High school is when I started to get my sense of fashion

When Gigi Hadid reflects on her journey with fashion, stating, “High school is when I started to get my sense of fashion together. My queen was Candice Swanepoel, who is a friend of mine now, which is kind of funny, but in high school, I was obsessed. I love her street style: she is always in cool boyfriend jeans, boots, and an awesome coat, which is very much like what I wear,” she speaks not just of personal style, but of the deeper journey of self-expression and identity. Fashion is more than just clothing; it is a medium through which we communicate who we are, who we aspire to be, and how we interact with the world around us. Hadid's words capture the pivotal role that influence plays in shaping our identities, particularly in youth, when we are most impressionable and open to the world of possibilities.

The ancients understood that style and appearance were not just superficial but were expressions of individuality and culture. In Ancient Greece, the concept of ethos described the character or spirit of a person, often conveyed through dress and conduct. The philosopher Plato spoke of how one’s appearance, especially in relation to their behavior, could shape perceptions and communicate deeper truths about the soul. This is not to say that fashion alone defines a person, but it is an important tool of communication. Just as Hadid looked to Candice Swanepoel for inspiration in high school, the ancient Greeks also looked to influential figures—whether philosophers, warriors, or gods—whose style and behavior left lasting marks on society.

Hadid’s admiration for Candice Swanepoel is a reflection of the impact that others can have on our journey toward self-realization. Much like Hadid, the ancients were often influenced by figures who embodied the qualities they admired. The Roman emperor Augustus famously crafted an image of himself as a man of virtue and power, using not only his words but his public image—his attire, his mannerisms, his gestures—to communicate his authority and character. This image, carefully curated and consistently displayed, helped to cement his legacy. The key lesson here is that, like Augustus, those who influence us—whether in fashion, philosophy, or leadership—play a significant role in shaping who we become and how we present ourselves to the world.

Hadid’s words also speak to the power of role models. Throughout history, young minds have looked to others for guidance and inspiration, whether it was the ancient warriors admiring the gods, or renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci studying the works of Michelangelo. In the world of fashion, Hadid’s story mirrors a universal truth: the figures we admire in our youth often become reflections of what we wish to embody. Swanepoel, through her street style and elegance, became a symbol of beauty and confidence that Hadid sought to mirror. Through this process of emulation, young people often find their own sense of individuality, a balance between the influence of others and the expression of their own inner selves.

In Hadid’s case, her admiration for Swanepoel is not simply a matter of external beauty but a deeper resonance with Swanepoel’s authenticity—her ability to blend comfort with style, to make the effortless look seem attainable. This speaks to a broader philosophical truth: that true style is not about following trends or imitating others, but about expressing your own truth with confidence. Hadid’s choice to adopt a similar style—boyfriend jeans, boots, and a statement coat—speaks to her growing sense of self and her ability to transform inspiration into something uniquely her own.

The lesson we take from Hadid’s story is profound: in the journey to find ourselves, we inevitably draw inspiration from those who have walked the path before us, and this is part of the growth process. Whether it is through fashion, philosophy, or any other realm of life, our role models offer us glimpses into the potential of what we could be. Yet, as we grow, we refine this influence, making it our own. Just as Plato once said that the ideal philosopher-king is one who blends wisdom with action, so too is the ideal individual someone who blends the influence of others with their own authenticity.

Thus, let us learn from Gigi Hadid’s words and from the ancients: embrace the influences that shape us, but never lose sight of the need to make them our own. Fashion is not merely about clothes, just as philosophy is not merely about words; they are tools that help us express the essence of who we are and who we aspire to become. Let us look to role models, not with the aim of imitation, but with the goal of discovering our own path—a path defined by the wisdom of others, yet uniquely ours. Create, with intention and authenticity, a sense of self that speaks clearly to the world around you, and like Hadid, you will find that the influences of your past shape the greatness of your future.