Since 1981, women have been celebrated during the month of March as pioneers and innovators for the modern femininity look. As Women’s History Month ends, let’s highlight some of the icons over the decades that changed the fashion industry as we know it. More than just pretty faces on magazine covers, these ladies have made their mark not only in fashion but in humanity as well.

1950’s

The “little black dress” queen, Audrey Hepburn will forever be a symbol of class and affection. The “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” star spent her career winning an Academy Award nomination and paying great attention to the world’s children. Toward the end of his life, Hepburn became a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), where he made several field trips around the world to advocate for children globally. A year before his death, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President George W. Bush – a high honor that recognizes individuals who have made a major contribution to improving the United States and the world.

1960’s

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, otherwise known as Jackie O, is the reason you still buy pearls. The wife of the 35th President of the United States John F. Kennedy, she took on her role as first lady in 1961 at the age of 31. After her appearance into the public eye, she quickly became the center of attention in fashion columns across the country and a highly sought-after paparazzi shot. Remembered for her pillbox hat and the pink Chanel suit she wore when her husband was tragically murdered in the presidential motorcade, Jackie Kennedy remains the poster child for his devoted wife and mother.

1970’s

Having sold over 100 million records, Diana Ross is a glamor expert. Ross, the lead singer of iconic female soul band The Supremes, is known for her brilliant uniform hair, shimmery floor-high gown and thick lashes. The iconic singer and actress set the pace for black women in the entertainment industry. In 1974, Ross co-hosted the 46th Academy Awards – considering her to be the first black woman to ever host. Ross has held several hit songs to his name as a soloist, including “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough”, “Love Hangover”, “Touch Me in the Morning”, and “Home”.

1980s

The media sweetheart, Princess Diana quickly won over Britain with her sweet fervor during her love affair which turned into a marriage to the heir to the British throne to Prince Charles. Diana has served as a fashion icon across Britain and beyond, presenting looks that connoisseurs still create today.

“She is like the most photographed woman so far,” said Gabrielle Brainard, senior in apparel, merchandising and design and director of styling for TREND magazine. “She watches her and everyone judges everything she does and what she wears. – everyone wants to be like her. Even now, the whole trend of bikers shorts and sweatshirts, that’s how she got started.”

Even after her conspiracy-laden death in 1997, Diana’s legacy remains as a stylish, service-oriented woman who embodies elegance.

“What she left behind was a bit chaotic and mysterious, and everyone remembers her for her style and for being a strong woman,” said Brainard.

1990s

Everyone wants to get a Vera Wang wedding dress. The designers themselves, a powerhouse of women, serve as an important reminder that age is just a number. In 1990, at the age of 40, Wang opened his first bridal shop in New York City. Now, more than 30 years later, the brand has expanded into household goods, cosmetics, fragrances, eyewear, alcoholic beverages, jewelry and more. Before opening her own boutique, she also served as senior fashion editor for Vogue and design director for Ralph Lauren. Wang is the daughter of two immigrants from China and is proud of her heritage. His parents instilled in him the desire to always work harder and be better, as it is told Harvard Business review.

2000s

Jennifer Lopez, commonly referred to as J. Lo, really does it all. Somehow, at 51 years of age, the superstar has remained youthful – leaving women around the world constantly asking questions about her skincare routine and best-guarded beauty secrets. Born into a family of Puerto Rican descent, this larger than life woman has set the Latinas scene in the entertainment industry, even being listed as one of Hollywood’s highest paid Latina actresses. Since earning his platform as an iconic dancer, singer, actor and entrepreneur, Lopez has been a force for change. She contributed exponentially to charity efforts, even donating $ 1 million in disaster relief shortly after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico.

2010s

Another famous first lady in fashion – as well as humanity – is Michelle Obama. Apart from being a lawyer, writer, and president’s wife, Obama is also well-known at every event, as he is known for his elegant dresses. Obama is captivating the public, and the items on which he appears will sell out regularly within a few hours. Throughout his time at the White House, he was supportive four main initiatives: healthy families, service members and their families, higher education and international youth education. It is his warm presence and commitment to these goals that earned him a place in 2019 Time 100 – complete list of the 100 most influential people of the year.

2020s

The styles have changed drastically since the beginning of the new decade. As COVID-19 has been rampant and keeping the whole world at home for months, sportswear and baggy clothing have become the mantra. For some time, women have been trying to find the “ideal” body type. But the body positivity movement recently has taken social media by storm, and more women than ever are learning to love their bodies. Young singer-songwriter Billie Eilish is leading the trend of baggy clothes deliberately keeping her body secret because of the baggy clothes she wears. He recently released a short film on tour called “NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY, “Where he greeted the astrologers of the body and negative opinions directed at his choice of clothes.

“Everything else in his life was so publicized, and I think because he had to grow up so fast, he seemed to have kept it [her body] for himself, “said Brainard.” The neutrality of her body and her modesty were utterly empowering. Women don’t have to show their bodies to be badass and be successful. ”

Women are truly a force of nature. Mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, bosses, executives, innovators, entrepreneurs, friends, icons, and neighbors – they do it all, empowering each other to go beyond any thought possible.

“There is something about women supporting women and respecting women that is very empowering,” said Brainard. “I feel like women are so much belittled and told that we can’t do something because we are women. That is not the case. We need to show the world that women are equal to men. “