Anyone who has enough cred to be known globally by only their first name deserves the title of “icon”.
You can count on one hand the number of people who have achieved this unique status, and one of those is Kylie.
Known more formally as Kylie Minogue, the Australian Princess of Pop.
With a career spanning more than three decades, the “Kylie Effect” is about more than catchy tunes and brilliant album covers.
When my friends and I (women of all ages, from every corner and nook of Australia) hear a Kylie tune, outfit-stalk her looks or listen to her speak there is a certain feeling of rebellion and celebration that fills the air.
I was once at a press reception before one of her Australian shows and I’m afraid my inner fan girl began rearing her excited head and threatening to jump to the surface.
There was flurried conversation within my group about whether or not we should sidle up to her and attempt a meet and greet.
Ultimately, I declined and looking back on that moment, I'm so glad I did. Because now I have brilliant memories of her that do not include being escorted away by security. Her "Kylieness" hit me from across the room and that was more than enough to give me a buzz.
Still, her effect on myself and the women in my life cannot be denied and so I began to wonder how I would emulate it. It's not something you can bottle or buy or fake.
Luckily for us, to celebrate 30 years at the top of the music scene, Kylie Minogue has released her very first range with Specsavers. The designs are drawn from Kylie's own everyday life, so we are all one step closer to the magic that is Kylie.
But Kylie didn't become a fashion icon by chance and if you want to follow in her footsteps, here are the rules you need to follow.
All that glitters is worth wearing.
Look, there can be quite a bit of darkness out there in the Big Bad World and, just like nothing will make you feel happier than a pop song, nothing will make you feel better faster than slipping on some sequins and sparkles.
Kylie gives you permission to treat sequins as a neutral. She inspires event-style dressing and makes you feel like it's OK to stand out and celebrate your body with a touch of glitter clothing.
Support fashion with a purpose.
A true icon knows that fashion is powerful, that it is capable of sending a strong message and enacting change across the world. Luckily for us, Ms Minogue has chosen to use her powers for good.
She is a powerful advocate for equality and has campaigned endlessly for same-sex marriage to be legalised in Australia.
Don’t just follow the trends, create them.
A true fashion icon is remembered not just for the clothes they wear, but also for the styles they create, share and entice others to follow. Kylie has now kicked her fashionable influence up a notch by designing her first eyewear collection for Specsavers.
Which means you can practically reach out and touch her Kylieness, wearing her carefully designed frames right up against your skin.
As someone who has evolved her style numerous times, Kylie has thankfully allowed the rest of us to follow in her footsteps. Her collection includes a range of different looks, 25 glasses and four sunglasses all together, and each marked with the distinctive gold Kylie ‘K’ tag.
Don't be afraid to be a fashion fail.
OK, to get really down and dirty with this, it has to be said that the real secret to becoming an icon is that you never set out to be one, it's just a happy outcome from an unplanned set of circumstances. Like the first person who accidentally dropped their Maltesers in their popcorn at the movies and then thought "hey, this is actually delicious."
Kylie is a performer who has showcased a range of fashionable looks both on and off the stage, and her fearless fashion sense is what makes her so iconic.
When it comes to dressing outside the box, we all need to follow Kylie's lead. Her new eye-wear line is all about embracing elegance, all while preserving your own sense of style.
It's all about bringing a little fun, and a little Kylie, to your life.
The new, exclusive Kylie Minogue Eyewear range is available only at Specsavers. Two pairs from $199, including standard single vision lenses.
What is your favourite style in Kylie's range?
This content was created with thanks to our brand partner Specsavers.
A stunning combination of elegance and edginess, Kylie Mingogue Eyewear features 25 glasses and four prescription sunglasses. Available exclusively at Specsavers, view the collection online now.