Oh, the 2010s! Wasn’t it just yesterday we were scrolling through Tumblr, obsessing over galaxy prints, and rocking our favorite skinny jeans? It was a decade of incredible transformation, where fashion wasn’t just dictated by runways anymore, but by the burgeoning power of social media and, of course, the undeniable influence of our favorite pop culture queens and bona fide supermodels. This era saw a dynamic blend of nostalgia, the mainstreaming of subcultural aesthetics, and digital platforms rapidly shaping fashion cycles, truly making it a period unlike any other in style history.
From the return of vintage-inspired silhouettes to the rise of athleisure, the 2010s were a wild ride through a sartorial landscape that was constantly evolving. And who better to guide us through this fabulous journey than the trailblazing women who absolutely owned the magazine covers, capturing the essence of each passing trend and setting the tone for what was next? These individuals weren’t just faces on a page; they were a mirror reflecting the wider cultural shifts, seamlessly blending pop culture, music, fashion, and sports into an irresistible mix that defined an entire generation’s style.
Join us as we take a glamorous stroll down memory lane, celebrating seven of these absolute goddesses who adorned the covers of GQ in the early 2010s. We’ll dive into how their iconic presence coincided with and helped define the era’s most exciting fashion moments, from the lingering vibes of the 2000s to the first whispers of the digital fashion revolution. Get ready to reminisce and get inspired by the women who truly ruled the style conversation.
1. **Rihanna (January 2010)**:
Rihanna kicked off the decade on the cover of GQ in January 2010, starting the ‘Teens off with a bang, as the context so perfectly puts it. Her presence immediately signaled the powerful intersection of music and fashion that would dominate the decade. At this point, the early 2010s were still heavily influenced by carryovers from the late 2000s, like low-rise skinny jeans and rhinestone-embellished tank tops, but an exciting shift was already underway, with bold graphic prints and metallics making their mark in party attire.
This period was characterized by a casual-wear aesthetic that often emphasized layered looks, with fitted T-shirts or camisoles styled over tees. The fashion world was also dipping its toes into eclectic revivals, with fast fashion retailers popularizing vintage-inspired styles from the 1950s and 1980s. Neon colors—think pink, teal, yellow, and magenta—were everywhere, often paired with eye-catching animal patterns, especially zebra and leopard prints. Rihanna, with her fearless approach to style, was perfectly poised to embody and elevate these emerging trends, showcasing how a pop star could effortlessly merge glamour with bold, playful fashion.
Her early 2010s appearances, including this GQ cover, helped solidify her status as a true fashion icon, demonstrating how celebrity influence was becoming paramount. She wasn’t just wearing clothes; she was setting trends, pushing boundaries, and making a statement about individuality and confidence. This was a time when chunky jewelry, especially pendants and rings with metallic finishes, were prominent, echoing 1980s power dressing. Rihanna’s star power ensured that whatever she touched, whether it was a daring graphic print or a shimmering metallic detail, instantly became a must-have, making her an undeniable goddess of the early 2010s fashion landscape.
2. **Miranda Kerr (June 2010)**:
Gracing the June 2010 cover, Miranda Kerr brought a supermodel’s elegance to the nascent fashion trends of the new decade. Her presence on a major men’s magazine like GQ during this time was a nod to the enduring appeal of classic beauty while subtly reflecting the era’s stylistic evolution. The early 2010s were still clinging to some 2000s trends, such as low-rise skinny jeans and fitted tops, yet the winds of change were beginning to blow, ushering in a more diverse and eclectic fashion scene.
Miranda Kerr’s clean, sophisticated image often contrasted with some of the more overtly maximalist trends of the moment, such as the continued popularity of tattoo designs and emo-inspired imagery. However, her covers also highlighted the decade’s growing appreciation for a more refined approach to fashion, even amidst the neon colors and bold animal prints that were gaining traction. She subtly embodied the “retro and vintage revival” that was taking hold, with retailers popularizing 1950s-inspired silhouettes. Her look often featured the fitted blazers and peplum tops that were emerging, echoing mid-20th century tailoring.
As a global supermodel, Kerr’s influence extended beyond just her high-fashion campaigns; her magazine covers and public appearances shaped perceptions of modern femininity. She represented an accessible yet aspirational style, showing how to integrate emerging trends like chunky statement jewelry and varied skirt silhouettes—from tight bandage skirts to looser jersey skater skirts—into a polished look. Her GQ cover moment underscored the blend of classic glamour and contemporary trends that defined the early 2010s, solidifying her place as a fashion icon.
