Photo: Gossip

Mary Beth Patterson, aka Beth Ditto, fronts indie rock dance band Gossip. Beth’s uncompromising, in-your-face attitude and physical presentation has earned her a special place in the hearts of millions. In a little over three years, Beth went from a Arkansas-born small town gal to the sole performer at an elite Fendi after-party. Her lovable personality, bold fashion, and talent culminate to create one of the most iconic musicians of our time.

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Photo: Bollywood.ac

When you hear the words, Miss Universe, what do you think of? Do you envision a stately judge asking an enthusiastic, nervous young woman, “How do you plan to change the world?” Do you picture of the awe-inspiring Miss Universe crown, bejeweled by hundreds of diamonds and precious pearls?

Keep reading to learn what Sushmita Sen has to do with the Miss Universe Pageant…

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Photo: Festivalofworldcultures.com

You may not recognize the name or image above, but I’m fairly certain you know who Jane Birkin is. Perhaps you’re a fan of her daughter, Charlotte Gainsbourg’s latest electronic pop album, IRM, which was produced by Beck and received rave reviews across the board. Maybe you’ve seen her youngest daughter, Lou Doillon, posing for a Givenchy ad in the pages of Vogue magazine. Where did these two savvy style stars get their poise and panache? Why, their gorgeous mother, of course!

After the break, learn more about the woman whose style and candor earned her a namesake Hermès bag.

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Image Above: chloevanparis.blogspot.com

Everyday at work, I delight in seeing emails from fellow Fashion Writer, Julie. Julie’s email signature is complete with her name, official job title, a link to ModCloth’s Twitter account, and a simple, six word quote from Edna Woolman Chase that brings me joy each and every time I read it.

“Fashion is general. Style is individual.”

After the jump, learn more about the woman whose career in journalism and individual sense of style changed the world of fashion today.

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[Image Above: thenaturalstudio.com]

I know it’s cliche of me to say, but honestly— Grace Jones is a woman who needs no introduction. The former Bond girl is internationally known as a respectable actress, a provocative model, and a talented musician. However, despite her long list of impressive credentials, Grace’s movies and albums pale in comparison to her inspiring sense of personal style and her penchant for over-the-top, excessively amazing stage costumes.

Read more about Grace’s style and extravagant presence after the jump.

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[Image Above: patriciasilva.wordpress.com]

Amsterdam-based duo Viktor & Rolf opened their Fall 2003 RTW show with their androgynous muse, Tilda Swinton. The copper-haired British actress, whom you may know as The White Witch from The Chronicles of Narnia films,   promenaded down the runway while a soundtrack featuring her own voice echoed above, advising surveyors to “follow your own path.” After Tilda’s grand entrance, a series of “Tilda’s” followed her path down the catwalk. Each runway model was transformed into a Swinton clone – their dyed, deep ginger hair was severely pulled back, their complexions were powdered to a pure shade of ivory, their lips were soft pink and insignificant, and their cheekbones possessed just the tiniest tint of rouge. They wore variations on Tilda’s pantsuit ensemble, which represented not only Viktor & Rolf’s design, but also Tilda’s sophisticated, edgy, terrifically tailored style.

Keep reading to learn more about Tilda’s style, and her obvious influence on the world of fashion. Read the rest of this entry »

Move over, Mary-Kate and Ashley! Although I love your work and style, I often feel like you two have been donned the “Chicest Siblings” of my generation without a fair fight. For the sake of fashion-ocracy, I am taking this opportunity to pay homage to another pair of trendsetting sisters. Angela and Vanessa Simmons seem to have savvy style in their genes, thanks to their music legend father, Rev. Run (known to rock a leather jacket and fedora like no other), hip hop mogul uncle, Russell Simmons (often seen in a dapper suit), and fashion model/designer aunt, Kimora Lee (who, at 13-years old, walked the Chanel runway). With an innate, inherited sense of fashion, it’s no wonder that these trendsetting sisters have established themselves as prominent style inspirations for stylish women everywhere!

After the jump, read more about Angela, Vanessa, their projects, and of course, their fabulous flair for fashion… Read the rest of this entry »

Sophisticated socialite. Designer muse. Mother of three. Noteworthy collector of haute couture. Model. Modern heiress of an aristocrat Irish Protestant family. Journalist. Stylist extraordinaire. Philanthropist. On-and-off-again girlfriend of a married French philosopher. Undisputed style icon. Daphne Suzannah Diana Joan Guinness was born into a life of luxury. Now, at age 41 (or is it 42? “I don’t really care,” said Guinness), the tiny, trendsetting fashionista known for her love of towering stilettos and showstopping accessories is at the top of her game with the recent launch of her eponymous perfume, Daphne, and a quickly expanding troop of style admirers who, in total, may outnumber the amount of black garments in her multiple closets.

Keep reading to learn more about Daphne Guinness’ engaging ensembles and innovative style…

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By ModCloth Writer: Annie Morrison

Iris Apfel wears many hats. Quite literally, as an undisputed fashion icon known for a perfectly panache presentation, Apfel’s closet undoubtedly features feathered fascinators, bejeweled berets, and chic cloche hats. Figuratively, her impressive curriculum vitae includes Vogue Prix de Paris girl, textile firm owner, and eponymous subject of a nationally renowned exhibit, to name a few. At 88 years old, the fabulous fashion diva is still doing what she does best: demonstrating her immaculate taste by radically assembling opulent outfits of dissimilar influences.

