What is a fashion icon? Who is a fashion icon? It’s a subjective idea, really, and has stirred up a great deal of argument and debate among critics and fashion historians.

In modern times we have Lady Gaga whose off-the-wall, controversial outfits have caused quite a frenzy in the fashion world. Is she a fashion icon? Some would say, “Yes!” while others would disagree. Her most outrageous outfit came just recently with the meat dress she wore at the Video Music Awards. We’ll give her credit for her creative ideas and the ability to grab entertainment headlines on a weekly basis - and perhaps she inspires people to take fashion risks, but is she indeed a true fashion icon?

British Designer, John Galliano is renowned for his theatrical fashion shows. His recent  fall-winter 2010-2011 show from men's fashion week  was was a fusion of East meets West. It was inspired  by Sherlock Holmes but he went beyond the predictable and included lace up corsets and looks inspired by Japanese traditional costumes such as the jinbei and the kimono. The footwear even included wooden Geta sandals. The result was sensational.