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3 New York “It Girls” to watch out for in 2023

From well-known faces such as Emrata to the newcomer Lily Chee, New York's it girls are followed and admired everywhere online and off, thanks to their cool style that best reflects the Big Apple

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It was back in 2007 when Gossip Girl, the TV series that follows the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite, made its debut. The protagonists Blair Waldorf and Serena Van Der Woodsen have become the definition of the New York it-girl: on the one hand, Blair's preppy and always composed style, representing all the old-money aesthetics of the Upper East Side dwellers; on the other hand, the always cool chaos of Serena, a true downtown girl, muse and undisputed queen of Soho and the trendiest side of the city.

Although more than 10 years have passed since the end of the show, and although HBO has just announced the cancellation of the reboot set in our times, interest in New York it-girls has certainly not waned. Indeed, well displayed on social media, today's it-girls have their own platforms, their own podcasts, their own best-sellers and of course their own distinctive style, all available to followers, who can take inspiration and bring a bit of New York into their wardrobe. Blair and Serena certainly weren't the first (think icons like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in the 90s) and they won't be the last, but who are the New York it-girls to watch out for in 2023? Here are at least three who deserve a spotlight this year (and if you don't already follow them, a follow), among new faces and familiar faces.

 
 
 
 
 
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Emily Ratajkowski

For some, her name may no longer be synonymous with novelty. Yet after separating from her ex-husband over his cheating, model, activist and writer Emily Ratajkowski, known to everyone as Emrata, seems to be a new person. Freer, more active and increasingly out of her comfort zone, she says she has entered her bitch era, ulminating in the creation of “The High Low”. “I hope this series is a place where you can come and have fun and where you can reflect”, Emrata wrote at the launch of the podcast.

 
 
 
 
 
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Un post condiviso da Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata)

At only 31 years old, Emrata wants to have fun and wants to create sometimes uncomfortable conversations. All this while raising as a single mum sweet Sylvester Apollo Bear, born in March 2021. The High Low is a long chat between her and her fans, but also between her and some special guests, mostly women, including Donatella Versace, Julia Fox and Bella Thorne. Topics covered so far include dating apps, sex on the first date, the porn industry, but also political issues that are reflected in everyday life, such as inflation and the state of healthcare in America.

Fashion reflects her personality well. Emrata likes to be daring, always on the borderline between very feminine pieces that show off her body and traditionally masculine pieces that want to conceal it, such as the oversized blazers from Le Havre Studio. The result is a super cool and very New York style that led to her being chosen as the new international face of Versace.

 
 
 
 
 
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Un post condiviso da Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata)

Her bestseller “My Body”, a collection of essays on the relationship with one's body, took her to the top of the charts in 2022. The High Low seems to be reaping the same success. All eyes are on her to discover the next step in her bitch era.

 
 
 
 
 
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Un post condiviso da Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata)

Lily Chee

Despite being only 19 years old, Lily Chee is one of the New York it-girls you want to keep an eye on. Born in 2003, model, actress and influencer with over one and a half million followers on her instagram, the young Atlanta native but adopted New Yorker has caught the attention of fashion houses such as Valentino for her cool, laid-back style with an elegant twist where needed, representing the favourite looks of her generation.

 
 
 
 
 
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A student at Columbia University (just like Blair Waldorf), Lily takes her followers to the real New York, the one of institutions like Joe's Pizza in the West Village, trendy rooftops like The Standard or Nets basketball games. And she does it with a simple, comfort-based stylings and a mix of basic pieces and designer accessories. If 2022 brought her notoriety, it is 2023 that could mark a turning point in her career.

 
 
 
 
 
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Un post condiviso da lily chee (@lilychee)

Julia Fox

Julia Fox may have the wrong taste in men, but when it comes to style she knows her stuff. This is confirmed by her 1.5 million followers on Instagram, where Fox shows off her sometimes extreme but always sophisticated looks. After her stormy relationship with Kanye West and his “deletion”, the Milanese-born actress (Fox speaks perfect Italian) found herself with more fame than she wished for and an uncomfortable association to say the least. 

 
 
 
 
 
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But this is her year in the limelight: with a book on the way and many other projects in fashion and film, Julia Fox is the somewhat chaotic but certainly creative New York it-girl we need. One of her great merits is that she uses her platform to promote unknown designers, whom she often chooses to wear herself for big events.

 
 
 
 
 
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Un post condiviso da 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐀 𝐅𝐎𝐗 (@juliafox)

It is precisely on her profile, therefore, that you might discover the next rising star of fashion. Even when it comes to trends, Julia Fox anticipates, creates and decides. Just think of the dyed eyebrows, so light that they disappear into the face, launched by Fox on TikTok and immediately becoming very popular. “With these you can ward off all unwanted men”, Julia said on her debut. 

Image Toomas Tartes on Unsplash