Culture Culture 4 min read

Wear it with pride!

From Jackie to Cher, American fashion revisited!

Image: Giorgio Trovato / mintchipdesigns

Fashion is more than just clothing; it’s an expression of personality, confidence, and culture. Over the years, certain American icons have set trends, broken rules, and defined entire eras with their unmistakable style. From Hollywood royalty to music legends, these individuals didn’t just follow fashion — they made it . Let’s take a look at some of the most unforgettable American fashion and style icons.

1
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – Timeless elegance

Image: Florida Memory

Few women have left as lasting a mark on fashion as Jackie Kennedy. She was known for her bouffant hairstyle, pillbox hats, tailored coats, and sleek shift dresses, all of which became defining styles of the 1960s.

After leaving the White House, her style evolved into something more relaxed yet equally chic. Her fashion sense was never flashy; it always exuded class.

2
Grace Kelly - The Princess of sophistication

Image: Pixabay

Grace Kelly’s name alone evokes timeless glamour. Before she became a real-life princess, she was already Hollywood royalty , known for her elegant, understated fashion choices.

She was known for her simple yet sophisticated silhouettes, often wearing A-line dresses, pearls, and classic handbags.

When she married Prince Rainier of Monaco, her bridal gown—one of the most famous of all time—sealed her status as a style icon. The Hermès "Kelly" bag was even named after her, cementing her influence in the fashion world. Talk about an influencer!

3
Elizabeth Taylor - The Queen of diamonds and drama

Image: WikiImages

Known for her lavish gowns, dramatic accessories, and love of bold colors, Elizabeth Taylor always commanded attention. She had a lifelong love affair with jewelry, particularly diamonds, and owned one of the most famous collections in the world. Whether on-screen or off, her style was glamorous, extravagant, and unapologetically feminine .

She embraced figure-hugging dresses, plunging necklines, and luxurious fabrics, making her a standout in any crowd. Taylor didn’t follow trends—she created them.

4
Marilyn Monroe - The Ultimate Bombshell

Image: pure julia

When you think of iconic American fashion, Marilyn Monroe’s name is bound to come up, right? She made hourglass silhouettes, red lipstick, and platinum blonde hair synonymous with Old Hollywood glamour.

Whether it was the iconic white halter dress from The Seven Year Itch or a curve-hugging gown dripping in sequins, no one can deny that she knew how to make a statement. Her fashion choices exuded confidence, sensuality, and star power. She was all about the how , not just what to wear!

5
David Bowie - The chameleon of style

Image: David Preston

Fashion is for men too, you know? Take David Bowie, for example. He wasn’t just a music legend—he was a walking fashion revolution. He reinvented himself countless times, from the glittering, androgynous Ziggy Stardust to the sleek and sophisticated Thin White Duke.

He pushed boundaries with bold makeup, avant-garde suits, and dramatic costumes , never afraid to embrace the unusual. Bowie understood that fashion is a performance, a statement, and an extension of identity.

6
Diana Ross - Disco diva and glam goddess

Image: Gideon Hezekiah

Diana Ross took fashion to dazzling new heights. As the lead singer of The Supremes and later as a solo star, she embraced glitzy gowns, feather boas, and over-the-top glamour.

She was the definition of confidence and star power, making every sequin shine just a little brighter. In the 1970s, her big hair (isn’t that the first thing you think of?), bold colors, and dramatic silhouettes became legendary. But she also knew how to rock chic, tailored suits and exude effortless elegance when the occasion called for it. To put it simply, she was the blueprint for diva style.

7
Prince - Fashion without limits

Image: Doyoun Seo

Another man on the list, and he has truly earned this spot. Prince didn’t just wear clothes; he made them an extension of his art. Known for his purple suits, ruffled shirts, and sky-high heels, he redefined masculinity in fashion.

He blurred the lines between romantic, edgy, and flamboyant , making everything he wore feel iconic. Lace, sequins, metallic fabrics—whatever it was, he embraced it all with confidence. His signature color, purple, became an essential part of his brand. But more than anything, he made it clear that personal style should have no rules.

