International Icons
Defining style in the USA and the UK
By Sharleni Inbanathan
Two nations divided - on first look the fashion trends in the UK and USA are very alike, similar influences and the same magazines following the trends, even the same highstreet stores.In fact the trends are markedly different and style icons both sides of the atlantic are contributing to this fashion divide.
In the past I’ve always thought that American fashion was too clean-cut, tailored, restrained; in other words dull. However the classic look mastered by Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow is becoming a coveted look.
Jennifer Aniston is one of these style icons. In 2005, Glamour’s best-dressed awards placed Jennifer at number five. Many people admire her natural yet sophisticated style. Remember her in the gorgeous red Valentino dress, with the roses? It was simple yet stunning and is one of many outfits, which has elevated Jennifer’s style status. Gwyneth Paltrow’s immaculate poker-straight hair teamed with smart jeans or an elegant dress, which keeps her looking amazing whatever the situation.
In contrast, British fashion appears more rebellious with various trends put together seamlessly. London's followers of fashion aspires to various style icons; Kate Moss’s introduction of vintage has made fashion lovers desperate for that one-of-a kind eclectic looks.
Even Topshop has got in on the act, by introducing vintage onto their website and Oxford Street branch. Sienna Miller also played a part in this introduction, although New York-born, she has been an icon in British fashion. A muse to Matthew Williamson, she has encouraged consumers to desire cowboy boots, ponchos, Ugg boots and gypsy skirts: all in an attempt to buy into the free spirited, hippy way of life - boho darling! And don’t forget the tousled hippy-chick hair that has pushed the poker-straight look out of the window.
So no matter the location, whether its London or New York, is our choice in fashion dictated by our choice in style icons? For instance two years ago, very few people would have been interested in the renowned vintage store, Rokit, and Portobello Market?
Many designers have sustained America's classic style; Marc Jacobs has been perfect for Americans, the collection suiting their need for subtle, yet glamorous outfits, echoing the icons of the past including Coco Chanel and Katherine Hepburn. Next season has the American fashion industry introducing Russian and Edwardian shapes.
It could be suggested that Americans focus on shape rather than the look, in order to make a statement. Previous trends based on the shape have been popular in the US; such as the volume ant the cinched waist creating the perfect hourglass figure, seen on many 1950s Hollywood starlets.
Like most fashion trends, by autumn/winter, we would have moved on. So who will be our new fashion icon? The catwalks have paraded models in black, grey and velvet, as well as Victorian elegant collections. Although fashion trends between the USA and the UK are different, they appear to be based on each other’s fashion icons.
America still looks to the past for inspiration, while Britain takes inspiration from present icons as well as the past. This is not a debate about which is better, New York and London are part of the four fashion capitals for a reason, because each location is distinctive and each has played a part in fashion at some time.
