The fashion industry is worth around £1.2 trillion and is estimated to employ around 430 million people globally. But what does power in fashion mean now? Fashion is a followers’ game but the real influence happens on the high street and in your wardrobe. The (mostly male) billionaires might be holding the purse strings, but we’re wearing the merch. We’ve looked at the industry and its tributaries from every which way — is a footballer more powerful than an industry favourite designer if everyone’s copying their style? Are the traditional titans of publishing holding their own over the stars of social media? And what of the Kardashian Klan?
The Standard Fashion Power 100 list is, in reality, a work in progress. Over the next 12 months these names will fall in and out of favour; one viral campaign image can propel a person to the top of everyone’s feed and one spurious post can get them momentarily cancelled. But for 2023, looking at revenue, followers, old-fashioned clout — and, most crucially, total cut through — we’ve compiled the 100 names which we think are directing the most critical element of all — what we’re all actually wearing.
1. Marta Ortega Pérez
Non-executive chair of Inditex
Since being appointed chair of Inditex in 2021, Ortega has been carefully positioning Zara at the heart of the fashion world and elevating the optics of the high street megalith. She attends shows at Paris Fashion Week, launched a collection with photographer Steven Meisel at Dover Street Market and recently hosted the great and good at her foundation in A Coruña, Spain (the Northern Spanish city which is home to Inditex’s vast HQ) for the opening of its Helmut Newton exhibition. In September, the world’s biggest fast-fashion company announced a 40 per cent jump in half-year net profits. It’s this combination of industry clout and customer loyalty that makes her this year’s No 1.
2. The Arnault Family
Owners LVMH
Fashion’s favourite succession story comes via the billionaire Arnault family. Led by Bernard Arnault, the 74-year-old presides over the vast LVMH empire of 75 fashion and cosmetic brands which includes Christian Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Sephora and Tiffany & Co. Arnault’s five children lead his star houses, and have equal stakes in the holding company. Arnault, worth about $187.4 billion, is the third richest man in the world. Louis Vuitton stands as the second most valuable fashion brand globally.
3. Kim Kardashian
Entrepreneur
Whatever your thoughts on the Kardashian Klan, their impact on the fashion world can’t be avoided. Kim has recently sent a nipple bra viral and her 364 million Instagram followers are in thrall to her every hair flick, and product drop. SKIMS, her brand which has turned flesh-coloured control pants into something cool, is valued at around £3 billion and has upped the former Mrs Kardashian West’s personal worth to $4 billion.
4. Edward Enninful OBE
Editor
The mighty Enninful might be exiting stage right from the helm of British Vogue, but this isn’t holding him back. The final “editor-in-chief” of the title has left an indelible mark on the industry and the wider cultural scene from his six-year tenure, forcing an agenda of change and inclusivity. His provocative Vogue covers have created global talking points, from Meghan guest editing to Rihanna and her baby son, not forgetting Miriam Margoyles shielding her modesty with iced buns. Enninful has just signed to the WME talent agency, which will also handle TV and film rights to his best-selling memoir, A Visible Man. London loves Edward, and with good reason.
5. Dame Anna Wintour
Chief Content Officer Condé Nast
Rumours of her retirement or exit from Condé Nast abound, but the more chatter there is, the more the 74-year-old seems to double down on her position as a doyenne of the industry. She oversees the global output of the magazine media company but it recently announced a five per cent cut to the workforce. She is deliberating over the reimagining of Vogue as an “expansive, experiential” brand with her “Vogue World” events, the latest of which took place at London Fashion Week and included a performance from Stormzy.
6. Phoebe Philo
Designer
The reclusive designer has kept the fashion world waiting for her new solo venture which finally launched in October, six long years after she left Celine. In her absence the so-called “Philophiles” traded past season Celine stock at ever-increasing prices. But who else could crash the internet with her £3,000 “Mum” necklaces and £6,000 handbags? Most of us won’t be able to afford her clothes, but look out for the high street homages.
7. Karlie Kloss
CEO i-D magazine
The US supermodel and mother of two has taken a step into iconic British publishing with her acquisition of i-D, the cult magazine founded by former Vogue art director Terry Jones in 1980. She is already an investor in W magazine, which she bought with a group (including fellow model Kaia Gerber) in 2020. Kloss takes the position of chief executive at i-D.