8
Cher - The Queen of reinvention

Image: Andrey Zvyagintsev

Did you think we would forget about her? Of course not! Cher is the original risk-taker in fashion. From iconic dresses to extravagant feathered headpieces , she’s never been afraid to push boundaries. She turned glamorous, bohemian, and rockstar styles into her signature looks.

In the ’60s, she rocked hippie-chic bell bottoms. By the ’70s and ’80s, she had become a daring fashion powerhouse on the red carpet. Even today, she continues to surprise with her bold choices. If anyone has proven that fashion is about having fun and embracing drama, it’s definitely Cher.

9
Lauren Bacall - Effortlessly cool and always classy

Image: Gabrielle Henderson

Lauren Bacall’s fashion was the epitome of effortless sophistication. She mastered the art of sharp tailoring, wide-leg trousers, and classic silhouettes . With her deep voice and signature smirk, she radiated cool confidence in everything she wore.

She made menswear-inspired fashion incredibly chic long before it became trendy. Her style was all about clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and understated glamour. If you want to channel timeless elegance, look no further—she’s the one to look up to!

10
Katharine Hepburn - The queen of trousers

Image: Khaled Ali

Speaking of power suits, before that was even a thing, Katharine Hepburn was redefining women’s fashion. She was known for her love of menswear-inspired looks , often sporting tailored trousers, crisp button-down shirts, and structured blazers.

At a time when women were expected to dress in delicate, feminine styles, Hepburn’s bold, no-nonsense aesthetic was revolutionary. She proved that style isn’t about following trends—it’s about confidence, and that a ball gown has nothing on tailored trousers!

General General 5 min read

Which would you attend first?

Would you try Garlic Ice Cream? 10 unusual festivals held in the U.S.

Image: Matt Benson

Would you rather attend a subaquatic music concert or sail in a hollowed-out pumpkin? Or maybe you’d prefer to watch a jousting tournament or try garlic ice cream? These are just a few of the quirky activities that were or are still offered in some of the strangest and dearest festivals held annually around the country. Read on to find out if you’ve heard of them—or if one of them happens to be a festival you've attended!

1
Bay to Breakers

Image: Cecep Rahmat

Back in 1986, Bay to Breakers set the Guinness World Record for the largest footrace, with 110,000 registered participants. If you want to understand what type of sports event would summon so many athletes, you need to picture a unique blend of a race and an all-out costume parade.

This 7.5-mile course stretches from the San Francisco Bay (at Howard Street) to the Pacific Ocean. Held every third Sunday of May, the event is a local party where people wear elaborate costumes —think cartoon characters, colorful animals, and even synchronized group outfits. Bay to Breakers began in 1912 as a way to boost morale in San Francisco after the devastation of the 1906 earthquake.

2
Running of the Bulls

Image: San Fermin Pamplona - Navarra

You’d be wrong to think that the San Fermin Festival is only held in Pamplona, Spain. In 2007, New Orleans created its own version of the "Running of the Bulls." Here in the U.S., participants dress in all-white clothing with red accessories, as per tradition. But they don’t run from bulls: they run from roller derby skaters wearing horned helmets , wielding plastic bats, and chasing them around the streets.

Held in the summer to coincide with Pamplona's festival dates, this event is accompanied by food, drinks, live music, and a lively atmosphere that blends Spanish and New Orleans styles.

3
Goffstown Pumpkinboat Regatta

Image: Kris Møklebust

Did you know that you can sail inside a pumpkin ? This is standard procedure at Goffstown Pumpkin Regatta, held every autumn in New Hampshire. In the year 2000, local growers envisioned an event that would turn oversized pumpkins—some weighing as much as 1,000 pounds—into something fun and unusual.

Their challenge? Hollowing out massive pumpkins to turn them into boats, to then paddle them in a regatta down the Piscataquog River. Over the years, more and more contestants signed up to participate with flamboyant pumpkin designs and matching costumes. Of course, the event also features a pumpkin weigh-off , craft and food vendors, as well as live music and games.