3. **Scarlett Johansson (December 2010)**:
By December 2010, Scarlett Johansson’s GQ cover was a perfect capstone to the first year of the new decade, showcasing a blend of Hollywood glamour and the evolving trends of the early 2010s. This period was still riding the wave of 2000s carryovers, but it was also a moment where new retro revivals were cementing their place in mainstream fashion. Her appearance on a prominent magazine like GQ further amplified these shifts, influencing a wide audience.
The fashion landscape around this time was a mix of continued popularity for acid wash or brightly colored skinny jeans, paired with graphic T-shirts, and a burgeoning interest in vintage-inspired styles. Fast fashion retailers were actively replicating elements from the 1950s and 1980s, bringing vibrant neon colors and bold graphic prints to the forefront. Johansson, known for her classic yet alluring style, likely brought a refined interpretation to these trends, demonstrating how to integrate modern appeal with nostalgic elements.
Scarlett’s presence on the cover would have resonated with the broader interest in tailored, fit-and-flare mid-century silhouettes that were part of the retro revival. Accessories also played a significant role, with chunky jewelry and headbands worn both across the forehead (1920s style) or higher on the crown (1960s mod). Her ability to embody both timeless elegance and the edgy, evolving fashion of the time positioned her as a defining style figure, making her a goddess who helped shape the visual narrative of the early 2010s.
4. **Mila Kunis (August 2011)**:
Mila Kunis’s August 2011 GQ cover arrived at a pivotal moment in the early 2010s, as fashion began to transition from the immediate 2000s influences towards new, eclectic revivals and the first signs of alternative aesthetics. Her rising star power meant her magazine appearances were closely watched, making her a significant figure in reflecting and shaping the decade’s style direction. This period was marked by an increasing mainstream adoption of elements previously considered subcultural.
Around 2011, the fashion world was seeing an influx of 1980s and 1990s inspired elements. For women, this included a continued fondness for neon colors and a wider embrace of bold graphic prints. The context mentions that by 2012, elements of alternative fashion, such as skull prints, cross motifs, and studs, were becoming widely adopted. While Kunis’s personal style often leaned towards sophisticated glamour, her visibility would have played a role in normalizing these diverse influences for a broader audience, reflecting the era’s growing stylistic fluidity.
Her cover coincided with a time when social media platforms like Tumblr were beginning to amplify youth-led trends, including what would become known as ‘soft grunge.’ While not overtly grunge, Kunis’s ability to project a cool, understated confidence made her a style icon who could easily navigate between red carpet elegance and the more casual, trend-driven looks. Her enduring appeal helped define what it meant to be effortlessly chic in an era that was rapidly mixing vintage inspirations with contemporary cool, showcasing her as a definitive fashion goddess.
5. **Michelle Williams (February 2012)**:
Michelle Williams, appearing on the GQ cover in February 2012, brought a touch of refined elegance to a fashion landscape increasingly influenced by diverse retro revivals and emerging alternative styles. Her presence, often characterized by a sophisticated and thoughtful approach to fashion, contrasted with some of the decade’s louder trends, yet she remained a powerful and respected voice in the style conversation, particularly as a film actress known for her distinctive choices.
By 2012, the early 2010s were fully embracing an eclectic mix of influences. Alongside the continued popularity of neon colors and animal prints, there was a growing interest in structured pieces like peplum tops and fitted blazers, echoing mid-20th century tailoring. While Michelle Williams might not have been seen in neon skinny jeans, her embrace of well-tailored, often vintage-inspired silhouettes perfectly aligned with the broader “retro and vintage revival” the context describes, demonstrating how these looks could be interpreted with a timeless grace.
Her role as a fashion muse often highlighted the beauty in understated accessories, such as headbands and chunky jewelry in metallic finishes. This period also saw the mainstreaming of alternative fashion elements like skull prints and studs, which Williams, through her more classic lens, might have subtly countered or provided a different perspective on. Her ability to exude quiet power and sartorial confidence made her an inspiring figure, cementing her status as a goddess of fashion who proved that enduring style could beautifully coexist with the decade’s more ephemeral trends.
6. **Kate Upton (July 2012)**:
Kate Upton’s July 2012 GQ cover made a significant splash, arriving just as the fashion landscape of the early 2010s was fully blossoming into a vibrant mix of retro callbacks and new, digitally-driven aesthetics. As a prominent model, her cover was a powerful statement, reflecting how body positivity and a confident allure were becoming increasingly central to the decade’s fashion narrative. Her appearance cemented her role as a cultural icon, influencing trends both on and off the runway.