8. Jonathan Anderson
Creative Director Loewe and JW Anderson
The Northern Irish, London-based designer has turned the Spanish luxury house Loewe and his eponymous label JW Anderson into two of the world’s most covetable brands. His midas touch on viral hits — from Frog wellies to Harry Styles’ cardigan — has seen his fashion stock soar. Global fashion search engine Lyst has anointed the Loewe anagram as the logo of year; Anderson was named international designer of the year at New York’s CFDA awards. He is in contention for designer of the year at tonight’s Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall.
9. Catherine, Princess of Wales
In his royal-bashing tome, Endgame, Omid Scobie points out that there is “always a focus on what Kate is wearing — her clothes, her jewellery, her shoes, her hairstyle — to such an extent that often what she says and does is usually an afterthought.” Nevertheless, the rampant attention on every Sezane skirt and Gianvito Rossi shoe she puts on (masterminded by her PA Natasha Archer) translates into sell out demand. When the news of Sarah Burton’s departure from Alexander McQueen broke, the major question was what will Kate wear? Profit lines are dependent, quite frankly.
10. François-Henri Pinault
Chairman and CEO at Kering
As the CEO of luxury conglomerate Kering, Pinault (also, Mr Salma Hayek) oversees Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen. He has latterly become something of a kingmaker. After Alessandro Michele’s shock departure from Gucci, he installed Sabato De Sarno to take on the Italian juggernaut, while all eyes are on fledgling creative director Seán McGirr, who — somewhat controversially — has been assigned to fill Sarah Burton’s white Nike’s at Alexander McQueen.
11. Pharrell Williams
Men’s artistic director Louis Vuitton
Williams has had to follow in the footsteps of the late Virgil Abloh but his debut show last June cemented the concept of fashion as entertainment. With Beyonce, Jay Z, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky in the front row, the mega-budget spectacle, complete with gospel choir, churned out the viral style hits. Last week he followed up with an internet-storming show in Hong Kong. His most headline-grabbing offer? A $1 million crocodile and gold Speedy handbag.
12. Sky Xu
Founder and CEO of Shein
At the other end of the fashion spectrum comes Shein, the Chinese ultra-fast fashion powerhouse that churns out every internet style trend at a rate of knots to its captive audience thirsty to pill the content of their TikTok hauls. While Gen Z might murmur about sustainable ethics, in reality, this cohort are sold on the cheap thrills of overproduction at terrifyingly low prices. This year Shein hit £1 billion UK sales and is set to open an HQ in Manchester.
13. Naomi Campbell
Supermodel
Streatham-born Campbell, 53, is nowhere near slowing down and next June will become the first model to front a retrospective exhibition at the V&A. Called Naomi, it will tell the story of her career in fashion and life beyond; from being discovered in Covent Garden at 15 to her philanthropic efforts supporting emerging talent from developing countries.
14. North West
Kardashian scion
The 10-year-old was on the cover of i-D’s November The New Wave issue; she’s gone viral for critiquing her mother’s Met Gala looks, saying of her Schiaparelli pearl-laden design: “Well, it could be better. It looks like she’s a Hawaiian girl with her dress all ripped up. The pearls look fake.” It was, said Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli’s visionary creative director, his “worst nightmare”. Sometimes the only way to corrupt is from within. Frankly we’re here for every hot-take the tween will make.
15. Miuccia Prada
Designer
For many, Prada is the reigning queen of the fashion industry. If you’re wondering why celebrities are turning up to the red carpet wearing nothing more than a pair of pants, thank Miuccia. Praise also be for her turning of hoodies, messy hair and trainers into a runway look, and latterly making an overspilling handbag A Thing. For the second year in a row, Lyst has called Miu Miu the brand of the year, noting searches for the label have increased 39 per cent year-on-year.
