If we were to go on a trip down memory lane, we would undoubtedly notice that fashion enthusiasts – and everyone else - wouldn’t be where they are today without the influence of historical icons. Granted, the fashion industry never fails to introduce, each and every season, the most eclectic trends out there. But the ultimate question we ponder remains the most critical of all: how did we go from new-age aficionadas to retro divas?

The answer is as simple as the necessity to follow a certain style continuum. When you invest in must-haves, chances are you’ll wear them to absolute death- and you won’t be sorry about it. Back in the day, celebrities were affiliated with a much more complex form of fashion representation, as the notion of “social media” didn’t exist. Instead, their charismatic aura was by all means, all over the place, from actors, to singers and designers; you name it! They just had to don one single item and voila, the trend was set for decades to come.

But the creation of these staple items is filled with historical fashion lore and we can’t wait to transport you into this delightful journey. Consider us the ghost of Fashion’s past! Our style icons below.

Gabrielle Coco’s little black dress

Close your eyes and let Chanel’s luxurious feel hit you like a strong tidal wave. Open your eyes and see before you the greatness that is Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, a woman who changed the history of fashion in the finest way there is. She brought upon us a slew of staple items, from the tweed suits and ensembles to the Chanel No 5 perfume. But perhaps her most bold and lasting impression might just be the little black dress, a number she has passed on to every single woman out there and we have her ingenuity to thank for! Coco was the true representation of pared-down elegance and her brand lives on to tell her remarkable story.

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Marilyn Monroe’s va-va-voom dress

It was this plissé white dress worth a thousand words, slipping through Monroe’s fingers, which made the luring blond a beauty maven- to say the least. Some could argue that Marilyn Monroe is the reason behind the white dress trend. It was on top of a subway grate that the beauty icon stood ever so magically and made fashionable history. She is depicted fighting an upward breeze but as we see it now, fashion enthusiasts are fighting the urge to get that same not-so angelic dress. The iconic pose has had a massive cultural impact on the world, raising the sassy white dress to a whole new level of sophistication.

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Princess Diana’s Lady D blouses

As her fashion sense can only be described as fearless, the beautiful Princess Diana has lived a tumultuous life but one thing remains forever true: she was a woman of great class and sophistication. If you’ve ever rifled through your mother’s closet, you’ve surely stumbled upon beautiful satin blouses, true to Lady D’s merciful taste. Her style statements evolved with her social standards and the media saw her bloom from a shy caterpillar into an all-mighty butterfly. And she still managed to retain their interest dressed in a high-collared pie-crust blouse!

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Jackie Kennedy’s oversized shades

Jackie O was no stranger to fashion. She single-handedly built a new trend now depicted as oversized shades, giving women that little push they needed to shine oh-so brightly. Her impeccable fashion sense took her to stylish extremes as she took on the role of USA’s first lady and boy did she own it! Now more than ever, designers are stocking up their shelves with big, big shades and we can’t help but think of this remarkable lady as we wear them!

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Grace Kelly’s Hermès bag

Remembered for her cosmopolitan lifestyle and dazzling wardrobe, the American actress-turned- Princess of Monaco has captivated the world with her natural and shy elegance. But the one item that created an international buzz, was irrevocably her big Hermès bag that she used to hide her baby bump. Since then, the world as we know it was enthralled in this bag, which was later on re-named after the fairytale princess, Kelly! True story!

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John Lennon’s round retro glasses

He might not be a fashion lover at heart, but the ex-Beatles was a man to remember and his music was- and still is- a small hint of what heaven must sound like. Lennon’s love for simplicity and artistry resonated with him at all times, making his impact on the fashion industry one to clearly remember. Maybe it wasn’t really on purpose, but being a major late 60’s icon, he passed on his love for round glasses to the world. So whether you’re a Lennon fan or not, you could probably admit that the round-shaped retro glasses will forever be known as a John-Lennon-inspired look.

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Brigitte Bardot’s off-the-shoulder tops

The savvy French blondie was all people could talk about back in the day. Her favorite style? Off-the-shoulder tops and small high-waisted shorts. Thanks to her irreverent grace and style, she made wide necklines and bare shoulders a mainstay in her wardrobe. She eventually started the “Bardot trend” which we are feasting ourselves with. Need we say more?

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Michael Jackson’s embellished jackets

The kid may not be his son, but these gorgeous embellished jackets are surely his! Years later, people around the world still aspire to dress like him, be it men or women. Jackson knew that a great jacket will dress up anything and his signature gloves are yet another fashion success, adding the right amount of “wow”. From military ornaments to big bulky epaulettes, the iconic singer has tainted his life with over-the-top jackets and we just can’t seem to get enough of them!

Diana Ross’ turban

Forget about diversity of cultures and globalization for a second, the only reason we’re drooling over turbans must clearly be Diana Ross’ uncanny appearances in this voguish hairdo! Granted, she’s had many defining fashionable moments, but her greatest one of all is definitely that colorful turban she used to match with diva-like outfits! She brought the disco-era to new heights without even knowing it and we’re blindly- but gladly- following her. She might need some hot stuff, but we most definitely need this hot turban!

Image Courtesy of mycoloures.com

Cindy Menassa