Style Icon of the Week

In the modern world of fashion the streets have become the new catwalks and the focus of bloggers and editors alike. Despite the frenzy of media attention which surrounds high-profile red carpet events like recent awards ceremonies I think that, in general, people have grown indifferent to obviously staged 'fashion'. I put 'fashion' in quotation marks because this is my main criticism of red carpet looks. The images which we see of celebrities posing for the cameras are completely unnatural and most often uninspiring. Red carpet looks rarely show any evidence of true STYLE because celebrities hardly ever choose their own clothes- stylists like Rachel Zoe or Eric Daman are the true fashion icons, not the 'celebrities' they dress.

For this reason my style icon of the week is Chloe Sevigny because her red-carpet looks are an extension of her natural 'off-duty' style. Over the years and at a multitude of different events you can see that Chloe's style is unique and consistent-it is expressive of herself, her personality, not that of a stylist who has encouraged her to dress a certain way. It is always obvious that Chloe has dressed herself, and therefore constructs her own image, by the aura of calm confidence which pervades every picture of her that the paparazzi snap. The reason for this confidence? Chloe knows her body, her personality, and the clothes which both flatter and express this. One clear example is this:

Chloe rocking out a beautiful Proenza Schouler dress with lace up ankle boots and socks. She looks at ease and has a knowing soft smile playing across her face because she knows that she looks good. She feels good.

Contrast with:

Resident sullen teen Kristen Stewart. Looking awkward. And uncomfortable. And not doing any justice to the neon surfer chic look of her Proenza Schouler top and skirt. The reason for this? (Aside from her general grumpy demeanor). The clothes don't suit her, they're far too bright and eclectic for someone who is clearly far more at ease in jeans and a tshirt. Kristen should be more honest about her tastes and have the courage to wear what she likes, what she feels comfortable in, and then she will look and feel a great deal better.

SO back to Chloe. Aside from the fabulous look seen above, Chloe has earned her style credentials through a consistent display of individuality whilst working some of the looks from my favourite designers du jour: Proenza Schouler, Miu Miu, Valentino and Chloe. In each outfit Chloe highlights some of the key trends for the coming S/S season whilst putting her own spin on things. Chloe likes to rock what I call the quirky schoolgirl look- vintage accessories, a lot of ankle socks and lace-ups and some hassle free mussed up hair. Perfection.

Proenza Schouler pre-fall 2009.

MiuMiu embellished dress. Also working a mussed-up ponytail (big look for summer) and fluoro baby pink lipstick.

Working the underwear as outerwear trend in more MiuMiu

The first Chloe look- working the utility trend in scallop edged shorts and a preppy but feminine blouse. (Nude strappy heels! Where do I buy a pair or non-designer make ones from??)

The same Chloe scallop edged shorts but this time in beige and with a matching loose-fit blazer. The hint of animal print underneath stops the beige from looking too blah and adds a bit of colour.

Working a multitude of Winter to Spring trends in leather with graphic print silk trousers by Chloe. The subtle red lip looks so great against clear pale skin with lightly defined eyes. Notice the casual centre parted tresses- no muss, no fuss, just casual chic!

And saving the most stunning look till last. Floor length, light as air frills in Valentino at the Golden Globes. Chloe lets the drama of the dress have centre stage by pairing it with natural make-up and simply scraped back hair. Not to over-done but still just as beautiful.