterns, aztec designs and your usual plaid, stripes and checks for the more androgynous dresser.

Other key print trends are 60s graphics, optic contrasts and tapestry. There’s plenty to choose from so take your pick!

By NASA MARIA ENTABAN
alltherage@thestar.com.my

LATER this year, Spice Girls fans will get to relive the prime years of the 90s pop group when the musical Viva Forever takes the stage.

Thinking about the British pop group that took the charts by storm years ago brings back memories of not just their catchy pop tunes, but the fashion trends that came along with them.

As with many things, pop stars have proven to be a great influence on fashion and image – there’s no denying they always have a hand in what’s popular.

Many have taken it a step further by collaborating with fashion designers on a clothing line named after them.

Just like Baby, Posh, Sporty, Scary and Ginger gave every young girl back then an idea about which ‘Spice’ they were and an image to call their own, so have many other pop stars before and after.

Let’s take a look at some prominent pop acts who shifted the face of fashion, even if it was just for a short while.

Punk rock princess

Sporting a necktie never really became a thing before Avril Lavigne burst out onto the scene, back in 2002. Eyes heavily rimmed with eyeliner? You have to admit that Lavigne boosted the popularity of this trend as well.

Baggy jeans, sneakers, studs, leather and anything slightly associated with punk-rock became hot property the moment Lavigne burst out into the music scene.

Avril Lavigne made ties cool

After goody-goody, clean-cut starlets like Britney Spears (before she went crazy, of course), Lavigne was just what little girls around the world needed at the time. She was different, representing a sort of rebellion that went beyond the make-up, neckties and spiked embellishments.

The entire Lavigne package fed a generation of girls who wanted to be more ‘I said see ya l8r boi’ than ‘I was born to make you happy’.

Queen of pop

At 53, Madonna has been going at it for over three decades and shows no signs of slowing down. Apart from constantly reinventing her sound, she’s never far behind in the fashion department.

In the early 80s, she almost single-handedly revolutionised women’s fashion with the ‘messy chic’ look which included lacy fingerless gloves, dirty bleach blonde hair and a jacket over layers of shirts.

'Messy chic' was a Madonna thing.

The oversized sweatshirts and shirts with cut-off sleeves over a bra or cropped top are a lasting image of the 80s, which Madonna helped solidify all those years ago.

All these trends are now trickling back onto runways and into stores, and although their revival is partly due to designers, fashion experts and current starlets, we have the Queen of Pop to thank for making them big in the first place.

The posh one

Even back in her Spice Girls days, Victoria Beckham’s (then Adams) style was the most practical, and (at least to me), the most appealing. With chic, almost corporate cuts and not over-the-top outfits (unlike the other girls), it seemed like an image built to last.

And lasted it has. Today, many look to the fashion powerhouse for inspiration and her designs are at the top of many a celebrity’s shopping list.

Victoria Beckham was, and still is, the posh one.

Everything about her image is chic, posh and not too difficult to achieve. Simple cuts and minimal embellishments are the way to go for young women who want to make a good impression, but still look stylish while doing it.

By NASA MARIA ENTABAN
alltherage@thestar.com.my

FASHION is always at an all-time high at the beginning of the year, when awards season comes around.

While the major awards events have all ended, there are still plenty of movie premieres, posh fund-raisers and less-publicised awards shows where our favourite stars can strut their style on the red carpet.

Spring/Summer fashion is still hot but there are heaps of Pre-Fall looks already making their way onto runways and red carpets everywhere.

Many are toning down their bright and bold hues and shifting into a cooler colour scheme but there are plenty of stars who are still out there rocking summer shades.

Let’s take a look at some red carpet trends that we can’t wait to see in our stores:

Turn on the flash

It’s never too early in the year to come out in a shiny ensemble like the one Ashley Rickards (above) wore at the 2nd Critics Choice Television Awards, especially if it’s for an awards show or swanky event.

