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Wednesday, 7 September 2011

Timeless Style



Been thinking this week about trend-defying style. About women who do their own thing regardless of what's in fashion. Joan Collins' kitsch-y glamour hasn't really changed much since her Dynasty days - and I admire this decade-defying look, and the confidence required to stick with it.

There's a great Andy Warhol quote that sums the phenomenon up perfectly:

'When a person is the beauty of their day, and their looks are really in style, and then the times change, and ten years go by, if they keep exactly their same look and don't change anything and if they take care of themselves, they'll still be a beauty. You have to hang on in periods when your style isn't popular, because if it's good, it'll come back and you'll be recognised as a beauty once again.'


Here are some of my favourite stars of timeless style:



Grace Jones takes the life-as-performance approach to fashion.



Mary Quant and her timeless bob



Jane Birkin, always effortlessly chic.



Caryn Franklin. A sharp dresser with fabulous hair.





Who do you think has timeless style?
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22 comments:

  1. Kwana7 September 2011 at 15:16

    Great post. Sophia Lorena nd Diana Ross. Love their timeless beauty.

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  2. janicebotterill7 September 2011 at 15:17

    Vivienne Westwood is my absolute favourite. Just read a great interview with Jane Birkin in this month's Vogue about English Women. Fantastic.

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  3. Silver Strands7 September 2011 at 15:26

    Wonderful post. The Hepburn girls - everything about them is timeless to me!

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  4. Patti7 September 2011 at 15:41

    Although I am not warm to her personality, Anna Wintour has classic, timeless style. On a more casual and natural note, I love Lauren Hutton's look.

    -Patti @ NotDeadYet Style

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  5. Unknown7 September 2011 at 15:44

    Vanessa Redgrave comes to mind as does Nicole Farhi (wonderful hair)

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  6. Unknown7 September 2011 at 15:51

    I love Joan Collins, also agree with the person that said Vanessa Redgrave and ofcourse Vivienne Westwood.

    My favourite though would be Meryl Streep.

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  7. Sarah7 September 2011 at 16:00

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  8. Sarah7 September 2011 at 16:01

    Diane Keaton. She's always channeled Annie Hall, and I'll never get tired of it.

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  9. Make Do Style7 September 2011 at 17:37

    Good old Joan Collins!

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  10. mispapelicos7 September 2011 at 18:04

    Fabulous Andy Warhol.
    I love all these beauties, and adore Grace Jones so very much.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  11. Vix7 September 2011 at 19:12

    Excellent choices! I'll add Debbie Harry, Zandra Rhodes and Chrissie Hynde, too. x

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  12. WeShop7 September 2011 at 20:06

    I love Joanie - but surely you mean Dysentry (as Tel used to call it). Met her briefly once and she was charm personified. xx

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  13. Pam @ over50feeling407 September 2011 at 20:59

    Love this post and reading all of the names listed here...I agree with all of them. I guess I would add Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren. Caroline Herrera. Dana Buchman. I will probably think of many later.

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  14. Anonymous7 September 2011 at 21:09

    I'll second Diana Ross!

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  15. Faux Fuchsia8 September 2011 at 06:38

    Well the Queen is amazing. She doesn't follow fashion and looks fabulous. Love Joanie too. Helen Mirren rocks it as well xxx PS and of course Our Leader, Jackie !

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  16. Vannessa@Luxuria8 September 2011 at 09:10

    Yes, I agree with you about Joan Collins having timeless style. Also I think Catherine Denueve (not sure if I've spelt this correctly).

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  17. Elizabeth at Eiffel Tells8 September 2011 at 09:41

    2 more names for the pot - Diane Keeton & Sophia Loren. I can identify with Diane's style and admire Sophia for the longevity of hers. I think I'll be shuffling around in sensible shoes, a twin set and a comfortable skirt or slacks by the time I reach her current age.

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  18. Amy8 September 2011 at 23:04

    They were already mentioned, but I immediately thought of Diane Keaton and Lauren Hutton... they've maintained the same style gracefully and wittily. Ha, and I second the Chrissie Hynde, too.

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  19. Unknown8 September 2011 at 23:06

    You've just made me decide what to wear tomorrow. A tricky prospect as I'm going straight from work to opera at Soho Theatre. I keep wearing the same thing to go out and now realise it's just my timeless style. So Boyfriend jacket, Joseph leggins, courts and a white shirt it is again. I can wear flats to the book shop and change into heels for the evening.

    I love your blog!

    Helena xx

    PS. In reply to your question, I was really impressed by what JK Rowling wore during her recent appearance in 'Who Do You Think You Are'. Obviously her budget is limitless, still she looked really stylish and timeless. xx

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  20. WendyB8 September 2011 at 23:29

    I love how Warhol called people beauties. Very much amused by that in his diaries.

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  21. Semi Expat9 September 2011 at 11:13

    Jane Birkin is my style icon and definitely agree that Helen Mirren and Diane Keaton would be also high up on the list. Love your post and also the previous one on coloured denim. Think I may have to indulge in a pair - and of course will read your advice first! x

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  22. Wildernesschic9 September 2011 at 12:23

    These images are great examples of women finding their own style .. which then becomes timeless.. instead of following the herd xx

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