Who are the icons of indie sleaze?

Kate Moss: the queen of indie sleaze

As the undisputed queen of indie sleaze, Kate Moss set and popularised the trend, especially during her high-profile relationship with Pete Doherty. Inseparable from the leader of The Libertines from 2005 to 2007, the British supermodel invented a very “sex, drugs and rock’n’roll” wardrobe that she sported wandering the streets of London or at the Glastonbury festival. Her favourite pieces include a pair of skinny jeans with ballet flats, shredded mini shorts with biker boots, leopard prints, furs and, of course, a pack of cigarettes…

Sienna Miller: the boho girl

Before impressing the audience as a Max Mara housewife in the mini-series Anatomy of a Scandal in 2022, Sienna Miller was first and foremost known as the quintessential 2000s boho girl. Blonde locks and curtain bangs, silk scarves and black eyeliner, looks by Chloé and Isabel Marant, boots and platform sandals by Suzanne… the woman who shared her life with Jude Law between 2003 and 2006 was making the front pages of both fashion magazines and tabloids. Today, Chemena Kamali’s arrival at Chloé is reviving her iconic style.

Alexa Chung: the preppy icon

The ambassador of indie sleaze in a wise, preppy version favours A-line skirts, immaculate blouses and the iconic Burberry trench coat. To add a touch of casualness to her classic, timeless style, British model Alexa Chung opts for nothing more than a pair of rock’n’roll boots coupled with a bright lipstick.

Keira Knightley: the couture muse

With her babydoll dresses, leather perfectos, clean hairdos and smokey eye make-up, Keira Knightley embodies a sophisticated, chic version of the indie sleaze aesthetic. As the face of Chanel since 2006, Keira Knightley brings a touch of couture to this very rock aesthetic. First seen in Bend It Like Beckham and Love Actually three years earlier, the actress has become a regular in period films, seducing audiences with her doll-like face, natural grace and timeless look.

Amy Winehouse: the rock star

With her unique, husky voice and chaotic lifestyle, Amy Winehouse embodies the very essence of the early 21st-century rock star. In addition to Back to Black (2006), which is often considered one of the best albums of the decade, the British singer created a singular aesthetic blending retro babydoll with an assertive and trash allure. Her look was instantly recognisable, mixing worn-out tank tops with micro shorts or skinny jeans and belted retro dresses worn with worn-out ballet flats – all that topped with her outrageous, oversized eyeliner and her voluminous Beehive hairstyle that have become her signature style.

Mischa Barton: the fallen angel

Broadcast between 2003 and 2006, the series The O.C. propelled Mischa Barton to the rank of star of the small screen. With her role as the very annoying Marissa Cooper, she embodied the archetypal rich and troubled teenager. At the time, fiction tragically met reality since the young actress also struggled with drug and alcohol addictions. Before she disappeared from the media spotlight, Mischa Barton had nonetheless become the icon of the Californian version of indie sleaze. Her rock’n’roll T-shirts, ultra low-rise jeans, scarves tied in her hair, feathered hats, ballet flats and Chanel bags were the hallmark of an era and an inspiration for a whole generation.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen: the converts

Before becoming the high priestesses of quiet luxury with their brand The Row, launched in 2006, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen owned the indie sleaze trend. The two actresses, now turned fashion designers, have perfectly mastered the art of the bohemian-rock aesthetic – Yves Saint Laurent bags on their arms, slip dresses flowing under sleeveless fur waistcoats, wavy blonde locks and make-up strengthened with black eyeliner are their daily outfits. Their style perfectly embodied the rebellious, glamorous spirit of their era.