At this point in 2012, the fashion world was a melting pot. The low-rise silhouette of the early decade was beginning to cede ground to high-waisted bottoms, which were emerging as a new dominant trend. There was also a strong current of “soft grunge” and alternative iconography, with skull prints, cross motifs, and studs being widely adopted and amplified by platforms like Tumblr. Kate Upton, with her mainstream appeal, helped integrate these diverse trends into the broader fashion consciousness, even if her personal style leaned more towards classic bombshell glamour.
Her visibility contributed to the era’s emphasis on visually rich content, a hallmark of the Refinery29 style. The popularity of galaxy prints and space-themed patterns on leggings and dresses also showcased the diffusion of social media trends into mainstream fashion. Kate Upton’s magnetic presence on a GQ cover at this precise moment underscored the power of a strong, confident woman in an industry increasingly focused on diverse representations and digitally-driven trends, establishing her as an undeniable fashion goddess of the early 2010s.
7. **Beyoncé (February 2013)**:
Beyoncé’s February 2013 GQ cover was nothing short of iconic, arriving as the early 2010s were reaching their full, glorious stride, bridging the gap between established trends and the exciting innovations yet to come. As a global superstar, her fashion choices and magazine appearances were always monumental, influencing millions and setting the bar for what it meant to be a true style icon. Her presence on GQ was a testament to her unparalleled cultural and fashion impact.
By 2013, the fashion scene was a fascinating tapestry of continued retro revivals and the firm establishment of new aesthetics. Peplum tops and dresses, which emphasized the waist with a flared ruffle, were widely worn in both casual and formal settings, reflecting a modern take on mid-20th century tailoring. Beyoncé, with her dynamic stage presence and sophisticated street style, effortlessly embodied the blend of power and femininity that these silhouettes represented, showcasing their versatility and appeal.
This period also saw the rise of ‘soft grunge’ elements and festival fashion, with boho styles bringing hippie counterculture into mainstream casual apparel, popularized by events like Coachella. While Beyoncé’s aesthetic often leans more towards polished and intentional glamour, her influence undoubtedly informed how these diverse trends were received and interpreted by the masses. Her ability to command attention and inspire adoration through her fashion choices cemented her as an undisputed goddess of the 2010s, shaping trends and elevating style with every appearance, including this unforgettable GQ cover.
As we journey deeper into the 2010s, the fashion landscape continued its thrilling evolution, moving from the last echoes of the 2000s into a vibrant, digitally-driven era. The mid-2010s, roughly from 2014 to 2016, witnessed the firm establishment of athleisure, the sleek rise of minimalism, and the undeniable explosion of influencer culture. These trends weren’t just passing fads; they were monumental shifts that redefined how we dressed, shopped, and viewed style, all amplified by the powerful women who commanded attention on magazine covers and social media alike.
These next seven goddesses of fashion didn’t just wear clothes; they embodied the spirit of the mid-decade, pushing boundaries and solidifying the trends that continue to influence us today. From pop queens owning sophisticated elegance to models cementing the athleisure craze, their GQ cover moments are time capsules of a truly dynamic sartorial period. Get ready to dive back into the heart of the 2010s and celebrate the women who made it unforgettable!
8. **Katy Perry (February 2014)**:
Katy Perry’s appearance on the GQ cover in February 2014 marked a fascinating moment, right as the early 2010s were transitioning into their more mature, mid-decade phase. As a global pop sensation, Katy’s style was always a delightful blend of playful theatrics and undeniable glamour, making her the perfect figure to embody the era’s evolving fashion narratives. While the early decade still loved its vibrant hues, a subtle shift was already underway towards a more refined palette, and Katy was effortlessly at the forefront of this change.
This period saw a gradual move away from the aggressive neon colors and overtly graphic layering that characterized the earlier years. Instead, trends were leaning towards earth tones and muted pastels, embracing clean lines and minimalist silhouettes. Katy, with her ability to pivot from candy-colored extravagance to sleek sophistication, showcased how stars could adapt to these shifts, integrating elements of a growing appreciation for streamlined looks into her powerful public image. Her fashion was always an engaging conversation starter, reflecting the decade’s visually rich appeal.
