Each year, the TIME100 list of the most influential people in the world offers a powerful glimpse into the individuals who are shaping our cultural landscape. For 2025, this year’s honorees include a diverse array of figures from entertainment, politics, business, and the arts—each leaving their unique mark on the world. Among these, the fashion, visual, and literary arts icons featured are more than just trendsetters; they are pushing the boundaries of style, creativity, and culture in ways that continue to inspire and provoke.
As always, GRAZIA is here to shine a spotlight on the cultural forces that define the intersection of fashion and influence. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable figures on the 2025 TIME100 list who are reshaping fashion and style (because we know that’s where your heart lies, too).
Miuccia Prada: The Eternal Innovator
A name synonymous with forward-thinking design and a unique perspective on fashion, Miuccia Prada has been a defining force in the fashion industry for decades. As the creative director of the luxury brand Prada, Miuccia has continuously challenged the status quo, blending high art with high fashion to create collections that speak to both intellect and aesthetic.
Her influence on contemporary fashion is immeasurable, often pushing boundaries with her bold use of materials, shapes, and themes. Whether through her groundbreaking Miu Miu collections or her ever-iconic work with Prada, Miuccia’s impact has rippled throughout the fashion world, paving the way for future designers and making her one of the most respected names in fashion today.
Yoshitomo Nara: Bridging Art and Fashion
The 2025 TIME100 list also highlights Yoshitomo Nara, the renowned Japanese artist whose work blends the whimsical and the dark, often seen in the form of mischievous, wide-eyed figures. While Nara is primarily known for his paintings and sculptures, his influence extends into fashion. His artwork has been featured on clothing, accessories, and collaborations with various fashion brands, cementing his place as a cultural force in both the visual arts and fashion worlds.
By collaborating with brands like Stella McCartney, Nara’s work continues to impact the visual language of fashion, adding an emotional layer to garments that often goes unnoticed in mainstream fashion culture.
Mickalene Thomas: Reclaiming Beauty and Identity
An iconic artist whose work celebrates beauty, identity, and representation, Mickalene Thomas has made waves both in the art world and beyond. Known for her vibrant, rhinestone-encrusted portraits of Black women, Thomas’ work often addresses themes of empowerment and the female gaze.
Her influence in the fashion industry is also notable, as her work has been translated into the world of runway shows and design. Collaborations with luxury brands like Fondation Louis Vuitton and involvement in design projects showcase how Thomas is rewriting the narrative on beauty and self-expression through art and style.
Willy Chavarria: A Voice of Bold Fashion
Willy Chavarria, a designer who has made waves with his inclusive and forward-thinking approach to fashion, is another standout figure on the 2025 TIME100 list. Known for his bold designs and focus on inclusivity, Chavarria’s work challenges traditional norms while elevating diverse cultural narratives.
His creations often blend streetwear with luxury, creating pieces that are at once powerful and elegant. Chavarria’s work is not only a reflection of his personal heritage but also a statement about the cultural conversations we should be having in the fashion industry today.
Miranda July: The Multidisciplinary Trendsetter
Miranda July is one of the most innovative, interdisciplinary artists of our time, having successfully merged filmmaking, literature, and visual art. Known for her quirky yet meaningful approach to life and culture, July’s personal style — eccentric, bold, and imaginative — has also become a cultural touchstone. Her unique sensibility has permeated the worlds of both fashion and art, often influencing how fashion can serve as an extension of personal narrative.
As an actress, director, and writer, July represents the increasingly important intersection of personal expression and fashion, with a style that is as conceptual as her art. The multi-hyphenate has also collaborated with brands including UNIQLO, Welcome Companions, and Heart Heart Heart to create curated apparel and accessory items.
Final Thoughts: A New Era of Fashion and Style
The 2025 TIME100 list is a reminder of how interconnected culture, art, and fashion are in shaping the world we live in today. From designers like Miuccia Prada and Willy Chavarria to the visual artists like Yoshitomo Nara and Mickalene Thomas, these icons are not just pushing boundaries in their respective fields — they are changing the way we think about fashion, identity, and influence in the modern world.
As the fashion and artistic landscapes continue to evolve, these cultural trailblazers are redefining what it means to be stylish, influential, and visionary artists in 2025 and beyond.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA USA.
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