A fashion icon or leader is an influential individual who introduces new styles that become widely adopted, often encompassing famous personalities like political leaders, celebrities, or royalty. Historically, figures such as Queen Marie Antoinette and Empress Joséphine dramatically reshaped 18th-century fashion, while Nur Jahan brought significant textile innovations in the Mughal Empire. During the 1960s, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's style, famously including her Pink Chanel suit, became a symbol of distinction, alongside teen model Twiggy and designer Mary Quant, who introduced the revolutionary miniskirt.
Later icons like Diana, Princess of Wales, Audrey Hepburn (known for her black Givenchy dress), and Madonna continued to define eras, often becoming synonymous with specific iconic garments or looks. Even political figures such as Margaret Thatcher became fashion leaders, pioneering "power dressing" to establish female authority, demonstrating the diverse and lasting impact of these style setters across history.