What a year it has been for fashion. We have Rihanna’s nearly-nude dress and the very same year style star Olivia Palermo made a two-piece bridal look so covetable.
Another major plus: The rise of even more Asian faces joining the front row at international fashion weeks, be it the likes of Korean pop star CL from 2NE1 or wed-in-Chloé Chinese actress Gao Yuan Yuan.
As 2014 draws to a close, we look back at the super stylin’ looks from the fashionista stars we love and the ones to keep watching for more style inspiration in 2015.
RIHANNA
Rihanna’s many stylish turns in 2014, whether on the street, front row-ing or strutting a pose on the red carpet. Images: Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Puma, Chopard
There’s never a dull red carpet moment when it comes to this R&B queen. For ‘tis the year when what RiRi wore (remember that hotly Googled see-through dress?) was as headline-making as her other major news (she’s also the newly-minted Creative director of Puma). The style icon is a bag of surprises: She’ll wear just an oversized blazer and stockings one moment, then a showstopping Zac Posen gown another. Not a bad thing really, when there’s a dime a dozen of starlets in sleek black dresses.
TAYLOR SWIFT
Taylor Swift’s fab year of crop tops, co-ords and chic pump heels. Images: Alice & Olivia, Bulgari, Carolina Herrera
Another hit album, a much-copied haircut and yet another stylish year for this pop queen. She’s killing it in the style stakes, whether on the streets or on the red carpet. The best part is how easy it is to steal her look: Taylor Swift’s staples include skater dresses and skirts, as well as pairs of go-with-everything booties and pump heels.
FAN BING BING
Whether she’s up on stage or on promo tours with X-Men co-stars Hugh Jackman and Peter Dinklage (far right), Fan Bing Bing looks just so impeccable at every appearance. Images: Ralph & Russo, Chopard, Twentieth Century Fox
With her signature red lippie and the perfect ‘do each time (whether Hollywood siren curls or a chic chignon), is it any surprise to see this many fashion moments from the Chinese style icon this year? From her scene-stealing dresses — she wore a voluminous dress even in the Singapore heat for the X-Men Days of Future Past press junket — to her sixties-inspired retro chic style, Fan Bing Bing aces each red carpet appearance. She could do with less of those towering platform heels though. But that’s one minor grouse, against her legion of beautiful dresses.
CL (LEE CHAE-RIN)
Korean star CL of 2NE1 doing edgy streetwear and luxe evening looks with equal aplomb. Images: On Pedder, Burberry
For the sartorially daring, this K-Pop star will the fashion icon to look up to. While many Korean celebs get away with looking demure and sweet, that’s not the style game that 2NE1’s CL will play and we applaud her for her style savvy. Even a classic LBD is anything but boring, when worn by this star; just look at her many statement rings and huge heart-shaped metal brooch!
KEIRA KNIGHTLEY
Keira Knightley’s a girl with the pearl earring, all poised and polished in one look while equally at ease with a biker jacket on her other equally stylish off-red carpet moments. Images: Harry Winston, Burberry
Duchess Kate may be the reigning style queen of sensible maternity wear. But if you would prefer a tomboy edge to your look, the royal mum-to-be’s wardrobe just won’t do. Instead, look to Keira Knightley: For few can make denim overalls look as chic as the actress and mum-to-be Keira Knightley. Her Burberry biker jacket, slung so casually over her shoulders was matched impeccably with an otherwise ho-hum maxi dress.
KATE BOSWORTH
Kate Bosworth as fresh-faced as ever whether at an Awards night, the front row or while doing press interviews in Singapore for Audi Fashion Festival 2014(centre). Images: Hugo Boss, Leon Kiong for herworldPLUS
Even the many jaded journos at Audi Fashion Festival 2014 couldn’t help but become starstruck by this style icon; she’d been in Singapore briefly for the fashion event back in May 2014. It’s not all column dresses for this fashion-savvy front row regular either; Bosworth is just as able to wear double denim as effortlessly as the minimal red carpet looks that you see here.
EMMA WATSON
Some of the many diverse looks from Emma Watson –Images: Burberry, Valentino, Ralph Lauren
A rousing feminist speech, the British Artist of the Year and a slew of stunning red carpet appearances — yep, just another winning year from this young British actress. Long gone are the Hermione Granger days, as this star continues to shine in the style stakes, be it through her graduation day lippie, a sleek jumpsuit or a daring midriff-baring look.
OLIVIA PALERMO
The ever-photogenic Olivia Palermo is always a favourite with street style photographers at the international fashion weeks. Images: DVF, H&M, Burberry
Who knew a simple blouse and a skirt could make for such a winning bridal look? Not many would agree, until style star Olivia Palermo stepped out in this Carolina Herrera outfit for her big day. The perpetual street style favourite at fashion week continues to be our go-to for style inspiration; we’re sure she’ll continue to be yours too.
JESSICA JUNG
Jessica Jung at the Sohu Fashion Awards 2014 in Beijing. Images: Giorgio Armani
Her abrupt departure from Girls Generation may have first hogged the headlines but that’s far from the last that you’ll see of Jessica Jung. Recently crowned as one of Asia’s top style icons at the Sohu Fashion Awards 2014 in Beijing, the leggy Korean beauty had her own Angelina Jolie moment in an Armani Collezioni gown. With Jung hard at work on her fashion brand Blanc and Eclare, do expect to see more stylish turns by this Korean star in 2015.
GAO YUAN YUAN
This rising style star is the one to watch for 2015. Images: Chaumet, Michael Kors, Chloé
It’s been a blissful bridal year for this stylish star, who got wed on the big screen and now in real life too, to Taiwanese-Canadian actor Mark Chao. Elegant and poised this fresh-faced star is the one to look to for effortless style, whether in on-trend culottes or a lovely lace dress. Expect to see more and more of this Chinese actress, who has already been spotted front-rowing at the Michael Kors and Chloé Spring Summer 2015 shows at the international fashion weeks.