Ashley Rickards

When going full metallic, gold or silver, be mindful of your make-up, accessories and shoes. Minimal accessories like a chunky ring or a simple cuff will complete the look, and throw on a pair of nude heels. Make-up should be subtle and avoid shimmery eyeshadow and lipstick because the overall combination of flashy make-up and a shiny dress will end up a bit too over-the-top.

Drop it like it’s hot

The easiest way to spruce up a simple outfit is to throw on some eye-catching accessories, and what’s better than a pair of fabulous earrings?

We all love our hoops and studs, but when it comes to a red carpet event or an important dinner, bring on the drop earrings.

Natalie Zea

Whether they’re an arrangement of stones or an unusual pair like the ones Natalie Zea wore at the Critics Choice Television Awards, these earrings are the way to go as they give your neck an elongated look. You can wear your hair any way you like, but an up-do is best to complement the earrings. After all, you don’t want them to get tangled in your hair.

Leg-out

Angelina Jolie sort of set this trend in motion earlier this year by stepping out on the 84th Annual Academy Awards red carpet in a thigh-high slit that showed off her gorgeous right leg.

Skin is always in, but it depends a lot on how you choose to flaunt your legs, and right now the way to go is slits.

Carly Rae Jepsen

The slit (or slits) is the perfect way to show some skin without looking too trashy. Carly Rae Jepsen’s black gown at the recent MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto, Canada, would have been pretty boring if not for the carefully crafted slits down the front. And thanks to the clever cut, it not only looks elegant but adds just the right amount of sex appeal to make the outfit work.

By NASA MARIA ENTABAN
alltherage@thestar.com.my

EVERYONE has that one make-up trick we’d love to try out but just haven’t yet because we’re not sure if we can pull it off.

It’s not just carrying the look that’s the challenge. For many, the application of it can also be a problem.

Common make-up issues like smudged lipstick, uneven eyeliner and “mascara goops” can be embarrassing, and it all boils down to proper application and careful upkeep throughout the day.

There are so many hot looks out there that are worth trying out and most of them are classics that are worth learning as they’ll be around for decades to come.

We’ve narrowed it down to a few must-try looks and here they are:

Bright red lips

This is a tricky one, as the slightest smudge can ruin the look, and it’s not a one-step process.

While it’s true that anyone can work this look, first of all you have to find a red that matches your skin tone. This involves a lot of trial and error, unfortunately, and plenty of research to determine which brand and shade are just right for your skin tone.

Before application, you must first exfoliate (mix a spoonful of water and sugar and rub on your lips in a circular motion) and then slab on some lip balm for hydration.

Achieving red lips like Rihanna will take some practice.

Apply a lip liner that matches your red lipstick and you’re set. To make sure none of the lipstick gets on your teeth use the “finger” trick – put your index finger into your mouth and pull it out to remove any lipstick on your inner lip.

This look is high maintenance, so you have no choice but to keep checking and re-applying your lipstick every few hours.

Black eyeliner

I went through more than 10 different eyeliner brands in various forms – pencil, liquid and gel before I found the perfect one.

This is an absolute must-try look and it’s so easy to achieve with enough practice. Heaps of celebrities like singer Beth Ditto adore this look and wear it often.

Beth Ditto loves her black eyeliner

Pencil eyeliner can be the easiest to apply but sometimes the colour doesn’t come out as dark as it should. Practice liquid eyeliner on bare eyelids and rest your elbows on a counter top for steadier hands.

It may help to line in sections (inner eye, mid-lid and outer lid) and to connect these sections after. The good thing about eyeliner is if you screw up, you can always cover up the mistake by adding on a layer.

Full lashes

Not everyone is fortunate enough to be born with luscious Elizabeth Taylor-type lashes, so most of us have to make do with mascara and eyelash curlers.

These are the easier ways out to achieve longer lashes but another hot trend right now is wearing fake lashes.

False lashes are a hot trend right now.

Of course, it’s not practical to struggle with “falsies” every single day (although I actually do know some women who do!) so it’s okay to save them for special occasions.

