By Lena Janina

The true meaning of a fashionista is a person who is a devotee to fashion. This goes much deeper than a person who shops in designer stores and gets drenched in logo fashion from head to toe. As many in the Middle East region use the term loosely –and sometimes almost derogatory-to classify anyone who is on actively known on social media.  There are differences with social media personalities, makeup bloggers, food critics, comedians and the list goes on. Social media has changed many things for fashion, however, we cannot discredit the true ground-breakers that are and were fashionistas.

The genuine term fashionista is something true fashion lovers have earned throughout time through the differences and contributions they have made in the fashion history. Audrey Hepburn contributed many times to the fashion industry with her style and is known for “The Little Black Dress”. Diana Ross changed fashion not only for celebrity singers as a whole, but for African Americans and women with her Maximalist style that many still try to emulate.  Elizabeth Taylor aka “The Queen of Diamonds” brought stories to life in form of her jewelry. From the sophistication of Grace Kelly to Jacqueline Kennedys simple chic, these women embedded fashion living and breathing it.

Currently, in England most follow the Royals or Victoria Beckham for style inspiration and in a sort of admiration as well for their clean style. For young New Yorkers they have Olivia Palermo or the living legend Iris Apfel to take guide from.

Every region of the globe has its own movers and shakers in the industry of fashion. As time progresses in the Middle East region we will look to forward thinking fashionistas who demand attention for all the right reasons and move the masses on a global scale.