What is a fashion icon? Introducing people from Japan and abroad who should be your inspiration, divided by generation!

When you have someone you admire, don't you feel excited about wanting to become more like that person and be more motivated to try harder to dress more stylishly?
This time, I would like to talk about fashion icons who have such a wonderful influence.
- What exactly is a fashion icon?
- Who is your favorite fashion icon?
We will answer the above questions thoroughly.
We've picked out some of Japan's most well-known fashion icons by decade!
We will also introduce popular fashion icons overseas by age group, so please take a look.
Find a fashion icon that suits you best and enjoy fashion even more!
table of contents
What is a Fashion Icon? [It's too late to ask now!]
Simply put, a fashion icon is someone who represents and symbolizes their era in the fashion industry.
A fashion icon is a person or thing that is stylish, fashionable, attracts attention, and is admired.
For example, this includes famous models, actresses, designers, celebrities, and other people who represent the era and have a great sense of fashion.
Recently, influencers have also been attracting attention as fashion icons.
It can also refer to fashionable and distinctive objects such as watches and cars.
Lady Gaga and Madonna are prime examples.
Among Japanese people, Namie Amuro and Ayumi Hamasaki were hugely popular and can be said to be iconic fashion icons of that era.
She is a very influential figure whose unique style sets trends and items she produces or wears often sell out instantly.
The benefits of taking inspiration from fashion icons

As you get older, have you ever suddenly found that clothes that looked good on you yesterday no longer suit you, and you no longer know what clothes look good on you now?
For those who are lost in fashion, fashion icons can serve as fashion role models and inspiration for outfits.
Here are some other benefits of taking inspiration from fashion icons:
■ The benefits of taking inspiration from fashion icons
- Easily approach fashion
- Find out the latest trends and stylish outfits instantly
- Get closer to your ideal self
Easily approach fashion
If you don't have any particular fashion style preferences and just want to be stylish, then it's a good idea to imitate fashion icons .
If you use someone with a similar height and build as a reference, you shouldn't be too far off.
Even fashion novices can easily get closer to looking stylish, so we recommend using fashion icons as your model when putting together your outfits.
Find out the latest trends and stylish outfits instantly
Finding a fashion icon you admire will help you keep up with the latest trends and stylish outfits.
Especially if the fashion icon is someone who fits your favorite genre, it can be a good reference for choosing outfits and items.
If you feel like you're not very fashion-forward, you might find some inspiration on how to dress just by finding a fashion icon .
If you take inspiration from fashion icons of your generation, you will be able to make similar changes as you get older.
Get closer to your ideal self
A fashion icon is someone who represents your ideal self in the world of fashion.
By personifying the ideal of "what I want to be like," you can discover what you lack and find hints for self-improvement.
Even if you have a style you like but don't know how to wear it, you can easily create a stylish outfit by referring to fashion icons ♡
If you want to enjoy fashion even more, find a fashion icon!
How to find your perfect fashion icon

Many people understand the importance of fashion icons, but don't know how to find them...
For those of you who are in this situation, there is a way to find your fashion icon , so let me introduce it to you!
■ How to find a fashion icon
- Search on social media such as Instagram and TikTok
- Search from TV, magazines, etc.
- Search by your favorite fashion genre or style
Search on social media such as Instagram and TikTok
The easiest way to find fashion icons may be to use social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok .
Instagram in particular allows you to narrow down your search by brand name or fashion style using # (hashtag), so you're sure to find a fashion icon you like.
If you find an account of someone you're interested in, it might be a good idea to follow them!
Search from TV, magazines, etc.
Most people who become fashion icons are influential people such as models, actresses, and influencers.
Stylish people are constantly appearing in every generation, so the quickest way to find a fashion icon that suits your taste is to be sensitive to the information being disseminated on television and in magazines .
When we hear the word "fashion," we tend to only look for trendy models and popular influencers on social media, but there are also many stylish actresses and artists!
Don't be bound by stereotypes, and keep your ears open to all kinds of media, including music programs, dramas, and foreign television.
Search by your favorite fashion genre or style
First of all, it's important to know your favorite fashion genre and style!
There are so many different fashion styles, including casual, feminine, and street style.