Keep reading to learn more about one woman’s iconic closet! Read the rest of this entry »

By ModCloth Writer: Annie Morrison

“My style icon is anyone who makes a bloody effort,” said the absolutely fabulous, always intriguing, eccentric British beauty Isabella Blow. Blow, who is credited with discovering designer extraordinaire Alexander McQueen, British model Sophie Dahl, and milliner Philip Treacy, among many others, is an undisputed style icon. Her love of bright red lipstick, a tightly cinched waist, and of course, her internationally known penchant for over-the-top headgear, has inspired many, been admired by thousands, and has even created some serious style biters. Her frequent dress code? Classic couture with a zany twist – a pair of sophisticated Manolos, a form-fitting, fine fabric gown, haphazardly applied cardinal red lipstick, bright aqua eyeshadow, and an extraordinary hat.

Keep reading to learn more about Isabella Blow’s unrelenting fashion choices and her style legacy…

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(Image above: sallyjanevintage.blogspot.com)

I can honestly say I’ve been a big fan of Alexa Chung’s style since I was a teenager. I was sixteen years old and working in a small consignment shop in my hometown. Stacks upon stacks of fashion magazines cluttered the jewelry case counter tops, and the owner of the store insisted I keep current with today’s trends by flipping through a Neiman Marcus catalog, or last month’s Vogue. At the time, I had very little interest in these periodicals. I was totally brainwashed to think the only thing cool and savvy enough for me, as a TEEN, was Teen Vogue, ELLE Girl, or CosmoGIRL! And so, Carol (the aforementioned store owner) graciously agreed to subscribe to these cutting edge, super cool mini-mags. I was thrilled to spend each Saturday reading CosmoGIRL’s make-up tips and ELLE Girl’s short critiques of runway fashion. The glossy pages of these publications were overflowing with beautiful, young models who had the coolest style I’d ever seen. It was then that I first noticed Alexa Chung, a youthful brunette British model who seemed like she had it all – brains, beauty, and charm!

Keep reading to find out more about Alexa’s current career and fabulous style.

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Jean Harlow, Mae West, Bette Davis – Old Hollywood is just overflowing in glamorous women with their sleek gowns, their manicured hair, their impeccable taste. Although their elegant looks all send my heart aflutter, there is only one star who mastered the ability to make any outfit – be it a tuxedo, a suit, or a skirt and shirt – the epitome of sultry style. Without further ado, I introduce to you a glimpse into the style of Marlene Dietrich.

Dietrich (b.1901, d.1992) was a German born actress and performer who took her day and age by storm, not only through film, but also through fashion. At a time when women seldom stepped out of a skirt, Marlene embraced menswear fashion head on, defying societal norms. She wore what she liked, without a care to critique. I can’t help but admire her gutsy approach to fashion and her steadfast devotion to her own unique taste, which is exemplified in the following Dietrich quote: “I dress for myself. Not for the image, not for the public, not for the fashion, not for men.”

Read on to find out more about Marlene’s willful and wonderful style.

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From ModCloth Writing Team Intern, Amy Cockcroft:

There are many reasons why I am totally in love with Jenny Lewis. She is beautiful, talented, stylish, alluring; all these things combine dexterously to make her whole persona effortlessly captivating.  Most famous for being a singer-songwriter from LA, Jenny has done every other showbiz thing in between, and she’s seemingly done it all with an ease to be envied. Her vintage, retro-inspired style is enticing and enthralling. It boasts a modesty that doesn’t scream superstar, but rather the kind of look that we as ModCloth followers are striving for everyday.

Continue reading to learn what makes Jenny Lewis a style icon.

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I have to admit that I have had a crush on Polly Jean Harvey for about the last decade or so. It’s not just because she’s ferociously adorable (in much the same way a cuddly koala will turn violent when disturbed), but also because she possesses an amazing musical talent and flair for fashion.  For my money, PJ Harvey is one of the most consistently relevant musicians around. Certainly not obscure, but not quite household, Harvey, throughout her 20-year career, has managed to toe the very fine line between uncompromised artistic expression and pop culture acceptance to cultivate a cult status level of popularity. And she’s so done so in many sensational styles.
Read on to learn more about PJ Harvey’s style progression.

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We typically don’t like to feature such high profile stars as Gwyneth Paltrow, but there is something significant to note about this style maven. First of all, a little background to understand why Gwynnie is significant would be helpful. Being that she is 37 years old, a mother of two, married to Coldplay frontman, Chris Martin, and daughter of actress Blythe Danner and director Bruce Paltrow, she’s basically a hot mama who’s a pretty big deal in Hollywood.

Now, I am not here to go on about her accomplishments or to comment on her acting skills; I really don’t even care that she won an Academy Award, or that maybe, quite possibly, she’s a snob. What’s most significant to me is the stunning transformation this lady has taken on within the past year after having her two children.

Click below to view the rest of the post and to see her awesome transformation from Hippie Child to Sexy Vixen…

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