16. Jens & Emma Grede
Chief executives
This LA-based, Swedish-British power couple are the real brains behind the Kardashian brand juggernaut. It is they who have shaped the concept and logistics for the Khloe-fronted Good American (valued at over $12 million), Kim’s $3 billion SKIMS and latterly Kylie’s Khy. Plaistow-raised Emma has a reported fortune of around £275 million. The couple last year purchased Brad Pitt’s former Malibu home for $45 million.
17. Kate Moss
Supermodel
The Croydon-born supermodel, who will turn 50 next year, is a living icon of influence in British fashion, currently starring on one of Edward Enninful’s final Vogue covers with her daughter Lila. As well as directing her own talent and modelling agency, she is the face of Saint Laurent, Anine Bing and Diet Coke; and has latterly, seemingly without irony, branched out into wellness with her positively received Cosmoss brand.
18. Helena Helmersson
CEO of H&M Group
Appointed CEO in 2020, Helmersson, previously the company’s “head of sustainability”, has overseen a period of downturn at the high street behemoth, which incorporates H&M, Arket, & Other Stories, Monki and Cheap Monday. This summer, however, saw a share price increase of 17 per cent. H&M took an unlikely role in October’s Paris Fashion Week proceedings, unveiling its much hyped (and sell out) collaboration with Rabanne. Underscoring its prowess — Cher performed to a crowd which included Irina Shayk, Jared Leto, Iris Law, Ashley Graham and Alton Mason.
19. Harry Styles
Pop icon
The 29-year-old has set off two unlikely fashion moments this year: feather boas being one, littering the streets around his stadium tour appearances, and rather more humbly, the cardigan. Namely the striped Molly Goddard one he wore to be immortalised by David Hockney earlier this year. Not to mention, nail varnish for everyone. When his Pleasing cosmetic brand launched at Selfridges recently there were queues streaming down Oxford street.
20. Rei Kawakubo
Creative director Comme des Garçons and founder Dover Street Market
The doyenne of Comme des Garçons with an almost cult-like devotion is still, at 81, a cultural powerhouse. A sneakily snapped picture of her from October’s Paris fashion week went viral, proving that the designer is as fêted as ever. Not to mention the fact that the queues for this summer’s Dover Street Market archive sale in Rotherhithe were so hefty that police had to shut the Tube station.
21. Kylie Jenner
Mogul
The beauty mogul and star of The Kardashians boasts 399 million Instagram followers, Timothée Chalamet as a boyfriend and has been slowly building her fashion kudos, racking up brand collaborations and fashion week statement making appearances. This month she launched her fashion brand KHY - which even in its infancy won her a WSJ “brand” award recently at a starry event in New York.
22. Beyoncé
Musician
The 32-time Grammy Award winning singer captivated the world with her $179.3 million-grossing Reinsassance tour this year, which she used as a platform to champion a host of designers, from Loewe and Gucci to the lesser known London designer Feben. Not to mention setting off this season’s biggest trend for silver drenched looks.
23. Blackpink
Musicians
Dubbed the world's biggest group group, K-pop sensations (and recent honorary MBEs) Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa are the most-subscribed and most-viewed music artist channel on YouTube. Across the group, they have secured brand ambassadorships with top tier luxury brands Chanel, Cartier, Tiffany & Co.and Dior.
24. Rihanna
Musician and entrepreneur
The Barbadian singer and founder of Fenty Beauty is widely regarded as ‘Queen of the Met Gala’. Whilst carrying her first child, with husband A$AP Rocky, in 2022, her outfits garnered endless press attention, and she was featured on the cover of Vogue US leading her to be credited for changing perceptions of pregnancy style.
25. Taylor Swift
Musician
Her Eras Tour (set to be the first to break the $1 billion ticket sale ceiling) has reinvigorated Swift’s fashion kudos. From fans cosplaying their favourite eras, to friendship bracelets and cowboy hats not to mention her own stage looks by Ashish and Versace, her style impact on her fandom is immense.
26. Margot Robbie
Actor
In 2018 the Australian actor became a Chanel ambassador, but it was her role as the protagonist in the billion dollar grossing film Barbie that solidified her style credentials, as barbiecore pink dominated 2023.