The first thing you need to do is measure the lash strip against your eyelid and cut it if it’s too long.

Before sticking your falsies on, curl your real lashes with an eyelash curler, and then apply lash glue to the lash strip before pressing them on as close to your lash roots as possible (the strip goes above your real lashes). Use a cotton swab to apply extra glue where needed, and remember to apply mascara only after you’ve put your falsies on, as this will then merge your real lashes with the fake ones.

By NASA MARIA ENTABAN
alltherage@thestar.com.my

EVERYONE is talking about the latest platform to showcase your individual style: festivals.

Music or art-related, festivals are fast becoming a key place to be seen and photographed by bloggers and fashion writers on the prowl for style.

Just like posh events and fancy dinners, dressing up for festivals does require some thought, but none of the stress – the whole idea of a festival is to be comfortable while rocking the latest trends. You can just be yourself and not worry about dress codes.

With so many concerts, bazaars and fun outdoor events popping up all over the country, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for you to embrace the “festival chic” trend.

Check out a few key items that fall under this category:

Hats on

One item you’ll definitely need for outdoor festivals is headgear of some sort to keep the heat at bay, and the hats of choice for this season are fedoras, trilbies (a type of fedora) and straw hats.

Fedoras and trilbies have come a long way from their origins. Once upon a time, the trilby was viewed as the rich man’s favoured hat, while the fedora is often associated with gangsters and detectives. Today, these hats are not even restricted to just men.

The trilby is also Annie Lennox's trademark headgear

Anyone can pull off the look, and they come in handy on bad-hair days and hot days, which is why festivals are the perfect place to rock this look.

Straw hats too, are gaining in popularity as stars like Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson have been spotted working this cowgirl trend.

In the shade

Protecting yourself from the heat also includes wearing sunglasses to avoid squinting in the sunlight and giving yourself a headache. While aviators and “Jackie O’s” are still very much in trend, the shape of shade to look out for at the moment is the circular shade – heaps of celebrities love this trend, including Lady Gaga, Dita Von Teese and the Olsen twins.

John Lennon is hugely responsible for popularising this trend back in the 1970s.

Lady Gaga loves her circular shades

They’re comfortable, they protect your eyes from the sun, and they’re the ultimate style item to go with your outfit.

Bag it

As much as you try to reduce the number of items to carry around, there are several things you’ll always have to have on you like your identity card, cellphone, car keys, cash and lip gloss.

Stuffing all these things into your pockets is next to impossible (unless you’re wearing baggy cargo pants), so let’s face it: we all need a bag to hold all these items.

The Mulberry 'Alexa' bag is a popular look for festivals

Where festivals are concerned, the sling or crossover is the most practical option, and also the most stylish at the moment.

Go for tan or rustic-looking messenger bags or satchels, which hang comfortably from one shoulder – they make moving around a little easier compared to hanging on to a clutch or worrying that someone is unzipping your backpack without you noticing.

By VIVY YUSOF
alltherage@thestar.com.my

HOW many times have we groaned about getting up in the morning and having to get ready for work? Like, “Argh, why can’t I bring my work to bed?”

Well, c’est la vie – unless you work as a human bed-tester (what an awesome job that would be).

However, we might have discovered the next best thing at the Spring Summer 2012 fashion week. Or have we?

Bring your bed to work

First, we had the bed-head hair trend made popular by Kate Moss. Now, the fashion masterminds have presented us with the Pyjama Party trend.

Yes, those slouchy pyjama sets in your wardrobe are now fashion pieces to be worn outside your bedroom. Who would have thought?

Comfortable cotton pantsuits and lush silk pyjama sets are now gracing magazines and runways, both separately and together. They are fast becoming a designer’s favourite having been seen at fashion shows by Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Charlotte Ronson, Rachel Roy and the lot.

Even US Vogue gave a nod to this trend by putting polka dot pyjamas on the Olsen twins in its April 2011 issue. I guess it was cute, but how often will you see people by the beach sipping drinks in their pyjamas?

