A number of things influence fashion trends, and celebrity style is certainly one of them. What a celebrity wears, directly or indirectly impacts not only what we choose to wear but also how we wear it. The interesting thing is, this didn’t just start now.
Back in 1993, supermodel Naomi Campbell strutted down the runway in a sheer black lace dress designed by Azzedine Alaïa.
The dress was daring yet elegant, showing just enough skin to be provocative without losing sophistication. This look quickly transcended the fashion world and became viral, inspiring countless imitations both on the streets and in media. Women everywhere began incorporating transparent fabrics and lace overlays into their wardrobes.
In the digital age, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X makes this effect much stronger. When a celebrity shows up in a new outfit, the world watches. Whether it’s on Instagram, the red carpet, or just a casual day out, their fashion choices often become the hottest thing.
In 2023, the movie Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, made the pink “Barbiecore” look very popular. Many celebrities, like Simone Ashley, Zendaya and Anne Hathaway, wore bright pink clothes inspired by the movie, and this made pink fashion explode on social media.
People started buying pink dresses, shoes, and accessories quickly, and the trend spread worldwide almost overnight.
Another example is when Tyla, a South African singer, made a big fashion statement at the 2024 Met Gala with her “sand dress” look designed by Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing.
The outfit showed how fashion can mix art and nature. This bold and creative look quickly caught the attention of the fashion industry and inspired many fans and followers on social media to admire and recreate her style.
Due to this influence, even in 2025, a Nigerian bride, Mrs. Ejiro, knew wearing a sand dress as her wedding dress wasn’t impossible.
The dress and art were created by @mulawwan_ and @igeraldarts, showing how the sand dress trend crossed from high fashion into personal celebrations, highlighting the lasting impact of Tyla’s look.
So, what gives celebrities this great amount of influence on us? Mainly, it’s because fans want to feel connected to their favorite stars, so they aim at wearing what their idols helped popularize or create. Whether it’s a bold accessory or just a color choice, celebs create a certain level of desirability once they put it on.
Another reason is that some celebrities dare to switch things up, challenge the usual fashion rules and blend cultures or eras. That boldness brings new trends into the fashion world and pushes all of us to get creative with our wardrobes.
Just like the case of Naomi Campbell, the “sheer dress” trend wasn’t just fashionable; it represented a bold shift towards embracing sensuality and self-expression.
The amazing thing is that this ripple effect is universal. Whether from Hollywood, the Met Gala, or Lagos streets, celebrity style greatly influences fashion trends and will most likely always do.
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