Once you understand what kind of clothing suits your taste, you will naturally find fashion icons you want to use as inspiration.
Learn about trends and how to dress well! Fashion icons by generation [Japan Edition]
![Learn about trends and how to dress well! Fashion icons by generation [Japan Edition]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0245/1239/7396/files/bb5c7f5527c97b5fd13466a5402290e4.jpg?v=1631753943)
Now, let's start by introducing some of the most popular fashion icons by generation .
First, let's take a look at some of the most popular fashionable people in Japan, divided into age groups from teens to 30s.
Japan's leading fashion icons [Teenagers]
■ Japan's leading fashion icons [Teenagers]
Rico
Riko is a former exclusive model for the extremely popular teenage fashion magazine "Popteen," and is a model and influencer who is attracting attention as the next breakout actress.
Her casual fashion style, which has just the right amount of relaxed and girly vibe, is popular for being easy to imitate, and it seems to be imitated by many women of the same age.
Yuna Furukawa (Yuuchami)
Yucha Mika, also known as Furukawa Yuna, is a gal model of the Reiwa era who is attracting attention, especially among teenagers.
Yuchami is an exclusive model for the gal teen magazine "egg," and with her height of over 170cm and outstanding figure, many women of her age admire her.
She seems to be good at casual and elegant fashion for the gal style, and her balanced style is very inspiring!
Meruru Ikumi
Meru, also known as Ikumi Airu, is an exclusive model for the fashion magazine "CanCam" ♡
He is also active as a TV personality, and is so in demand that there isn't a day that goes by without seeing him on TV.
It seems that there are many women of her age who cite Meruru as a fashion icon.
Her style is characterized by a natural, girly style that casually incorporates trends and adds just the right amount of elegance, and if you imitate Ikumi Airi, your everyday outfits will look stylish.
Japan's leading fashion icons in their 20s
■ Japan's leading fashion icons [20s]
Nicole Fujita (Nikorun)
Nicole Fujita is an exclusive model for the fashion magazine "ViVi," which is said to be a stepping stone to becoming a popular model, and also appears on numerous television programs.
She is affectionately known as Nikorun.
Her stylish fashion and makeup are said to be a source of inspiration, and there are many women in their teens and early twenties who look up to Nicole Fujita as a fashion icon.
He is also a hugely popular YouTuber, with over 730,000 subscribers (as of August 2021).
If you want to keep up with the latest trends, you can't go wrong by checking out Nikorun!
Ayami Nakajo
Ayami Nakajo is an attractive actress with an air of ennui and a slender figure that is unusual for a Japanese woman.
She is an exclusive model for the fashion magazine "CanCam," and it seems that many women are attracted to her unique aura.
She often appears on TV, so you can see her in a variety of different styles.
Mori Hikari
Mori Hikari, who reigns as an absolute fashion icon in her late 20s, has a very charming and free-spirited style♡
It seems that many women admire his unconventional personality and unconventional style.
You can enjoy stylish fashion just by looking, so be sure to check out their Instagram and YouTube channel!
Japan's leading fashion icons in their 30s
■ Japan's leading fashion icons [30s]
Laura
Model and talent Laura has been a hugely popular fashion icon for many years.
Recently, he has produced his own eco-conscious brand, "STUDIO R330," and has continued to have an impact on the fashion world for many years.
She is also very stoic when it comes to building her body, and many women sympathize with her attitude of working hard every day to achieve the figure that everyone aspires to.
Cool, modern fashion can be a great reference for creating a stylish balance.
Naomi Watanabe
Comedian Naomi Watanabe is a one-of-a-kind person with her own unique worldview.
Unique hairstyles, patterned T-shirts, and outfits that boldly use bright colors will appeal to even the most sophisticated fashionistas.
A must-see for anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd even with a casual outfit!
Jun Hasegawa
Jun Hasegawa currently lives on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.
Her natural, unpretentious fashion has been popular with women of her age for many years.
I'm sure you're also dreaming of a relaxed Hawaiian life spent with your family!
The simple, effortless style gives off a relaxed, mature vibe.
There are many fashion styles that use items that are easy for mothers to adopt, so if you feel like you've drifted away from fashion after giving birth, be sure to check this out.