4
Twins Days

Image: Keisha Montfleury

Twinsburg, Ohio, decided many decades ago that it was the perfect location to hold a yearly celebration of twin siblings. After all, the town was named after identical twin brothers who owned most of the land in the 1800s. Over the years, the festival has grown to become the world’s largest annual gathering of twins, triplets, and other multiples.

Traditionally, all participating twins show up dressed either identically or mismatchedly. Some of them even showcase their talents, ranging from music to comedy. Among food stalls, carnival rides, and live music, there is also a "Research" spot. There, scientists and researchers attend to study willing twins for insights into genetics, biometric data, and their health conditions.

5
Houston Art Car Parade

Image: Christopher Osten

Houston’s Art Car Parade began in the 1980s as a way to promote unconventional creativity and art . Back then, only 40 vehicles participated, but today the festival has become one of the most colorful art car parades in the world.

Participants transform their cars, bikes, and other vehicles into mobile artworks for this yearly parade held every April. Cars with the most outrageous designs—styled to look like dragons, unicorns, fruits, or even structured to appear to be stacked on top of one another—have been featured in past celebrations. Nowadays, the parade attracts over 250 art cars from across the U.S., as well as an audience of 250,000 lined up to watch.

6
Corgi Beach Day

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A beach invaded by corgis sounds like a heavenly sight for dog lovers . Every year at Huntington Beach, California, this event gathers corgi enthusiasts and their furry friends to celebrate their love for the breed.

Sometimes the dogs wear costumes, and contests are run with categories like "Best Themed Outfit" and "Cutest Corgi." Short races are also organized, though owners know their corgi's legs aren't built for speed, so the event is held in good humor to watch the corgis happily walk around. Mr. Pickles the Corgi, the mascot of the event, has become an internet sensation. Of course, the beach day features merchandise stands with corgi-themed products for dogs and their humans to take home.

7
Fremont Solstice Parade

Image: Jordan Crawford

Organized on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, this celebration has become a symbol of creativity, self-expression, and community . It was conceived in the late ‘80s to counter corporate-sponsored parades, which locals found cold and generalistic. They decided to combat it by organizing a parade that would showcase warmth and individuality.

The parade prohibits motorized vehicles, written words, and commercial logos. Only handmade arts and crafts are allowed. Puppets, dance troupes, musicians, and giant kinetic sculptures are often seen parading the streets of Freemont under the sun. The event usually wraps up at sunset with picnics and music at Gas Works Park.

8
Underwater Music Festival

Image: Victoria Ballesteros

You read that correctly. There’s an underwater music festival held every summer at Looe Key Reef , off the coast of the Florida Keys. The event was designed to combine two things the region is known for: the preservation of marine life and laid-back music.

Don’t worry, the music is not played directly underwater. Musicians pre-record the performances and these are transmitted through waterproof speakers placed along the reef. The playlist also often includes water-themed hits like "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles and "Fins" by Jimmy Buffett. Many participants show up to dive in wearing fanciful costumes, like mermaids or sea creatures.

9
Texas Renaissance Festival

Image: Matt Benson

Some of the most famous festivals across the country are Renaissance fairs that draw visitors into an immersive celebration of medieval and fantasy culture . The largest of these is the Texas Renaissance Fair, which takes place on a former strip-mining site near Houston.

Hundreds of thousands of fans flock to this festival. It features a 55-acre village with cobblestone streets, themed buildings, and costumed performers. In it, fans can wander through medieval taverns , blacksmith shops, and artisan booths. Different shows add to the atmosphere, including jousting tournaments and falconry demonstrations. The event is held over several weekends, each with a different theme, such as Oktoberfest, Pirate Adventure, or Celtic Christmas.

10
Garlic Festival

Image: Min An

We conclude with the only festival in the country where you could ask for garlic ice cream . Until 2019, every July in Gilroy, California, garlic growers and lovers would gather for the Gilroy Garlic Festival, which had become a world-renowned event. Sadly, after 2020, the event was discontinued.

