If today’s copy-and-paste influencers aren’t inspiring your personal style, it’s time to get off social media and turn to a new realm of icons. These ‘It girls’ shine for their effortlessly cool nature, eccentric style, and captivating charisma. Discover your next muse among these legendary names.
Chloë Sevigny
Often dubbed “the It-girl to end all It-girls,” Chloë Sevigny exudes charm and confidence. Sevigny spent her teenage years traveling from small-town Connecticut to New York City to skateboard with her friends. There, she was discovered by the editor of i-D Magazine and began appearing in spreads, indie films, and the New York party scene. People were drawn to Sevigny for her individuality: she doesn’t have the conventional model appearance, nor does she chase transient fashion trends, making her style influential and genuine. Though Sevigny did her best to avoid the industry, her work was in high demand. She starred in iconic films like Mary Harron’s American Psycho and Kimberly Peirce’s Boys Don’t Cry and most recently appeared in Charli xcx’s “360” music video. If you’re looking for someone with an indifference to the limelight and raw authenticity, look no further than Chloë Sevigny.
Jane Birkin
Meet Jane Birkin, the muse behind Hermès’ highly-coveted “Birkin Bag.” With her timeless beauty and remarkable talent, Birkin has long been an icon in French culture as an actress, singer, and model. Beyond her many careers, Birkin is celebrated for her bohemian aesthetic. Minimalistic but elegant, she is often credited as the originator of the Parisian-chic style. Her icon status was cemented in 1984 when she accidentally spilled the contents of her bag in the company of Hermès executive Jean-Louis Dumas. Birkin described her ideal practical handbag to Dumas, who then designed and gifted it to her. Although the star died in 2023, you can still draw inspiration from her enduring legacy. “Jane Birkin has always been a special it-girl for me through her timeless contributions to fashion and pop culture—especially her messy buns, mini dresses, and knee-high boots,” senior Phoebe Matin said.
Taylor Russell
Taylor Russell is renowned for her captivating performances in Luca Guadagnino’s Bones and All and Trey Edward Shults’s Waves. Beyond her talent as an actress, she has made waves in the fashion industry for her cool street style and one-of-a-kind red carpet looks; her signature looks utilize bold shapes in an avant-garde fashion. Jonathan Anderson, creative director of designer brand Loewe, credits her as his muse. She has inspired numerous couture collections and even became a global ambassador for the label. Despite her fame, Russell is soft-spoken and inactive on social media, proving less is more. “She radiates this really positive energy, and it’s refreshing to see someone that appears genuinely kind in pop culture,” freshman Sasha Ivanchenko said.
Cory Kennedy
A pioneer of the 2000s indie-sleaze aesthetic, teenager Cory Kennedy became an accidental overnight sensation. Nightlife photographer Mark Hunter of CobraSnake captured her carefree spirit at a Blood Brothers concert and uploaded the pictures online, making her one of the first influencers. With her newfound popularity, Kennedy began an internship with Hunter, who frequently photographed her partying. Her heavy eyeliner, messy hair, and skinny jeans became the epitome of the cool party girl and an embodiment of her carefree, fun spirit. If you are a fan of the Tumblr aesthetic, grunge music, and low-maintenance style, Cory Kennedy is the blueprint.
Devon Aoki
A star of the late 90s and early 2000s, Devon Aoki strutted for legendary houses like Chanel, Versace, and Moschino. She also played iconic roles in film—most notably Suki in the Fast and Furious franchise. At just 16, she became one of Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld’s muses. Aoki was granted the honor of being a Chanel bride, closing Lagerfeld’s couture shows in one-of-a-kind wedding dresses. Part of what makes Aoki so unique is her success as a five-foot-five model. Even though supermodels typically exceed six feet tall, she fiercely embraces her height and continues to break boundaries in the industry. “I’ve always loved Devon Aoki’s style. She’s so confident in what she wears and it’s inspiring,” senior Abby Mancia said. With iconic Y2K looks and unwavering confidence, Devon Aoki is a name to know.
