New York socialite Michelle Harper is one of the city’s leading fashion icons. Even more than that, she is a shining beacon of American fashion. Michelle is famed for wearing the most outrageously fashionable ensembles. Although many writers compare her to the late Isabella Blow, I believe that as a champion of individuality Michelle deserves recognition in her own right, on her own terms. She is a patron of FIT and sits on the board of directors of the Couture Council, where she helps foster the next generation of fashion talent in addition to owning a beauty products conglomerate.

Michelle is immensely inspiring to me in how she incorporates extravagant fashion into her everyday life. Michelle dresses like this all the time – not just during fashion week. I’ve always said that it’s my dream to someday be in a position to wear Rodarte to the grocery store. Is there anything more fabulous than wearing heavily designed garments to engage in the most mundane life activities? Rodarte may be the apex, the top of the fashion mountain so to speak, but it’s more about letting your inner-self shine in the most basic environments. Not everyone (including me) can afford to wear designer clothing everyday so it’s important to remember simple ways to spice up your day-to-day ensembles. Wearing red lipstick to the office or clipping a vintage brooch onto a plain wool overcoat are easy ways to add flair to your everyday life.

After all, not everyone can be Michelle Harper – there is only one.