28.07.25
6 TIMELESS ICONS WHO DEFINED CLASSIC FASHION HISTORY
Amid the countless trends that come and go, revisiting the styles of classic icons from the early decades of the last century reaffirms the timeless beauty of vintage aesthetics. These are the likes of Josephine Baker, Anna May Wong, Katharine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Lauren Bacall—figures who made history and pioneered the golden age of classic fashion.
In the ever-changing currents of fashion, looking back at the styles of icons from those golden decades not only evokes beautiful memories but also asserts the enduring value of classic aesthetics. Legends like Josephine Baker, Anna May Wong, Katharine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Lauren Bacall were true pioneers—trailblazing women who helped define the captivating classic style of the early 20th century.
JOSEPHINE BAKER
The roaring 1920s would not be complete without the presence of Josephine Baker. She embodied the vibrant spirit of the Jazz Age and the wild Charleston dance with her signature short bob hairstyle, shimmering flapper dresses, and flowing fringes in constant motion.
JOSEPHINE BAKER
Baker’s creativity in performance costumes became legendary—her iconic banana skirt remains a symbol of her bold stage persona. Yet few know that she also fearlessly explored menswear, surprising audiences with impeccably tailored tuxedos, top hats, and bow ties, boldly challenging the boundaries of women’s fashion.
Her influence continues to inspire renowned designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Marc Jacobs, who have reimagined her iconic style in their own collections—testament to an early pioneer of classical fashion.
ANNA MAY WONG
The Eastern blossom that bloomed in the heart of early 20th-century Hollywood, Anna May Wong was not only the first Asian-American actress to conquer the silver screen, but also a proud symbol of vintage fashion with Asian-inspired elegance.
ANNA MAY WONG
At a time when Hollywood often portrayed Asian characters through distorted, stereotypical lenses—depicting them as cunning, opium-addicted, hateful, or as lifeless China dolls—Anna May Wong used fashion as a powerful declaration of cultural identity and a deeply personal homage to her Hong Kong heritage.
Blending modern Western lines with traditional Eastern grace, she frequently wore updated qipao silhouettes, Mandarin collars, and detailed embroidery of Asian flora and fauna on glossy satin. Her style, often documented in old archives, reflected a harmonious cultural duality. She also led the 1930s beauty trends with her thin, arched eyebrows, bold lips, and sharp, mysterious black eyeliner.
KATHARINE HEPBURN
No one challenged fashion norms with as much boldness and decisiveness as Katharine Hepburn. The legendary actress was the first to introduce menswear into women’s wardrobes—favoring crisp button-down shirts, impeccably tailored suits, and most notably, trousers.
KATHARINE HEPBURN
In the 1930s and ’40s, a woman of her status choosing to abandon restrictive feminine norms and embrace pants was nothing short of radical. Her steadfastness and timeless style resonated with the public, empowering women worldwide to confidently adopt the look—for its comfort and its elegance that transcended boundaries.
MARILYN MONROE
Marilyn Monroe is remembered not only for diamonds or the glamorous pink gown in “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” but as one of the most alluring figures in Hollywood history. She radiated feminine beauty through figure-hugging outfits, dazzling in bright colors and daring silhouettes with provocative cuts.
MARILYN MONROE
Her legendary collaboration with designer William Travilla gave rise to some of cinema’s most iconic fashion moments—especially the halter white dress with pleated skirt that caught the wind in The Seven Year Itch. Another unforgettable piece is the glittering gown she wore to sing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy—an iconic creation that lives on in fashion history.
AUDREY HEPBURN: TIMELESS CLASSIC
Audrey Hepburn’s beauty was not only in her delicate features but also in her soft-spoken, graceful European charm. Her close friendship with Hubert de Givenchy led to timeless fashion moments, most notably the elegant “little black dress” in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Audrey once said that true fashion entered her life with her first haute couture dress by Givenchy—a moment she described as “extraordinary beauty.”
AUDREY HEPBURN
Likewise, the simple turtleneck and capri pants she wore in Funny Face became an everyday symbol of understated elegance. Ultimately, her beauty wasn’t just in glamorous outfits, but seemed to come from within—her kindness and optimism. This is what made her style all the more captivating and genuine.
LAUREN BACALL: EFFORTLESSLY CLASSIC
Lauren Bacall left the world a lasting legacy of irresistible allure: her sharp cat-like eyes, proud sensual poise, and signature husky voice all came together to form a one-of-a-kind icon. Her gaze, which first captivated Humphrey Bogart on screen in To Have and Have Not, became a moment etched in cinematic history.
LAUREN BACALL
Without needing extravagant costumes, Bacall won hearts through refined taste—selecting and styling simple yet elegant pieces: soft silk blouses, tailored blazers, classic pencil skirts, and pleated trousers. She embraced her natural beauty, rejecting excessive makeup and insisting that her bold eyebrows and slightly crooked teeth were part of her unique charm—standing in contrast to an era when female stars were often molded into rigid ideals.
Credit: elle.vn