While some of us are scratching our heads at the pyjama look, some fashion enthusiasts are forking out almost £1,000 (RM4,938) for a Stella McCartney set. I almost feel bad that my pyjamas cost less than RM100.

Let’s be honest. Just like Daisy Dumas wrote in her The Daily Mail article, pyjamas are worn by grandpas, sick children and cartoon bananas. They have never been seen as sexy and glamorous attire to be worn on the streets of the world. Has a genius trend been discovered or has fashion gone nuts?

I was eager to find out what was so appealing about these pyjamas to help me better understand the craze.

Firstly, no one can argue with the comfort factor. The loose and baggy buttoned shirt, the airy wide-legged trousers, the kind and non-judgmental elastic waistband and the softness of silk grazing your skin while you’re meeting a client at work – all are enough to keep you feeling on top of the world in the office.

Secondly, there is a certain cool factor with these pyjamas. When someone oozes confidence walking down the street with his/her pyjamas and a coffee cup in hand, you’d probably think: “Wow, he’s a bit of a cuckoo …”

But after a few seconds, you might just think: “This guy is pretty cool to pull off this look!” Unless, of course, you see him walking everyday with that ensemble.

Clearly, he’s sleepwalking.

At the Battleship premiere in Japan, Rihanna chose an Emilio Pucci pyjama suit that brought a whole new meaning to the trend. Looking absolutely stunning, she brought sexy back with a plunging neckline, gold accessories and stilettos.

Rihanna at the 'Battleship' premiere in PJs

Pyjamas were made even cooler as streetwear after the Topman fashion show cleverly named “Rebellious Decadence”. You put rebellious in the name, and teenagers immediately associate it with coolness. I am quite a skeptic when it comes to this trend, but even I have to admit that the Topman show was cool, especially with the printed pyjamas worn under fitted blazers. It could have been because of the almost perfect male models though. I’m still undecided.

Thirdly, some have noted how seductive this trend can be with the sensual bedroom reminders and plunging necklines. I completely disagree after growing up watching Bananas In Pyjamas, but hey, to each their own. After all, King of Pyjamas Hugh Hefner has had many girlfriends, but he’s never dumped his trusted velvet dressing gown. So maybe there is magic in the pyjamas after all?

But if you would like to brave this look, there are some rules to go by. The pyjama is already the most comfortable piece of clothing in the universe, so do not try to be greedy with comfort by pairing them with your trusted flip flops or baggy knit cardigans.

The pyjama trend is to be worn with confidence and that means heels. As drab as the average pyjamas may look, some can make it look smart with a nicely tailored fitted blazer.

Naturally, pyjama tops are boxy, baggy and shape-blind. Show off your waist by cinching it with a belt like Rihanna did at her Battleship premiere. The belt makes miles of a difference! Show a bit of skin by rolling up the sleeves to break away from looking like you’re wearing a sack.

Last bits to remember, smaller prints are more flattering than big loud prints. And never ever wear pyjamas made out of terry towel fabric.

I might not be the first person to step out of my house in my drab sleeping kaftan tomorrow, but if you have the courage, do it! Fashion is meant to be fun anyway, so you might as well try it while it’s still hot in trend.

Never did I ever think that I would be writing a fashion piece on streetwear pyjamas. Such a funny world we live in. Pretty soon, the next trend will be

*Vivy Yusof is the managing director of FashionValet.net.

By NASA MARIA ENTABAN

alltherage@thestar.com.my

IF you haven’t been out and about in the past few weeks, make a date with your girlfriends and head down to the nearest mall because the stores are bursting with this season’s beautiful trends!

You can’t go anywhere without being distracted by all the brightly-coloured dresses, tops, shoes and pants displayed on mannequins in store windows, and the bright, bold prints that adorn them.

We’ve previously talked about the vibrant colours that have made their way onto our shores and how bright oranges, yellows, greens and blues are in style in a big way, so this week we’re going to zero in on a few key wardrobe must-haves for the season.