27. Virginie Viard
Artistic director Chanel
Running the world’s most recognisable brand is no mean feat. As Karl Largerfeld’s right hand at Chanel, where she first began working in 1987, it was only right she be given the artistic director reins in 2019, following his death. Now, she heads up the ten collections Chanel produces annually, the next of which will be shown in Manchester, yes Manchester England, this week. But will there be tweed parkas and bucket hats?
28. Demna Gvsalia
Creative director Balenciaga
After the notorious bondage teddy bear adverts last year, the designer swore off viral style provocations. And yet, the creation of a skirt from a towel is currently storming the internet, as well as this weekend’s Perez Hilton era-Hollywood homage. Whatever Demna does, the world pays attention to.
29. Pierpaolo Piccioli
Creative director Valentino
The Italian fashion designer has been creative director of Valentino since 2008, and manoeuvred the brand to be a red carpet mainstay for Florence Pugh, Zendaya and Kylie Jenner. He made a personal cameo on Apple TV+’s The Morning Show alongside Jennifer Anistion this year.
30. Stella McCartney
Designer
A pioneer of the sustainable fashion movement, McCartney regularly underscores the urgency for industry wide regulation to reduce carbon emissions and impact, and has a serious presence alongside His Majesty The King at this year’s COP28. She also finds time to create a hit trend or two. This season’s penchant for rugby shirts comes from her.
31. Katie Grand
Stylist
The powerhouse stylist and longtime collaborator of Miuccia Prada and Marc Jacobs is the former Editor-in-Chief of Pop Magazine and founder of both LOVE and Perfect Magazine. She recently guest-designed a collection for the Italian fashion house Moschino. Everyone loves Katie, and with good reason. Come on, give her American Vogue and be done with it.
32. Kim Jones
Artistic director Fendi, design director Dior Men
London born Jones has risen from Central Saint Martins to be Dior Men's Design Director and the Artistic Director of Fendi's women's collection — a luxury monopoly, if you will.
33. Nicolas Ghesquière
Artistic director Louis Vuitton womenswear
The French designer has helmed Louis Vuitton’s womenswear since 2013, and hit headlines this month when LVMH renewed his contract for five more years. Expect to see plenty more.
34. Jonathan Akeroyd
CEO Burberry
As the CEO of Burberry since April 2022, Akeroyd has overseen the introduction of new Creative Director Daniel Lee. Prior to this, he was the chief executive of Gianni Versace SpA for six years. He’s probably the most influential fashion CEO in the UK.
35. Michael Kors
Designer
The American fashion designer founded Capri Holdings (originally Michael Kors Holdings Limited) in 1981, which made him a billionaire by 2014, and owns his eponymous brands as well as Versace and Jimmy Choo. It is currently under acquisition by conglomerate Tapestry for a deal worth $8.5 billion.
36. Bella Hadid
Model
The model and 29-time Vogue cover star was named Model of the Year at the 2022 Fashion Awards, the same year her spray-paint dress catwalk moment generated £22.1 million in media impact value for brand Coperni. She has been named as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people this year. Ev
37. Hailey Bieber
Model
The model and wife of singer Justin Bieber is a Gen-Z sensation, counting 50.7 million followers on Instagram. Her paparazzi street style shots frequently go viral, and last year she founded the beauty brand Rhode, which is sold in eight countries. Every street style look she wears sets off a TikTok viral trend alert.
38. Sabato de Sarno
Creative director Gucci
The relatively unknown Italian designer became headline news in January this year when he was announced as Alessando Michele’s successor as creative director of Gucci. His debut in September attracted Kendall Jenner, Bad Bunny, Julia Roberts and Ryan Gosling to the front row. All eyes are on him to see if he can deliver the corporate growth he’s been tasked with, and make Gucci the world’s coolest brand, again.
39. Matthieu Blazy
Creative director Bottega Veneta
As creative director of Bottega Veneta since 2021, the French designer has overseen the rise and rise of the Italian brand, which reported revenues of approximately 1.7 billion euros in 2022. His opening spring/summer 2023 denim-effect leather trousers and tank top look worn by Kate Moss kick-started a stripped back trend which swept the industry. He is the reason we’re all wearing white vest tops and baggy blue jeans.
