Ariana Grande performing as model Elsa Hosk walks the runway at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show.
Photo: Karwai Tang / Getty Images
Remember when Kim Kardashian West wore bandage dresses and Miley Cyrus was a barrel-curled teen who starred in a Nicholas Sparks movie? Today Kim pals around with Alaïa, Carine, and her fashion industry-obsessed husband, Kanye. Miley stars in Marc Jacobs adverts and serves as Jeremy Scott’s main muse. Last year, stylist Katie Grand, who loves pulling unlikables out of the trash bin and making them totally cool, went for Kim’s little sister, Kendall Jenner, casting her in Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2014 show. Kendall—who dropped the “Jenner” on her modeling card—is now a regular on the Chanel runway and a BFF of Cara Delevingne’s.
So who is primed for a fashion makeover in 2015? Some ideas:
Ariana Grande
The Nickelodeon star-turned-hit record-maker has said in the past that she doesn’t “feel confident in my sexuality—or in my fashion.” As her profile rises, that will have to change, especially given the prickly reputation she’s developed as of late. (Perez Hilton compiled a comprehensive link dump of her alleged diva behavior.) Grande has already worn a Jeremy Scott-designed Moschino leather getup and a pretty-girl dress by Dolce & Gabbana, but it would be interesting to see her in something a little more intellectual, like Proenza Schouler or Creatures of the Wind.
Charli XCX
The British singer-songwriter co-wrote Icona Pop’s hit single, “I Love It,” and earned a spot opening for Katy Perry after the release of her well-received second album, Sucker. (NPR even liked it.) But her talent is only half of the equation. At 22, the performer is already developing a signature style: matte red lip, black waves, and brows that could be legitimately described as “on fleek.” With fashion, she seems to favor offbeat pieces from Moschino and Clio Peppiatt that are still slinky enough to be sexy. It’s always refreshing to find someone who’s fun to watch on the red carpet.
Ashley Benson
The Pretty Little Liars star gained some indie cred after landing a role in Harmony Korine’s 2013 film Spring Breakers, but she’s poised to go further style-wise. Off duty, she’s been spotted in Proenza Schouler and Saint Laurent, but her red-carpet game could be refined. Here’s hoping an unexpected editorial or two will get the attention of fashion insiders who can persuade the best designers to dress her.
Cher Lloyd
The British singer-songwriter and rapper just took out her extensions, revealing a piece-y, “so hot right now” lob. For her 6.7 million fans, it was a minor revelation. For the rest of the world, it proved that Lloyd might boast a little bit of flair under her cookie-cutter red-carpet image. (She’s petite, so she tends to go for formfitting, short dresses—cute, but safe.) The right stylist could bring it all up a notch.
Justin Bieber
A Calvin Klein campaign, a shoot with Karl Lagerfeld: Bieber isn’t going anywhere, so it’s time for the rest of the fashion world to throw their hands up and embrace him. Expect to see him front-row at plenty of runway shows this season—and to maybe even launch his own line. Justin Timberlake’s success as an actor allowed him to wiggle out of that teen-idol box. Maybe making headway in fashion will do the same for the Biebs.
—Lauren Sherman, Style.com
