The It Girls You Might Not Know
Let's get to know the 14 It girls who are redefining fashion and culture
February 19th, 2024
Intelligent, charming, and coveted by all, the "It Girls" are enigmatic figures effortlessly drawing attention, leaving an indelible mark on society through their style, influence, and charisma. From Rihanna, Kelly Rutherford, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Zendaya, Ashley Graham, Kaia Gerber, Kendall Jenner, Beyoncé, Hailey Bieber, to Lori Harvey, these are just a few of the most known and influential "It girls." The list is extensive and varies from country to country.
What does It Girl mean?
But what does it mean to be an "It Girl"? Although the term may seem elusive, its essence lies in a powerful blend of personality, charm, and cultural relevance. These women possess an innate ability to fascinate and inspire, effortlessly transcending norms and conventional boundaries. Yet, beyond their abilities, "It Girls" wield formidable influence that extends well beyond the realm of fashion. Through their platforms and presence, they shape cultural conversations, champion causes close to their hearts, and use their voice to effect positive change. From advocating for social justice to promoting environmental sustainability, these women leverage their status to amplify important messages and inspire action. Furthermore, the allure of an "It Girl" lies not only in her external attributes but also in her magnetic personality. Always charismatic and self-assured, she navigates the complexities of modern life with composure and grace, leaving an indelible impression on all who encounter her.
The "It Girls" You Might Not Know
Lena Mahfouf, also known as Lena Situations, is a French-Algerian YouTuber, influencer, author, podcast owner, and entrepreneur. Born in Paris, France, she gained popularity through her YouTube channel where she shares lifestyle content, fashion outcomes, beauty tips, and her "August vlogs," garnering millions of views each year. She hosts one of the most listened-to podcasts in France titled "Canapé Six Places," where she discusses fashion, art, and culture with guests like Jacquemus, Cindy Bruna, Kelly Rutherford, Aya Nakamura, and many more. Mahfouf released her debut book titled "Toujours Plus" ("Always More") in 2020 and founded her brand "Hotel Mahfouf." The book became a bestseller in France, and the pop-up stores of her brand are always crowded, thanks to Lena's captivating personality and loyal fan base.
Adut Akech is a Sudanese-Australian model based in New York. Her modeling career began when she was discovered by a scout at the age of 16. Since then, Akech has become one of the most sought-after models globally, walking the runways of top fashion houses and appearing in numerous high-profile campaigns and editorials. In addition to her modeling work, Akech is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She is an ambassador for organizations like UNICEF Australia and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), using her platform to raise awareness about issues affecting refugees and marginalized communities.
Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe, British with Ghanaian origins, is a fashion influencer, content creator, and celebrity stylist, better known as "Melissa’s Wardrobe." She has gained a significant following over the years, with readers drawn to Holdbrook-Akposoe's chic and sophisticated style, as well as her recognizable approach to fashion and life. She is one of the few influencers who manages to sell out almost every product she features in her stories, with her audience sharing their purchases using the tag #MelMadeMeDoIt. Her influence extends beyond the digital realm; she has been featured in fashion magazines and is a noted celebrity stylist, with one of her major clients being Stormzy. She is also the founder and owner of "It's A Lifestyle, Hun," an online platform focusing on luxury in all its forms, continuing to inspire her readers and followers with her impeccable style, creativity, and passion for fashion and lifestyle.
Julia Dang is a content creator, designer, entrepreneur, Creative Director, and stylist specializing in digital visuals of Vietnamese origin based in Stockholm, Sweden. Dang began her career as a YouTuber and content creator, and today she has over 850k followers across all platforms. Alongside Micky Ho, she co-founded the company Dang-Ho specializing in creative direction, CGI, and 3D. Her journey has made her one of the leading influencers and Creative Directors in the Scandinavian fashion scene.