40. Kendall Jenner
Model
The Kardshians star who opted for a career in modelling was named the world’s highest-paid model by Forbes in 2017, and is the cover of their current 30 Under 30 list. During September’s Paris Fashion week she walked for brands including Victoria Beckham and Schiaparelli and has been the face of Gucci, Proenza Schouler, Meisska and Miu Miu’s recent campaigns. Her Gucci campaign alongside beau Bad Bunny caused a new viral sensation when it launched last month.
41. Timothée Chalamet
Actor
The Oscar nominated actor and current boyfriend of Kylie Jenner helped reshape how men dress for the red carpet with daring looks including a backless, red halterneck top by Haider Ackermann worn at the Venice Film Festival in 2022. He is currently on the press tour for his latest film Wonka, wearing white hot Brit Peter Hawking’s first Tom Ford collection.
42. Zendaya
Actor
Euphoria and Dune star Zendaya, who has 185 million Instagram followers, is an annual highlight of Met Gala arrivals thanks to the longtime partnership with stylist Law Roach. In April 2023 she was announced as the newest Louis Vuitton brand ambassador.
43. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
The LA based Duch might have dimmed her limelight a little in this past year of hiding out; but every brief appearance provokes an adoration of her stealth-y minimal with a sexy twist style from her ardent fans. But her low profile means that her power over copy-cat fashion looks, and sell out pieces has waned.
44. Hedi Slimane
Creative director Celine
As Celine’s creative director since 2018, the French designer continues to keep the leather, leopard print and skinny slacks he made famous in the early 2000s as head of Dior Homme en vogue. To see the extent of his impact, just hold up his shows to the high street.
45. Gwyneth Paltrow
Actor and entrepreneur
The Academy Award winning actress has bolstered her influence thanks to her 2008-founded lifestyle brand GOOP, worth about $250 million. Her major contribution to fashion this year was her riveting, and slavishly fawned over, series of courtroom looks which was very much stealth wealth in action. Much mocked, but there we are.
46. Maria Grazia Chiuri
Creative director Christian Dior
The Italian fashion designer has been creative director of Dior since 2016 - and the first woman to lead the historic house - following roles at Fendi and Valentino. She is celebrated for her feminist-centric designs, and has led the international efforts of the brand, with blockbuster shows in Mumbai and Mexico this year.
47. Sir Paul Smith
Designer
A titan of the British fashion industry, the 77 year old has this year created a merch collaboration for the Rolling Stones new record and relaunched his iconic pink Melrose Avenue store in LA. Not bad for someone who refuses to use email.
48. Eva Chen
Director of fashion partnerships at Instagram
As the director of fashion partnerships at Instagram, Chen has worked as the connector between brands counting Balenciaga, Prada and Thom Browne and Instagram. She has helped push the sale of high fashion avatar clothes on Meta, and counts 2.5 million followers on the platform herself.
49. Ozwald Boateng OBE
Designer
The British-Ghanaian Savile designer revolutionised Savile Row, and has dressed everyone from Mick Jagger to Idris Elba. This September saw the launch of his brand new collection dressing the crew for British Airways. We like Ozwald.
50. Daniel Roseberry
Creative director Schiaparelli
The American creative director of Schiaparelli successfully resurrected the 1930s founded house after his appointment in 2019. His surrealist and heavily gold embellished designs have been worn by Lady Gaga to perform at the inauguration of Joe Biden, 2021, Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian.
51. Donatella Versace
Artistic director Versace
The sister of the late designer Gianni Versace took over the Italian fashion house following his assassination in 1997. As artistic director and vice president of the board, she has continued his vision of sensual, lavish dressing and has orchestrated collaborations with Fendi, 2021, and Dua Lipa this year. Not to mention bringing back Claudia Schiffer to the runway at her recent Milan show.
52. Caroline Rush, OBE
CEO British Fashion Council
As CEO of the British Fashion Council, Rush oversees the creation and production of London Fashion Week, the Fashion Awards and the BFC’s sponsorship programmes. It is under her stewardship that the British fashion industry is viewed as the most powerful and relevant force across the world. New York? Staid. Paris? Bourgeois. Milan. Are you kidding? It’s all about London and that is due, in part, to Rush’s continual espousal of home grown talent.
