IT IS OFFICIAL. MEGHAN, DUCHESS OF SUSSEX IS THE STYLE ICON OF OUR TIMES
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex was a style icon before her marriage to Prince Harry but let's be honest. Most people did not notice until her platform expanded (exponentially) after she married Harry. All during her now four-year marriage, she has shown that she has great style. But arguably, during the Queen's funeral festivities, Meghan's style quotient really just went out of the galaxy. This is not to take anything away from Kate, Princess of Wales, Camilla Queen Consort, and Countess of Wessex Sophie Rhys Jones. They all looked impeccable too. But it was Meghan's show. As much as the powers that be tried their endeavor best to keep her hidden behind candles and disinvite her to events, they all know the truth of the matter. Meghan was all anyone wanted to see.
The Status of Style Icon
Style icons are different from fashion icons. Fashion icons focus more on what is in fashion at the time and are very name-brand oriented. They are more trendy. For example, the Kardashians are fashion icons, as is Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Naomi Campbell, Madonna, and Rihanna. These people dress provocatively to elicit a response in the moment. While their looks depend heavily on designer logos and name brands, their looks can easily be thrown together with a fast fashion haul at H&M, Zara, and Shein. It is exciting, quick, and disposable and is often quickly forgotten as we all hold our collective breaths to see what they come up with next.
Style icons are different. Their fashion sense is more long-tailed. They are not looking to wow us with the latest trend or the craziest outfit they can possibly throw together, or the most expensive handbag their money can buy. Sure, they take an occasional, calculated risk. They are not boring at all, which is why they are iconic. But there is nothing fast-fashion about the things they wear.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is the Style Icon of our Generation
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is a style icon. Indeed, one could argue that she is the style icon of our generation. When you look at her, you see someone who will be remembered for all time for her impeccable sartorial choices for every occasion.
Who is a style icon? How is he or she made? Are style icons born? Or are they created? What do Princess Diana, Audry Hepburn, and Jackie Kennedy Onassis have in common? What about Grace Jones, and Chloe Sevigny? What about Michelle Obama and Diana Ross? All of these personalities were/are style icons. Their look is timeless. They appeal to all social classes, races, and creeds. But at the same time, there is something slightly unattainable about them. They are not "fast fashion" bred. Instead, their looks are carefully curated and adapted to each occasion. It is not about the name and logo as much as it is about tailoring, appropriateness for the occasion, and originality.
The Duchess of Sussex was the epitome of grace under fire at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth. She was also the epitome of appropriateness and originality with a little pop or risk-taking with her lovely arms popping out of her cape in a very Audrey Hepburnish way. Her hat and accessories were understated and well-selected for the outfit and occasion. Her shoes, which went viral, were by
Paul Andrew and were perfect.
Not even her harshest critics can deny that she was absolutely timeless, unforgettable, and sublime. That is the definition of icon in any language.
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