Conna Walker is a British entrepreneur and designer, best known as the founder and CEO of House of CB, a global luxury women's clothing brand. Under Walker's guidance, House of CB has become a highly successful and internationally recognized brand, known for its figure-enhancing designs, attention to detail, and celebrity sponsorships. In addition to her work with House of CB, Walker is involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting charities empowering women and promoting education.
Sally, also known as "Crazy Sally," is an ambassador, host, YouTuber, and content creator of Moroccan and Cameroonian origin, born and based in Paris. Coming from a legal background, her content focuses on social justice, fashion, travel, human rights, and anti-racism, all of which she is passionate about. Sally has created a YouTube series called "Motherland," where she explores the beauty of the African continent. Her impeccable sense of style and advocacy work for inclusion make her one of the most influential individuals in France.
Jocelyn Corona is a Mexican model and influencer, born in Guadalajara and based in New York. Her fashion career began in 2015 and took off in just six months, making her one of the most sought-after models. Corona's impact extends beyond the runway, as she continues to inspire and encourage people to embrace their unique beauty and identity.
Tenicka Boyd is an activist, ambassador, influencer, and content creator based in New York. Boyd has been a strong advocate for marginalized communities, particularly in her efforts to address systemic inequalities within the education system. She worked at the White House under the Obama administration. She became a fashion, travel, and lifestyle influencer during the pandemic, and her content is stylish, colorful, and engaging. She shares her personal style, travel experiences, and insights into fashion and beauty on her blog and social media platforms, where she has amassed a large following.
Shay Shay, the pseudonym for Vanessa Lesnicki, is a Belgian singer, rapper, and songwriter of Congolese origin, born in Brussels. Shay has gained prominence in the Belgian music scene with her unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop music. Shay's music often explores themes of empowerment, love, and self-expression, with lyrics reflecting her personal experiences and perspectives. Known for her dynamic stage presence and bold sense of fashion, Shay has become a celebrated figure in the Belgian and French music industry.
Jess Hunt is a British model, social media influencer, and entrepreneur based in London. Hunt rose to fame through her Instagram account, where she shares her lifestyle, fashion, and travel experiences with her followers. She founded "REFY" in 2020, disrupting the beauty industry and creating a multimillion-dollar company in a few years. Jess Hunt's combination of beauty, style, and authenticity has solidified her status as a prominent figure in the world of social media and fashion, with her influence continually growing.
Fisayo Longe is a Nigerian fashion entrepreneur, blogger, and influencer based in London. She is best known as the founder of the fashion brand "Kai Collective". In addition to her work with Kai Collective, Longe is a prominent figure in the fashion industry as a blogger and influencer. She is also known for her advocacy for diversity, sustainability, and ethical practices within the industry. Through her brand and platform, she continues to inspire and empower people to embrace their uniqueness and make a positive impact through fashion.
Rina Sawayama is a Japanese-British singer, songwriter, and model known for her genre-blending music and bold sense of fashion. Her music defies easy categorization, merging elements of pop, R&B, rock, and electronic music to create a sound that is uniquely hers. In addition to her musical career, Sawayama has also made a name for herself as a fashion icon, known for her eclectic and boundary-pushing style. Sawayama's impact extends beyond music and fashion; she is also a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and Asian representation in the media. Through her artistic skill and activism, she continues to inspire and empower audiences worldwide.
Maya Jama is a television presenter, radio host, and British model. Jama is known for her charismatic personality, sharp wit, and captivating presenting style. She began her career as a teenager, hosting radio programs, and continues to be a prominent figure in British media and entertainment, with her star power on the rise. Jama's rising profile has earned her a considerable following on social media, where she shares glimpses of her life, fashion, and career with her fans.
Adrienne Raquel is a talented photographer known for her vibrant and visually impactful images. She specializes in fashion, lifestyle, and portrait photography, capturing moments that exude beauty, confidence, and authenticity. Raquel's work is often characterized by bold colors, dynamic compositions, and a sense of intimacy that draws viewers in. Originally from New York City, Raquel has built a solid reputation in the fashion industry thanks to her creative vision and distinctive style.