The latest Gucci-inspired fashion is about embracing eccentricity, but who were the first fashion eccentrics?
We look at an eclectic mix of the original fashion muses.
1/10
Anna Piaggi
Fashion journalist Anna Piaggi was a front row regular until her death in 2012 and has had an entire V&A Museum exhibition in London dedicated to her remarkable career in fashion journalism. She was known for her blue hair and a bold attitude.
Photo: Flickr.
2/10
Josephine Baker
An American in Paris, Josephine was a nightclub performer who moved with a crowd of creatives. And her costumes were as famous as her moves – her banana shaped skirt inspired a Prada collection, and her sheer crystal dresses were said to be an inspiration for Rihanna’s see-through, sparkly dress at the CFDA. She also owned a pet cheetah named Chiquita.
Photo: Getty Images.
3/10
Daphne Guinness
The Irish heiress, fashion designer and muse to Alexander McQueen is known for her trademark white and black locks, phenomenal haute couture collection and incredibly high heels.
Photo: Getty Images.
4/10
Marchesa Luisa Casati
Her full name was Luisa, Marquise Casati Stampa di Soncino and she was an Italian heiress in the golden days of Europe. The first female dandy, she played muse to the biggest artists of her time, including photographer Man Ray. Even today she has inspired Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano and Tom Ford.
Photo: Wikipedia.
5/10
Madame de Pompadour
The mistress to Louis XV was known to rival even Marie Antoinette with her outrageous sense of style. It was the more bows the better for Madame de P and she even spent hours wrapping pearls around her hair.
Photo: Wikipedia.
6/10
Jean Harlow
Harlow was the original Monroe in 1930s Hollywood. She was known for wearing satin evening gowns and little else.
Photo: Wikipedia.
7/10
Iris Apfel
At age 95, Iris is known for her oversized spectacles, beads and colourful prints and, luckily for us, archiving her wardrobe with museums so future generations will also be inspired by her style.
Photo: Vimeo.
8/10
Grace Jones
Singer, songwriter and superstar Grace Jones has an enduring fashion influence in fearless sex-appeal.
Photo: Flickr.
9/10
Cher
Making ‘most outrageous outfit’ galleries for decades, Cher is an off-beat style icon with a thing for headdresses.
Photo: Flickr.
10/10
Diana Vreeland
The outspoken fashion editor had a keen eye for interiors and fashion. Her style is celebrated in the documentary Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel and our favourite quote from her is: “A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika. We all need a splash of bad taste—it’s hearty, it’s healthy, it’s physical. I think we could use more of it. No taste is what I’m against.”