53. Anthony Vaccarello
Creative director Saint Laurent
As creative director of Saint Laurent since 2016, the Belgian-Italian fashion designer has maintained the house’s relevance, which resulted in €3.3 billion in revenue last year. Austin Butler, Zoë Kravitz, Kate Moss and Hailey Bieber are faces and regular supporters of the brand.
54. Gigi Hadid
Model
She has an Instagram following of 79 million, has recently fronted campaigns by Miu Miu, Self Portrait, co-hosted Nextflix’s Next in Fashion and founded cashmere brand Guest in Residence in 2022. Hadid has successfully positioned herself as one of the biggest models of her generation.
55. Tommy Hilfiger
Designer
The American juggernaut powers on, delivering a 4% revenue increase in the third quarter of this year. In a neat twist, he’s also recently enlisted sustainable fashion designer Greg Lauren (nephew of Ralph) to design a capsule reimagining Hilfiger vintage pieces.
56. Daniel Lee
Creative director Burberry
After putting the dusty Italian leather goods company Bottega Veneta back on the map during his three year stint as creative director, 2018 to 2021, the Central Saint Martins graduate and 2019 Designer of the Year award winner has been creative director of Burberry for two seasons — and counting. So far so good.
57. Raf Simons
Co-creative director Prada
The Belgian former creative director of Dior and Calvin Klein shocked the industry when he joined forces with design legend Miuccia Prada in 2020 to become Prada’s co-designer. Between 1995 and 2022 he also ran his eponymous label, before closing it after a finale show in London in 2022.
58. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
Creative directors and founders of The Row
The elusive child star designers have industry veterans in raptures to their luxe minimal swoon fest The Row. A core part of the stealth wealth phenomenon, the duo are setting key trends, picked up and pounced on by all.
59. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana
Co-founders Dolce & Gabbana
The Milan based duo are no stranger to making fashion moments happen. At their last show Naomi Campbell walked while Kylie Jenner sat perched on the front row. They have also latterly supported emerging talent, and this past Milan fashion week supported London based designer Karoline Vitto to show in the city. We also love their dynamite PR, the wonderful and beautiful Simona Baroni. Cross her at your peril.
60. Giorgio Armani
Designer
The king of Italian style shows no sign of slowing - the man is nearly 90! - and his impact on the red carpet remains remarkably strong, regularly dressing Cate Blanchett, and latterly snapping up Lily Allen as a new face of the house.
61. Harry Lambert
Stylist
The super star stylist is the provocative brain behind the fashion looks of Harry Styles, Emma Corrin and Maya Hawke as well as working closely with Harris Reed. He recently collaborated with Zara on a sell out collection entitled Cutie Chaos, taking his styling skills and unique POV to the masses.
62. Chiara Ferragni
Influencer
The Italian fashion influencer formerly known as “the blonde salad” counts 29.7 million Instagram followers and a fashion and accessories brand valued at 75 million euro following fresh investment this June.
63. Jude Bellingham
Footballer
The 20 year old football star of Real Madrid and England and fashion plate has latterly been tipped for a multi-million pound contract with Louis Vuitton. Watch out Becks.
64. Emma Chamberlain
Influencer
The 22 year old YouTuber and all round social media megastar, not to mention podcaster and coffee proprietor is also a major fashion force - exhibit A: her recent awards show appearance in Acne Studios black leather knickers. Sure!
65. Ralph Lauren
Designer
The American fashion titan is still a major force; albeit with slowing profits, the company scored $2.86B last year, down 21 per cent from the year prior. Total dude though.
66. Marc Jacobs
Designer
With a molten silver pop up in Covent Garden this winter, Jacobs is still pushing the retail envelope with his cult tote bags and fashion hits. Not to mention casting one Kim Kardashian in his latest campaign.
67. Pieter Muller
Creative director Alaïa
Since his appointment in 2021, Muller — formerly Raf Simons’ right hand — has turned Alaïa into seriously hot property. The crystal covered / mesh / rivet ballet shoe trends — all his own work.
68. Sienna Miller
Actor
Miller has long been a style template for the millennial woman, but her new role as the face of M&S has cemented her position as a go-to for the working woman’s everyday style inspo. It’s also worked, M&S fashion results are up 5.7 per cent.