Her immense influence as a pop culture icon meant that her style choices, particularly on a platform like GQ, resonated deeply with a wide audience. She demonstrated the powerful intersection of music, celebrity, and fashion, guiding fans through a period of immense stylistic fluidity. Katy Perry truly represented the ability to transform and lead, solidifying her place as a fashion goddess who helped define the aesthetic dialogue of the mid-2010s.
9. **Emily Ratajkowski (July 2014)**:
Emily Ratajkowski’s July 2014 GQ cover arrived at a pivotal time, signaling the burgeoning era of the ‘it’ girl model who transcended traditional runway boundaries. Her undeniable confidence and effortlessly cool allure perfectly encapsulated the mid-2010s’ growing emphasis on body positivity and individual expression. This was when social media platforms were beginning to amplify personal style, making figures like Emily powerful trendsetters who shaped fashion narratives with every public appearance.
The mid-2010s were a fascinating blend of various aesthetics, from the peak of festival fashion to the steady rise of minimalism. Emily’s style often walked a captivating tightrope between these trends, showcasing a minimalist approach to daring looks or infusing boho-chic elements with a sleek, contemporary edge. She flawlessly demonstrated how elements like delicate necklaces and chokers were replacing the chunkier statement jewelry of the early decade, offering a more refined and nuanced approach to accessories.
Her global visibility, both as a model and an early social media personality, made her a key figure in the explosion of influencer culture. Emily wasn’t just wearing the trends; she was embodying a confident, empowered femininity that resonated deeply with a generation seeking authenticity and strength in their style. Her GQ cover moment underscored her status as a definitive fashion goddess, effortlessly blending aspiration with relatable cool.
10. **Kendall Jenner (May 2015)**:
Kendall Jenner’s May 2015 GQ cover was a landmark moment, emphatically cementing her status as a supermodel powerhouse and a leading architect of the mid-2010s fashion scene. By 2015, the landscape was firmly dominated by social media, and Kendall, with her colossal online presence, became an unparalleled influencer. Every outfit, every appearance, was a global fashion statement, solidifying her as the ultimate style authority for a generation.
Her personal style was a masterclass in the “monochrome and minimalism” aesthetic that Instagram globally promoted. She flawlessly embraced “clean lines and minimalist silhouettes,” often favoring the muted pastels and earth tones that supplanted the earlier decade’s maximalism. Kendall frequently sported “structured crop tops” and “boxy outerwear,” defining a sleek, modern look that became synonymous with mid-decade chic, demonstrating how simplicity could be incredibly impactful.
Kendall was also at the cutting edge of the “athleisure” movement, effortlessly integrating “leggings, joggers, yoga pants, and athletic fabrics” into her everyday wardrobe. She elevated casual wear to high fashion, creating a “high-low effect” that blended comfort with designer pieces. Her ability to translate high fashion into accessible, aspirational looks, amplified by her massive following, unquestionably positioned her as a defining fashion goddess of the 2010s.
11. **Taylor Swift (November 2015)**:
Taylor Swift’s November 2015 GQ cover showcased a significant style evolution, arriving as the mid-2010s were in full, fabulous swing. Her transition from a country music darling to a global pop superstar was beautifully mirrored by her increasingly sophisticated and fashion-forward wardrobe, proving that true icons constantly evolve and inspire. She became a powerful voice in shaping trends, captivating millions with her every move.
While her style journey was diverse, Taylor often leaned into a polished glamour that perfectly aligned with the mid-decade’s appreciation for “streamlined silhouettes” and intentional elegance. She demonstrated how “delicate necklaces, chokers, and pendant charms” were replacing the bolder, chunkier statement jewelry of previous years, embracing a more refined approach to accessorizing. Her public image consistently projected an empowering confidence, making her fashion choices feel both aspirational and relatable.
Her immense fan base, amplified exponentially by social media, meant her fashion statements had an unparalleled reach, profoundly impacting “influencer culture.” Taylor Swift’s ability to command attention and inspire adoration through her carefully curated style cemented her status as an undisputed goddess of the 2010s. She consistently shaped and elevated the style conversation, making this unforgettable GQ cover a testament to her enduring fashion impact.
12. **Alessandra Ambrosio (February 2016)**:
As a veteran supermodel, Alessandra Ambrosio’s February 2016 GQ cover, shared with Cristiano Ronaldo, served as a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of classic modeling talent within the rapidly changing mid-2010s fashion landscape. By 2016, athleisure was a firmly established trend, and minimalist aesthetics continued to reign supreme, reflecting a global shift towards comfort without sacrificing style. Alessandra, with her seasoned elegance, effortlessly navigated these new currents.