The printed maxi

Maxi dresses have been in style for a few years now, but we’re constantly amazed by the creative ways designers have updated this look, season after season. This trend is everywhere, and one of the best places to look for it is Warehouse.

Printed maxi from Warehouse

The brand has several designs in various colours that will suit just about any skintone. Jungle motifs, floral prints and tie-dyed elements on these maxis make for a very boho-chic trend that is refreshing and chilled-out.

The scarf

This darling accessory is so underutilised in this country, mainly due to the humid weather, that many question the point of owning a scarf.

Yes, the weather is a deterrent, but it hasn’t stopped us from wearing cardigans, jeans and leather jackets, so why not scarves?

Learn different ways to tie a scarf from blogger Wendy Nguyen

Most are made up of soft polyester that is so thin you’ll hardly feel it on your skin, especially if you’re in air-conditioning. The scarf can do many things to an outfit.

Depending on how you tie it, it can add class and sophistication or give your ensemble a hippie edge. We know for a fact that there are least 25 ways to tie a scarf, and we learned this from one of our favourite bloggers, Wendy Nguyen.

Head to YouTube and check out her “25 ways to tie a scarf” video tutorial.

Stiletto pumps

Gradually begin weaning yourself off platforms, because stiletto pumps are the hot new thing to be wearing on your feet.

If you’re used to the stability of a platform (like me!), it may take a little time to get used to actually feeling the ground under the balls of your feet, but it will be worth it as this style of footwear is everywhere.

Be daring and pick up a pair in mismatched floral print, or try out a bright-coloured pair. Most stores will have them in yellow, tangerine and pink but be adventurous and experiment with variety, for example, choosing one with ribbons, bows and jewels attached.

Print trousers

We’re pretty used to confining print bottoms to pajamas and for lounging around the house when no-one’s looking, but the current trend is to wear them out!

Whether they’re loose-fitting drawstring pants or a tight pair with a skinny leg, these stylish bottoms are all the rage right now, and trying them out is a definite yes.

Give printed trousers a chance

To avoid going overboard with the colours and print, pair your print trousers with a chic white or neutral blouse and a pair of nude pumps for work, throw on a bustier corset top and stilettos for a night out, or relax in a tank top or t-shirt and comfortable pumps for a casual day out. 

Check out more items from Warehouse’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

A casual chic ensembleA gorgeous bright pink dressYet another darling maxiDon't be afraid to clash bright colours and print

Print trousers and funky shadesPlayful onesies are part of the rangePrints are all the rage

THESE days, boutiques in the Klang Valley are filled with colourful outfits. Colourful attire and bold prints are all the rage right now.

To give you a better idea of what’s out there, here are a few of this season’s trends you simply must try, before fashion moves on to the next big thing.

Be bold

Cheerful hues are in, and daring colour-blocking is the way to go this season. Spice up casual clothing like loose pants, cardigans, long skirts and wrap dresses by wearing them in solid colours.

It’ll be a challenge to not come out looking like a circus clown, so try and limit yourself to wearing only three colours all at once. Think coral, sage green and tangerine, or a red-black-brown combo, or even hot pink, brown and teal – these colour combinations will give your casual gear a glam twist.

You don’t even have to restrict this trend to your casual dressing – experiment with multi-coloured bodycon dresses, chic skirts in different colours and tiered blouses.

Peplum plus

This trend, although a little tricky for those with wider hips and waists, is everywhere. Stars like Emma Stone have rocked the look on the red carpet.

Anything with a short flared ruffle that sits on your waist is what defines the look – it’s on dresses, skirts and even shirts.

Just remember that with this trend you must wear heels, as it can make you look a little stumpy. Also, choose your colours wisely – perhaps colour-blocking with peplum can wait until next season, as Stone’s red top and hot pink skirt was a little too daring a combo!

Go big or go home

In the spirit of living large and sporting cheerful trends this season, bold prints are making their way into our stores fast.

