Elizabeth Holmes

It comes with a salacious and feminist-fuelled history, has a slew of stars from Jane Fonda to the Hadids as fans and flatters every body.

Ever since that image of Johnson was released in the early ’90s, it’s seemingly scared off even the most fashion-forward of people to purchase a turtleneck. They go with practically everything, flatter any age, body or gender — and notably, the garment has a strong and salacious history. Personally, he lost me with the choice of bag and chain — as it’s extremely difficult to pull off necklaces over a turtleneck. Then just a few years later, the item said goodbye to the male gaze and hello again to female activism, courtesy of another starlet. Following an intense decade of political action, which saw women march the streets with their necks covered — the turtleneck took some time out during the ‘80s. The decade of shoulder pads, neon and leg warmers somehow said no to the sartorial symbol of feminine strength. The Belgique actress painted a pretty and bohemian picture of the turtleneck when she pranced around Paris wearing a crisp black version with cigarette pants and loafers for the 1957 film, Funny Face. A most classic and cool ensemble — still very much omnipresent today. Nonetheless, the feminine ideal was considered a step up — in that it was now considered attractive for women to have autonomy and be active in public life. You can go anywhere you like.” While Halston may have been one of the most prolific American designer’s of his time — he was only ever known to wear black turtlenecks. Not familiar with the ‘Gibson Girl?’ Well, the term — also cited as the ‘New Woman’ — was illustrated and coined by artist Charles Dana Gibson who described the fictional character as “the visual ideal” for women from approx. They’re a surefire and snug way to create a chic and seamless outfit for those time (or money) poor to wear in just about any sartorial setting. By the 1940s, however, the high-necked item became less symbolic of societal change and more, well, seductive. Where a cut-out dress or plunging neckline oozes desirability for some, I personally feel most confident (and provocative) whilst wearing the Steve Jobs’ sartorial staple.