Fashion trends come and go as society keeps evolving. Some of the most fashionable people are celebrities who became fashion icons, influencing how people dress and pushing the boundaries of what is deemed fashionable. Some fashion icons donned classic and timeless clothing, while some were fashion-forward, donning eccentric and otherworldly clothes that would cause different reactions today. These are 12 celebrity fashion icons whose styles would spark debate in the modern era:

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Audrey Hepburn

Can classic be boring? Yes! Actor Audrey Hepburn was known for her simple, elegant, and graceful style and influenced millions worldwide. Monochromatic colors, simple lines, and minimalist silhouettes characterized her outfits. Today, Hepburn’s fashion choices may raise some eyebrows in modern fashion, filled with vibrant colors and eye-catching silhouettes that contrast Hepburn’s style. Many may perceive her style as overly simplistic, too conservative, and even boring.

Elvis Presley

How much is too gaudy? Apart from being a revolutionary musician, Elvis Presley was also one of the biggest style icons of his time. His style, including audacious and outrageous clothing items with colorful jewels and silk shirts, gave him a glamorous and unmistakable look. Although he had an iconic look, Elvis Presley’s style and fashion choices could be considered too loud for today.

Madonna

Throughout her career, Madonna has donned multiple iconic looks on runways, red carpets, and on stage. She has a record of being inspired by various cultures, sometimes pushing the boundaries of appropriation. Today’s heightened awareness of cultural sensitivity might lead to criticism if she replicated some of her earlier looks.

David Bowie

Musician David Bowie was known for his fashion choices and how he used fashion to push the boundaries of societal norms and to express himself. He portrayed himself as an androgynous character with colorful costumes and makeup. His fashion made people question conventional gender norms, and he was a significant inspiration for the LGBTQ+ community. That said, Bowie challenged traditional notions of masculinity throughout his career. His dazzling costumes and androgynous appearance might be seen as outrageous, even today. He also wore quite a few revealing costumes, particularly early in his career. Today, they could lead to talks on body image and sexualization.

Lizzy Gardiner

Lizzy Gardiner is a costume designer who has worked in the film industry since the 1990s. She wore one of the most unique dresses at the 1995 Oscars, made out of 254 American Express cards. Her outfit was a head-turner, leading many to question why she would wear a dress made of credit cards. This outfit has sparked many debates in the modern fashion era, with some praising her for her fashion-forward look while others say that the look does not have anything to offer the fashion industry.

Prince

Prince was one of the greatest musicians who influenced music and fashion. His wardrobe was filled with eccentric styles that he used to question traditional norms and to express himself. His flamboyant style and daring approach to fashion included high-heeled boots and ruffled shirts worn only by women. Prince challenged traditional masculinity through his flamboyant clothing, makeup, and high heels. While gender expression is more accepted today, some might still find his choices unconventional.

Grace Jones

Grace Jones’s fashion choices and style were bold and often transcended the typical definition of beauty and style. She donned outfits with non-traditional silhouettes and sharp angles, giving her a futuristic androgynous look. Her outfits were made to enhance her physique and sexuality. That might be considered provocative today.

Bjork

Bjork is an internationally recognized Icelandic singer and songwriter known for her enchanting music. An icon in the music industry, Bjork made multiple waves in the fashion industry with her 2001 Oscars look, which features a swan dress created by Marjan Pejoski. The dress got a lot of attention for its shock value and made a statement on the carpet and the fashion industry. This dress faced much criticism and ridicule when it was first seen on the carpet, and the modern fashion era continues to discuss the look and whether it had some kind of impact on the fashion industry or was just silly.

Twiggy

Twiggy’s style was characterized by the 1960s fashion era, with short dresses, bold makeup, and the iconic pixie hairstyle. The fashion industry of the time celebrated skinny figures, and Twiggy became the epitome of the industry standard. Her style mainly consisted of the iconic and popular styles that dominated fashion in the ‘60s. The modern fashion era is filled with conversations relating to body positivity and diversity in an industry that seemed to be dominated by smaller figures for many years.

Liberace

Liberace’s flamboyant rhinestone-encrusted suits, capes, and lavish stage presence were part of his larger-than-life persona. Today, his costume’s sheer opulence and extravagance might be seen as excessive or out of touch. His “camp” aesthetic, characterized by exaggeration and theatricality, is celebrated in some fashion circles but is seen as over-the-top by others.

Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol has significantly influenced pop art and made many notable contributions to fashion. Warhol often wore traditionally feminine clothing and accessories, like wigs and makeup. While gender expression is more fluid today, some might question his motivations – was it a genuine expression or a performance for attention?

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga’s theatrical and often outrageous fashion choices, from her meat dress to the phone headpiece, are part of her artistic expression. They could be viewed through different lenses: one is an artistic genius, and the other is a cheap tactic to gain notoriety.