The Women who inspire me

The Young Collective’s Fashion Contributor, Rachel Williams, talks about the women that inspire her elegant and sophisticated style. 

Olivia Palermo

The 30-year-old has been known for her impeccable style since her appearance alongside Whitney Port on MTV’s The City. “She’s got the confidence to go for the unexpected, the non-traditional and the most fashion-forward looks, yet she tends to keep her signature style elegant and clean. Her Wedding look is a prime example of her modern but beautifully original wardrobe.” Rachel continues to add “whilst most have limited or somewhat frumpy winter wardrobes, Palermo’s is admirable. Neutral tones are a year-round go-to; her look remains simple yet classy…saying that, I’m pretty sure life would be much easier with those legs! Although her formal looks may not be particularly striking, her casual looks are always together.”

 

Blake Lively

“Not fair at all, is it?” Rachel begins “not only is she married to Ryan Reynolds but looks flawless in whatever she wears. Whether she’s on or off camera: at press events or the Met Gala she has the desired ability to wear anything. She rocks a baby bump like an accessory for god sake. The fashion houses adore her, offering up some of the most beautiful pieces of their collections for her, which in return she only alleviates.”

Although the star likes to disassociate herself with her well-known character on Gossip Girl, Rachel explains “she continues to carry the fashion-forward Upper-East Side ‘Serena’ as a part of her public persona but, she also shows she is heavily interested, creative, and respective of the fashion industry. It’s a lack of vanity and transparency in her personal life that make her style choices ever intriguing. Thankfully, social media accounts help give us detailed close-ups of her outfits and accessories, as well as displaying her gratitude for those who help along the way.”

Kate Middleton

“With a Royal family to represent, the pressure of the world’s gaze, along with press opinions Kate Middleton perfectly addresses the balance of conservative dressing with interesting and modern dynamics.”

Not only was Kate and Will’s wedding the most anticipated event of 2011, but it was also one of the biggest moments for Fashion House Alexander McQueen “The Wedding Dress. Alexander McQueen, one of my favourite most admired fashion houses was the perfect institute to look for a design.” Although McQueen sadly passed away the year before, Rachel expresses “the British splendour and elegance are perfectly captured in McQueen’s designs and his legacy lives strongly on. The Beautifully crafted dress was modest, appropriate and nodded to tradition, yet it was carefully and skilfully fitted to compliment the Duchess’ figure. Detailing was intricate but, the structure and famous McQueen kick pleat gave the dress the capacity and volume for the context of the Abbey. Copies were made in hours – wedding dress trends are slow-moving but this injected a fast favourite into the nations styles.”

“Kate draws an approachable and obtainable choice of fashion. She chooses items from high street collections, re-wears looks and plays with the latest trends allowing us all an insight into her personality.”