Of course, you could approach the food stands and ask for your typical garlic fries or garlic bread. But there was much more to do. You could attend cooking demonstrations, and garlic-themed contests (like the garlic-braiding competition), and enjoy live music across several stages. There was also a Miss Gilroy Garlic Queen pageant, where contestants were judged not only on traditional pageant criteria but also on their knowledge of garlic.

History History 3 min read

Test your memory

From flappers to disco: Which decade fits the clue?

Image: Roman Kraft

Every generation has its soundtrack, its fashions, and the major cultural shifts that define an era. Some decades are remembered for their music, others for technology, and some for both. But do you think you can place these moments in time ? We’ve put together six sets of clues about American life across the last century. First, try your hand at guessing the decade, and then scroll down to see the answers!

1
Clue #1

Image: Hybrid Storytellers

A nationwide ban on alcohol gave rise to speakeasies and bootlegging . Dance halls were alive with new rhythms, and women in shorter skirts shocked traditional society. Cities buzzed with fresh art, literature, and music. Affordable cars began filling the streets, changing how people lived and traveled.

2
Clue #2

Image: Tim Mossholder

The sound of distorted guitars and flannel shirts became the uniform of youth culture. At the same time, toy shops were filled with collectible plush animals and tiny digital pets. Computers were shrinking, and the world was just learning what "online" really meant. Sitcoms about groups of friends or quirky families topped the TV charts, while early cell phones were starting to appear in everyday life.

3
Clue #3

Image: Dominik Mecko

This period glittered with light-up dance floors and pulsing rhythms. Movie theaters drew crowds to see epic space battles and summer blockbusters . Fads like mood rings and quirky pet rocks had their moment in the spotlight. On the flip side, fuel shortages tested patience, and quick-service burger joints began appearing on more street corners.

4
Clue #4

Image: Cesira Alvarado

Families grew larger, and shiny new suburbs began to sprawl outside cities. Teenagers tuned in to a fresh sound that worried parents but captivated youth. Cars rolled into drive-ins for movies or burgers, while living rooms glowed with the latest entertainment gadget: the television set.

5
Clue #5

Image: Mitchell Orr

Television expanded with channels devoted to sports and 24-hour news. Music fans were glued to screens watching flashy new music videos . Young professionals embraced big paychecks, bold fashion, and an appetite for luxury. Arcades buzzed with electronic sounds, and living rooms welcomed the first home gaming systems.

6
Answer #1: The 1920s

Image: Marvin Meyer

Known as the Roaring Twenties, this decade was defined by Prohibition, flappers, and the Harlem Renaissance . Jazz poured out of clubs, while the Model T made road trips possible for everyday families. It was a time of innovation, rebellion, and cultural change.

7
Answer #2: The 1990s

Image: Dasha Zhytanska

The internet emerged, fueling the dot-com boom. Grunge bands from Seattle reshaped the music scene, while sitcoms like Friends and Seinfeld ruled TV. Kids collected Beanie Babies and fed Tamagotchis, while cell phones gradually became a part of daily life.

8
Answer #3: The 1970s

Image: Matthew LeJune

Disco fever ruled the nightclubs, and blockbusters like Star Wars rewrote movie history. Quirky fads, such as Pet Rocks, had short but memorable lifespans. Rising gas prices caused long lines at fuel stations, while fast food giants spread across the country.

9
Answer #4: The 1950s

Image: Elizabeth Smith

Suburbs such as Levittown expanded rapidly as families grew during the Baby Boom. Rock ‘n’ roll stars like Elvis lit up radios . TV ownership soared, transforming family routines, while drive-ins and diners became favorite hangouts for teenagers.

10
Answer #5: The 1980s

Image: National Cancer Institute

The launch of MTV sparked the music video explosion , while arcades buzzed with hits like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong . Yuppies pursued ambitious careers and embraced neon fashion. Cable television expanded viewing options, and home consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System brought gaming into millions of households.

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