Michelle Obama is a woman with a modern approach to fashion. Among her most notable ensembles was her inagural ballgown by Jason Wu. Her style has been compared to that of former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis dubbing Michelle the ‘new Mrs. O’. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Jennifer Hudson has a new-found confidence, and it shows! Taking more fashion risks than ever before, her ensembles reflect a new level of comfort and refined sophistication to this already trendy star. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Miami Heat superstar LeBron James never fails at making the ladies do a double take. LeBron appeared on the cover of Vogue’s April 2008 ‘athletes and models’ issue, only the third man to do so in the magazine’s 116 year history. Love him or hate him, we are all a ‘witness’ to his hip fashion sense. (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)
Known for his unique music and ‘oops’-worthy moments, Kanye West has revolutionized the way men dress at red carpet events. By taking the occasional risk West brought the ‘preppy’ look back in a fashionable yet essentially comfortable manner. He is always premiering new trends that seem to catch on with both fellow artists and the general public. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
One of the most memorable gowns worn by Halle Berry was the Ellie Saab stunner in 2002, when she won the award for best actress for the movie ‘Monster’s Ball’. This year, Berry graced the cover of Vogue’s September issue— the magazine’s most important issue of the year— only the second black woman to do so since 1989, when Naomi Campbell became the first. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch)
This talented singer’s graceful yet glamorous look is the perfect combination of edginess and sophistication. Alicia Keys’ very presence at any fashion event exudes an air of confidence that cannot be imitated. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)
British actor Idris Elba is always dressed to impress, and adds his own twist to his wardrobe. Both his casual and red carpet look take on a more refined, and stylish look. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Keke Palmer is a young, fun, breath of fresh air on the scene. The young up-and- comer already demonstrates a sense of sophistication, yet manages to keep her looks in tune with her age. Dressed up, or dressed down this teen is definitely someone to keep and eye on! (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/Fox/PictureGroup)
Opting for the ‘less is more’ mantra, pop and R&B singer Leona Lewis never fails to wow at red carpet events. Although at times edgy, her style is more contemporary, graceful and a bit more simplistic. After all, who needs accessories when you have her striking features? (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup)
This L.A. Laker has a strong presence both on and off the court. When off the court, Kobe Bryant dresses with a level of unparelled sophistication and exudes and underlying tone of class. Whether on or off the court, he scores big points with us! (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
This sweet Barbados girl shocked the country when she debuted her new, edgier side and has not looked back since. Rihanna’s off-the-runway style translates into an edgy, yet chic appearance that never fails to impress. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Singer song-writer Keri Hilson’s playful fashion varies from sweet and innocent to edgy and at times shocking. Her chic and fun style always creates a buzz and reflects her personality. (Photo by Brad Barket/PictureGroup)
World renown as one of the male trendsetters in the fashion world, Jamie Foxx is constantly taking risks on and off the red carpet. His distinct style always creates a buzz among style watchers, and new trends imitated by the general public. (Sipa via AP Images)
Queen Latifah is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the stage. Self assured, and in vogue, her fashion reflects a great sense of style. At times, her playful looks reflect her rap roots in a chic manner. (AP Photo/Marion Curtis, StarPix)
It’s that time of the year again! With Labor Day behind us, and white out for the season, the buzz is all about this year’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Yet, often we find that the real trendsetters are making their mark in the fashion world off the runway.
This year, we saw everything from the return of 80s shoulder pads in a sexier, edgier manner—courtesy of Rihanna and Lady Gaga—to leotards and 80s haircuts. To say it wasn’t a revamping of that decade would be a lie. We also saw a lot of neutral or flesh tones, and peek-a boo outfits. Designers supplied a lot of cut outs, high slits, mesh, lace, and more to give a little peek at the skin beneath their ornate pieces. One shouldered dresses also made a big splash, along with metallics. The glitz, sparkle and shimmer were designers’ active attempts to distract us from the recession. Banded dresses became a big hit on red carpets and teen Hollywood. Finally, feathers made a reappearance, mostly on red carpets and runways. This fashion week we expect to see great things from designers Isaac Mizahri, Tracy Reese, Jason Wu, Ralph Lauren, Christian Siriano, and Dennis Basso.
However, our focus today is on people creating new trends and making loud fashion statements while having no ties to the fashion world. In this day and age, if you have any sort of music or acting career its expected that you will launch a fashion line sooner or later. But as we have discovered, these trendsetters don’t need to have a fashion line to create sophistication, grace, and glamour within their own look. As a matter of fact, many of the people featured, take more fashion risks than most designers, and are quite successful at initiating new trends and creating new looks for both their fellow artists, and the general public. So take a look as we examine the most fashionable people outside of the fashion industry.
