The Role Model Issue is available to buy from i-D online here and on newsstands now.
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What makes a role model? Throughout history we’ve always admired strong women who have followed their own paths and been unafraid to grab hold of life with both hands. Inspired by the Hollywood glamour of Marilyn Monroe and the individuality of Frida Kahlo, Daniele Duella + Iango Henzi, Patti Wilson and Luigi Murenu explore the notion of role models in fashion, with an epic 94 page story starring the world’s most iconic supermodels, and even hotter clothes. Linda Evangelista, Stephanie Seymour, Guinevere van Seenus, Kristen McMenamy, Karen Elson, Isabeli Fontana, Natasha Poly, Amber Valletta and Gisele all make an all-star appearance. Always one step ahead of the herd, i-D’s Consultant Fashion Director Edward Enninful initiates i-D’s readers in the biggest trend of next season, folk, in a stunning story inspired by Dolly Parton, starring Jourdan Dunn, Aymeline Valade, Iselin Steiro and Candice Huffine. Edie Campbell teaches us about etiquette in The Hamptons, as an English Girl in New York, and we meet our role models to find out exactly what makes them tick. Legendary photographer Tim Walker reflects on his career behind the lens, in light of his forthcoming Somerset House exhibition and book. Anne Deniau reflects on thirteen years working with Lee McQueen, one of fashion’s all-time icons, and Chinese photographer Chen Man introduces actress and singer Fan Bingbing, the third biggest celebrity in China and a role model to thousands. As John Waters explains, “A role model? Someone who has led a life even more explosive than mine, a person whose exaggerated fame or notoriety has made him or her somehow smarter and more glamorous than me.” Edward Enninful continues, “An inspirational man or woman is anyone who has achieved the right balance between their personal and professional lives.” Having a role model gives you a concrete image of who you want to become. They lead by example to help you become the very best person you can. Very often role models and elegance go hand in hand, as we discovered in this issue. Elegance, just like being inspirational, is innate. It’s not something you can buy. But it’s definitely something you can aspire to be.
Holly Shackleton, Editor for The Role Model Issue, Fall 2012
Linda Evangelista
Photography: Daniele Duella + Iango Henzi
Concept: Luigi Murenu
Styling: Patti Wilson
Head here to find out more about all of our sixteen Role Model Issue covers.