From crazy geometric shapes to art deco graphics (think early screensavers/wallpapers) to huge floral patterns to exaggerated animal prints, these bursts of pattern can go on shirts, blazers, bags, skirts and even tights.

For the conservative dresser, this trend may take a little getting used to, so start small – maybe experiment with a vibrant print top or bottom, but not together (at first). When you’re used to the idea, let loose by mixing and matching pieces with bold prints.

Loungewear
Wearing your pajamas to class/work? It is somewhat acceptable this season, as many designers had their models walking down runways in what looked like collections inspired by pajamas and bathrobes. In short, stuff you wouldn’t normally want to be seen wearing in public.

For those of us who love our polka dot and stripe-y pajama pants, it is now alright to wear them outside the house, as long as they’re paired with a sleek shirt and perhaps, a belt to finish the look.

Even onesies aren’t restricted to infants anymore, although they really don’t flatter most shapes.

 By NASA MARIA ENTABAN

alltherage@thestar.com.my

THE fashion world’s “It” girls have taken on many forms in the past; there are skinny girls, voluptuous girls, blonde girls, girls with high cheek bones and so on.

These days, the fashion industry is more diverse than ever, but somehow, there will always be that one model, actress or singer that stands out in every crowd.

Funny how the term “It girl” actually originated as one that describes personality, instead of what it is more commonly used for today – appearance. One of the first references came about in 1904 in a story by author Rudyard Kipling, who wrote: “It isn’t beauty, so to speak, nor good talk necessarily. It’s just ‘It’.”

Today’s It girls have it tough, though. Not only do you have to burst onto the scene and grab everyone’s attention, you also have to keep your audience interested; only a handful few have managed to achieve that.

Sure, designers are rushing to dress current It girls like Hailee Steinfeld, Lourdes Leon and Elle Fanning, but we’ll just have to wait and see if they can hold a candle to the following It girls:

Marilyn Monroe

Although the 1950s actress only enjoyed several years in the limelight, the impact she made in the entertainment industry as well as the fashion world will live on for years to come.

Her hour glass figure, suggestive child-like vocals, and flirtatious demeanour were all part of the package that had every man wanting her, and every woman wanting to be her.

Marilyn Monroe in 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes '

Everything looked better on Monroe – from bathing suits to gowns and even sunglasses, the blonde actress was one of the biggest fashion phenomenons to achieve global fame.

Twiggy

There’s no denying there’s a certain appeal to 1960s teen model Twiggy’s large eyes, waif frame and androgynous looks.

For a model, she isn’t really that tall – at 167cm, she wouldn’t even qualify for supermodel status in the new millennium.

Twiggy

The short hair and doe-eyed look took the fashion world by storm back then, appearing in almost all leading fashion magazines. Later, she went on to expand her career in the stage, film and television scenes.

Twiggy also has several books to her name and was a judge on popular TV series America’s Next Top Model.

Iman

To the fashion world in the 1970s, Somali supermodel Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid was something new, fresh and different. Her long neck, arms and legs as well as her sharp features and dark skin cast a hypnotic spell on design houses like Halston, Versace, Calvin Klein, Issey Miyake, and Yves Saint-Laurent, who couldn’t get enough of the exotic beauty.

Iman

Today, she runs the successful Iman Cosmetics firm, which focuses on developing makeup for ethnic women, and has her own fashion line called Global Chic.

Chloe Sevigny

Chloe Sevigny’s popularity as one of today’s fashion It girls has yet to diminish. Actress, model and fashion designer Sevigny grabbed the public’s attention in the mid-1990s and early 2000s for her eclectic fashion sense and modelling work in New York’s fashion scene.

Chloe Sevigny

She also has a successful acting career, having starred in several critically-acclaimed arthouse films and blockbuster hits. With several fashion lines to her name and top-notch designers singing her praises, we’re pretty sure Sevigny will be around for a long while more.

* Who do  you think will be the next It girl? Comment below!