Alessandra, known for her glamorous Victoria’s Secret runway walks, adapted beautifully to the mid-decade’s shift towards natural color palettes and sophisticated ease. Her off-duty style frequently showcased elements of “athleisure,” such as “leggings” and “white sneakers,” demonstrating how even top supermodels embraced this practical yet chic movement. She also brought a refined touch to “festival fashion,” incorporating “vintage-inspired pieces” like “off-the-shoulder Bardot tops” or “bell-bottom palazzo pants” with her signature polish, always maintaining an air of effortless cool.
Her global recognition and powerful presence on magazine covers, even in shared features, solidified her as an icon who influenced both high fashion runways and mainstream street style. Alessandra represented the aspirational yet accessible style that was a hallmark of the mid-2010s, seamlessly blending glamour with the decade’s new emphasis on comfort and understated chic. She truly remained an enduring goddess of style, showcasing how timeless beauty could evolve with the times.
13. **Hailey Clauson (June 2016)**:
Hailey Clauson’s June 2016 GQ cover, alongside Rob Gronkowski, catapulted her further into the spotlight as the mid-2010s reached their vibrant conclusion. Her powerful presence on such a prominent platform highlighted the increasing diversity in modeling and the confident allure that was rapidly gaining traction in the fashion world. She exemplified how models were evolving into influential voices, reflecting shifting ideals of beauty and style for a new generation.
This period continued to embrace the “monochrome and minimalism” aesthetic, while also witnessing the full maturity of “athleisure.” Hailey, with her fresh and dynamic appeal, effortlessly embodied both. She could transition from a sleek, minimalist red-carpet look to casually sporting “joggers” and “white sneakers” with undeniable style. The “evolution of soft grunge and festival fashion” was also peaking, often integrating 1970s influences like “off-the-shoulder Bardot tops” or “palazzo pants,” which Hailey carried with contemporary confidence and edge.
Her increasing visibility, especially through major magazine features like this GQ cover, underscored the ongoing shift towards recognizing a wider range of modeling talent and the growing influence of digital platforms on careers. Hailey represented the vibrant, evolving spirit of mid-decade fashion, demonstrating that models were not just figures to adorn garments but powerful personalities who helped shape and define the prevailing trends, truly earning her place as a fashion goddess.
14. **Kim Kardashian West (July 2016)**:
By July 2016, Kim Kardashian West’s GQ cover was nothing short of a seismic cultural event, perfectly encapsulating the zenith of influencer culture and her unparalleled dominance in shaping mid-to-late 2010s fashion. She wasn’t merely featured on the cover; she *was* the moment, driving trends and defining an aesthetic that would resonate for years, fundamentally altering how we perceive celebrity and style.
Kim became unequivocally synonymous with “athleisure,” seamlessly taking “leggings, joggers, yoga pants, and athletic fabrics” from the gym straight to high-fashion events, thereby perfecting the quintessential “high-low effect.” She also championed her own distinct brand of “monochrome and minimalism,” consistently favoring neutral color palettes like “earth tones” and “muted pastels.” Her signature style often featured “streamlined silhouettes” and “structured crop tops,” creating a powerful, sleek, and instantly recognizable look that redefined modern glamour.
Her influence, magnified exponentially by social media platforms like Instagram, was simply unparalleled. Kim embodied the essence of “visually rich content” and the “trend-driven” nature of Refinery29’s style, transforming every outfit choice into a global phenomenon. Her revolutionary ability to morph personal style into a full-fledged lifestyle brand cemented her as the ultimate fashion goddess of the mid-2010s, proving that digital influence could be even more potent than traditional runway dictates. Her impact extended to popularizing iconic footwear like “Perspex heels” and foreshadowing elements of the “Y2K revival” that would emerge later in the decade, showcasing her continuous role as a pivotal trendsetter and cultural icon.
As we look back at these incredible women who graced the covers of GQ throughout the mid-2010s, it’s clear their impact extended far beyond mere magazine pages. They were not just supermodels or pop stars; they were architects of a new fashion era, seamlessly blending the worlds of pop culture, music, fashion, and sports into an irresistible mix. From pioneering athleisure and championing minimalism to riding the wave of influencer culture, these goddesses truly defined a decade of style. Their iconic images captured the zeitgeist, reminding us how quickly fashion evolved and how powerfully these women steered its course. The 2010s were a wild, wonderful ride, and these women were the undisputed queens who led the charge, leaving an indelible mark on how we see and celebrate fashion today.