69. Jean Paul Gaultier
Designer
Gaultier might not be so front-facing these days having stepped back from designing his haute couture brand, but he has successfully architected his legacy via the guest designers coming into create his collections. Next up, London’s very own Simone Rocha.
70. Florence Pugh
Actor
As a face and muse to Valentino, Pugh has made her red carpet appearances viral talking points. Her nipple bearing look from last year was the look that launched a thousand think pieces.
71. Victoria Beckham
Designer
The former Spice Girl has more than cut her fashion teeth, helming her eponymous line which has settled into its new home of showing at Paris Fashion Week. Always a starry occasion, this season saw Kim and Kris Kardashian prop up the front row next to Edward Enninful.
72. Ibrahim Kamara
Editor-in-chief of Dazed magazine and art and image director of Off-White
A key example of the multi-hyphenate requirements for the next generation of media stars, Kamara holds the roles of editor in chief of Dazed as well as art and image director for Off-White.
73. Fabio Piras, designer
Course director Central St Martin's
As the course director of Central St Martins’ MA fashion course, Piras is at the front line of producing the next generation of London-trained fashion talent.
74. Grace Wales Bonner
Designer
The British, London based designer and recipient of the BFC Fashion Fund, is a major force in the next generation of fashion players. Her adidas collaboration sells out almost as soon as it hits the shopfloor, with her Samba trainers becoming a cult hit. She was 2022’s winner of the emerging talent prize for menswear at The Fashion Awards, this year she is up for British Menswear Designer of the Year.
75. Steven Meisel
Photographer
The noted, reclusive photographer recently released a retrospective tome in collaboration with muse Linda Evanglista, and launched a Zara collection, with myriad parties celebrating both from New York to London.
76. Linda Evangelista
Supermodel
Major original super, thankfully back in the limelight thanks to her industry comeback via a British Vogue cover, Fendi show appearance and of course, AppleTV+’s documentary.
77. Rebecca Corbin-Murray
Stylist
The British stylist is the architect of the red carpet appearances of Florence Pugh, Lily James and Gemma Chan, turning all three into veritable style icons with the fashion brand deals to back them up.
78. Cindy Crawford
Supermodel
She might think she’s better known now as “Kaia’s mom” but the original supermodel is still riding high in the fashion world, not least gracing the cover of a recent issue of ES magazine.
79. Chioma Nnadi
Editor
The incoming British Vogue “editorial lead” will slip into Edward Enniful’s loafers presently. All eyes will be on her first issue to see where the London-born journalist will take the brand now.
80. Rosie Huntingdon Whitely
Model
The long running face of her eponymous M&S’s lucrative lingerie line as well as face of Valentino and Tiffany & Co. the LA based, English model is style catnip to her 19.6m Instagram followers.
81. Ashley Graham
Model
This year the Nebraskan model was named model of the year by Vogue Portugal, as well as the sexiest woman alive by Maxim magazine. Her Oscars red carpet viral interview with Hugh Grant earlier this year, earned her global affection, too, for having to deal with the grumpy Brit.
82. Christy Turlington
Supermodel
The original supermodel took a turn back into the limelight this year with her reunification with the holy trinity for Apple TV+’s The Super Models documentary. Cue an rampant appreciation for the model’s classy style all over again.
83. Lewis Hamilton
Formula One driver
The formula one star is a one man fashion movement; drenched in Tiffany & Co. diamonds, Loewe knits and Prada shoes. His magpie style has been credited to stylist Eric McNeal.
84. Emma Corrin
Actor
The British actor has become a veritable fashion plate; in February they made a surprise appearance on the Miu Miu catwalk, and have latterly become a face of the brand hosting a festive cocktail party at its Bond Street store.
85. Michelle Matland
Costume designer
The costume designer for Succession may not be a household name, but she’s the architect of one of the most uttered style phrases of the last year: stealth wealth. Her depiction of the Roy family, from Logan’s knitwear to Kendall’s Loro Piana baseball caps are a study in social aesthetics. Not to mention that ludicrously capacious Burberry bag.
