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Fashionable, Fierce & Fit: Five Iconic Women Who Changed the Game For the Better

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GSU chapter.

“I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men.” -Marlene Dietrich 

That quote, my friends, was the quote uttered by the unstoppable 1930s Hollywood star, Marlene Dietrich. In a world run by men in suits, the 1930s era could not be any more misogynistic–but it was up to Dietrich to state the facts. Women have been the foundation for all life on this earth. Why do you think they call it ‘Mother Nature’? It is impossible to run this world as the strong woman you are meant to be if you don’t know the greats. That is why I am here to invite you on this journey as we trace our roots in Girl World as we observe who helped build our nation. While rocking it in heels… 

 

 

Marilyn Monroe 

The late, dynamic Miss Monroe was an unforgettable force to be reckoned with. What was it that made this dime stand out way more than others? Besides her charming smile, goddess-like body, and the charisma of an angel, she opened up a lot of doors for women to tap in their inner goddess and shine on the screen like no other. Her infectious personality drew millions to the T.V to escape into her unique, carefully crafted life. That is to say more than any other movie star before her, in my opinion.  

 

Oprah Winfrey  

As the world’s only African-American woman billionaire, it is safe to bestow gratitude and adoration for a woman who has made it her mission to save the world with her ideas, words, and even a school in South Africa. When I think of the name Oprah Winfrey, I can’t help but to brew up inspiration to do better, and be better. Simply because of the extraordinary achievements she has placed on her resume. What a talent it must be to be worldly recognized simply because of your great personality and heart that has opened itself up to the world.  

 

Audrey Hepburn

Finding the perfect balance between femininity, classiness, and worldliness is quite a task to tackle. But effortlessly, these reputable traits found their way to Audrey Hepburn’s heart and soul. Her role as “Holly Golightly” in Breakfast at Tiffany’s captured the complicated essence that makes up what a woman is. She then marched on to partner up with Givenchy to serve us with a new look that changed the way women of that time dressed. She’s the queen who gave us the “LBD,” which we should be forever thankful for because how else would we have ever mastered the “Less is more” style of life? Also not to mention, along with her monumental fashion efforts, she worked as an Ambassador for UNICEF. A fashionista and a humanitarian? Only the best mix ever! 

 

Beyoncé

 It’s no doubt that Beyoncé is labeled “overrated” but how can you overlook an entrepreneurial woman who has mastered her brand, her career, her personal life, all while dancing across the world in high heels influencing millions of girls? How is it possible to not name her the ‘Master of Life’ when she has created a successful design label, gave us an awe-inspiring performance in ‘Obsessed’, blew our ears off in “Dream Girls”, re-made the perfect workout song, “Get Me Bodied” in order to collaborate with the First Lady, all while maintaining a healthy body? Just watch her Behind The Scenes footage on YouTube, and you can quickly learn how she naturally exudes brains and beauty.  

 

Lupita N’yongo 

Wowing an entire nation with one speech (in reference to Lupita’s memorable first Oscar steal in 2013), is one sure way to blaze a trail as an influencer. The Kenyan beauty queen gave a voice to the minority by annihilating any competition in her heart-felt, gruesome, captivating performance in 12 Years A Slave. The 32-year-old Yale graduate didn’t just stop there–she has attracted a larger fan base through her role in the world celebrated film series, Star Wars.  

 

 

Zimbabwean-American Journalism major at Georgia State University. Audrey Hepburn and pink enthusiast who's constantly dreaming of Breakfast at Bergdorfs. She lives in Atlanta with New York on her mind.
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