Look to the world ♡ Fashion icons by generation [Overseas Edition]
![Look to the world ♡ Fashion icons by generation [Overseas Edition]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0245/1239/7396/files/0bc48dfa0a5b94dad357fe48d0976c23.jpg?v=1631753973)
If you expand your horizons to include stylish fashion icons from overseas, fashion will become even more fun ♡
Next, let's take a look at people who are popular as fashion icons overseas, divided by age group from their teens to their 30s.
Representative fashion icons from around the world [Teenagers]
■ Representative fashion icons from overseas [Teenagers]
Emily Alyn Lind
American actress Emily Alyn Lind is attracting a lot of attention for her role as the heroine in the reboot of the hugely popular TV series "Gossip Girl."
Although she has a cute face, she seems to be good at hard rock fashion, and her sweet and spicy mix outfits are very cute!
Don't miss her costumes in "Gossip Girl."
Halle Lynn Bailey
Halle Lynn Bailey, who is very active on YouTube with her sister Chloe Elizabeth Bailey, is active in a wide range of fields in the United States, including singing and acting.
She has appeared in various programs and TV dramas, but she really came into the spotlight when she played the role of Ariel in the live-action version of "The Little Mermaid."
This healthy and stylish fashion is sure to captivate anyone who admires overseas fashion!
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell is a singer-songwriter who sang the global hit "Bud Guy."
There must be many women who admire his unique worldview and funky fashion ♡
At one point, people all over the world were imitating her green hairstyle.
Billie Eilish has already won a Grammy Award, so we can't miss her future success.
Representative fashion icons from overseas [20s edition]
■ Representative fashion icons from overseas [20s]
JENNIE
JENNIE, a member of the K-POP idol group BLACKPINK, has become a hot topic among fans for her stylish casual clothes.
She has also been appointed as an image model for the high-end brand CHANEL, and is an object of admiration, being said to look like a Barbie doll.
Not only branded items, but also outfits using inexpensive items are very helpful.
Jelena Gigi Noura Hadid
Jelena Gigi Noura Hadid has risen to the top of the industry as an exclusive model for Victoria's Secret.
Her nickname is Gigi Hadid.
She has also been featured as a model in various international magazines and has even been ranked among the world's richest models.
Although she has a slender figure, her casual, unpretentious style has made her a fashion icon for the general public.
Gigi Hadid, who maintains a stylish and beautiful figure even after giving birth, is attracting attention from mothers of all ages!
Charlotte Sarah Lawrence
Charlotte Sarah Lawrence, a singer and model in the United States, is a rising star who is attracting attention.
Her casual fashion with a vintage feel has made her the envy of women of her age as a fashion icon.
It seems that many women aspire to fashion and activities that fully express their individuality.
Representative fashion icons from overseas [30s edition]
■ Representative fashion icons from overseas [30s]
Olivia Palermo
Olivia Palermo has been a fashion icon for many years, captivating countless women. Currently, she is working as a model while also expanding her horizons as a designer.
Even in her 30s, she continues to share advanced fashion techniques that make the most of her unique personality and create a mature and elegant atmosphere.
Alexa Chung
Like Olivia Palermo, British model Alexa Chung continues to have an impact on the fashion industry.
Although her style is generally simple, she is very good at finding the perfect balance and choosing the right items, giving her a sophisticated impression.
If you are an adult woman in your 30s or older, you might want to start by taking Alexa Chung as a fashion icon to take your outfits to the next level.
Catherine Elizabeth Middleton
Despite being a member of the royal family, Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, has attracted attention around the world for her stylish style in affordable clothing that is easy for ordinary people to afford.
She is particularly skilled with color, and wears eye-catching blue and red dresses in a mature, retro style.
Her stylish and refined style has many points that can be imitated even if you are not the same age as her ♡
If you want to enjoy fashion, find a fashion icon!

We've introduced Japanese and international fashion icons by decade, but it's important to find the person you most admire.
There's no reason not to take advantage of fashion icons, as they can give you fashion tips and serve as role models!
Always keep your ears open to the information around you and try to find that one person you admire.
Once you find a fashion icon you like, it's a good idea to check out fashion trends on social media.