86. Michaela Coel
Actor
The actor makes few red carpet appearances, but when she does, she kills it — often with the help of stylist Georgia Medley. Coel is set to receive the Leader of Change award at this year’s Fashion Awards.
87. Nick Knight
Photographer and founder of SHOWstudio
The powerhouse visionary behind SHOWstudio, next year Knight is working in collaboration with Andrew Bolton as a creative consultant for 2024’s New York Met Costume Institute exhibition.
88. Maximilian Davis
Creative director Ferragamo
A major rising British design star, the 28 year old Mancunian was snapped up after his Fashion East show to helm the storied Italian house, showing his debut collection in September 2022. He is nominated for British Womenswear Designer of the Year — no small feat — at this year's Fashion Awards.
89. Nigo
Artistic director Kenzo
Founder of BAPE, 52 year old Japanese designer Nigo, and current artistic director of Kenzo, is a streetwear design icon, revered by industry insiders and fashion fans alike.
90. Dame Maggie Smith
Actor
An unlikely viral star at 88, perhaps, but Smith’s starring turn in Loewe’s latest campaign, clutching a Puzzle bag in a fabulous grungy brown fur coat, shot by Juergen Teller, has propelled her to a new level of cult-like-worship.
91. Alexa Chung
Model and presenter
The now forty year old Chung is a mainstay of the British fashion scene; her personal style has been setting the agenda of what millennial women have in their wardrobe for two decades.
92. Paul Mescal
Actor
From his necklace in Normal People to current starring role in Gucci’s new campaign - all legs akimbo, no shirt, mussed up hair - Mescal has been carving out his main role as a leading fashion daddy.
93. Erdem MoralıoÄlu
Creative director
Having shown at London Fashion Week for the best part of two decades, 2023 Fashion Awards nominee Erdem has carved out a much beloved — and impressive — role at the heart of British fashion. From dressing the Princess of Wales to raiding the fabric archives at Chatsworth for his latest collection, his elegant, refined with a twist style is fashion catnip.
94. Roksanda IlinÄiÄ
Creative director
The thinking woman’s designer goes from strength to strength. From her fabulous front row patron Dame Vanessa Redgrave to recent white-hot collaborations with Jigsaw and Barbour, the 2023 Fashion Awards nominee is getting us to embrace colour and vibrant print like never before.
95. Kai-Isaiah Jamal
Model and poet
The first trans model to be nominated for model of the year at The Fashion Awards, the 27 year old South London poet, model and trans-visibility activist is a leading voice of the London fashion scene.
96. Simone Rocha
Designer
One of London’s most thrilling contemporary designers and a 2023 Fashion Awards nominee, Rocha’s idiosyncratic vision has propelled her to global relevance. Rocha’s design signatures of pearls and oversized silhouette have been much copied. She is the next guest designer for Jean Paul Gaultier’s Haute Couture show and will show her collection in January, in Paris.
97. Campbell Addy
Photographer
South London born photographer and creative director Addy is honoured at this year'sFashion Awards with the Isabella Blow Award for fashion creator. His work has been featured in Vogue, i-D, Wall Street Journal, TIME and Rolling Stone magazines.
98. Adwoa Aboah
Model and activist
The 31 year old London based British model stepped back onto this catwalk this season, walking for Tory Burch, Moschino, Jil Sander, Chloe and The Row. She also helms the non-profit Gurls Talk. Love her.
99. Akshata Murty
The Prime Minister’s wife has swiftly brought a relatable, covetable fashion edge to her husband’s Downing Street tenure. From JW Anderson cult buckle mules to Tory-pleasing polite dresses from Jigsaw, her ability to highlight and sell out pieces is a surprising budget boost.
100. Dilara FındıkoÄlu
Designer
The newest enfant terrible of London’s fashion scene pulled her show at the last minute from this season’s London Fashion Week schedule, but that didn’t hold her back from scoring a New York Times profile piece or from hosting a decadent, headline grabbing Halloween ball at London Edition hotel. Not to mention having dressed everyone from Madonna to Rihanna and Bella Hadid, and being nominated for the New Establishment Womenswear prize at 2023's Fashion Awards.
