Over the past 10 weeks interning at Vogue Runway, I’ve done a deep dive into years’ worth of the site’s street style photos, combing through the archives and tagging thousands of images for the Street Style Trend Tracker. When I close my eyes, I see animal print button-ups from Pitti Uomo; when I open them, it’s feathers and fringe from Paris couture.
I’ve categorized looks from all over the world and in all different styles-from deconstructed color-blocked blazers to iridescent pleated midi skirts, and everything in between. In the process of tagging, I’ve encountered hundreds of street stylers turning out their best looks for fashion shows, but among them all these five are my favorites. Each has a distinctive style that’s in some way representative of the unique vibe of their home cities: Paris, New York, Tokyo, Copenhagen, and Milan. Here, five street style stars that stand out from the crowd-on the ground, and in the Vogue Runway archive.
Xenia Adonts, Paris
Xenia’s philosophy is that it’s the little details that make all the difference-her self-described “effortless” looks are chic and flirty, always elevated by accessories: a pop of color on a handbag or strappy sandals that tie a blazer and denim shorts together. To me, she embodies the coveted “cool girl” style of Paris. 
For me, fashion is a way to express myself and my different moods-it changes all the time. My style is very influenced by the effortlessness of Parisian chic. I love wearing jeans and a simple but stylish top. Of course, sometimes I will dress up and you will see me in a more colorful dress.
How do you put together an outfit for fashion week?
This is a very spontaneous process. Most of the time I only decide right before heading out. I always want to have a little detail that stands out and makes the outfit special. It can be a piece of clothing or an accessory; a special bag to bring some color, a shoe, or a detail on a top for example.
What or who are the biggest influences on your personal style?
I really look up to my mom who is a master of styling effortlessly but elegantly. Of course, there are a lot of other more famous influences, like Lady Diana or Jane Birkin.
How would you describe the street style scene in Paris?
You see a lot of super inspiring looks every day when walking through the streets of Paris. It’s very dominated by the effortless chic, however, there is a lot of diversity in the streets and culture. I especially love to spot cool outfits on guys; you can find a lot of very well-dressed men.
Leah Hunter, Copenhagen
At heart, Leah’s style is a “balance between basic and bold.” I love the way she reflects her personality and surroundings; the way she stands out in a sea of neutrals, pairing animal-print sandals with, say, layered green knits.
How would you describe your personal style?
I like playful outfits and pops of colors, but the balance between basic and bold styles really depends on how I feel. My personal style is much reflected by my mood.
How would you describe the street style scene in Copenhagen?
It’s very specific in a relaxed, understated way. I remember when I lived in Paris, I would always be able to spot a Danish person from a distance based on that specific look.
Do you feel like your style is representative of Copenhagen?
In a sense, yes. I find inspiration in my surroundings. However, I feel that style is personal and I feel that a city should be able to embrace different takes on what style is.
What’s your street style like off-season?
In the same way I like to dress according to my mood, I also dress for occasions. So, given my job [doing international sales for Baum und Pferdgarten], I tend to add a little extra during fashion week and there is also a difference between what I choose to wear on a rainy gray Monday compared to a sunny Friday.
Ito Wolf, Tokyo
Rebellious, a bit boyish, and contemporary, Ito’s style is punk-meets-grunge. To me, she represents an edgy, endlessly fascinating niche of Tokyo street style, where dressing down is dressing up.
How would you describe your personal style?
I have never seen a person with the exact same face, body shape, and sensations, so I think [my style] is [a bit] alien. Everyone walking in the city thinks so.
How would you describe the street style scene in Tokyo?
There are many aliens. Japan, including Tokyo, should not only be fashionable, but also send out sharp thoughts and accept more. I think there are many people in Tokyo who are clumsy but show up. I’m excited every time we pass each other.
Do you feel like your style is representative of Tokyo?
It is up to the people around me to decide if I am a typical part of it. I don’t have a strong desire to be in [part of a scene], I just live happily every day in this style.
What’s your street style like off-season?
The point is how to [channel] “the self at that time.” [I want to dress] sensuously everyday. I want [my style] to be an extension of my daily life at any time.
Kristen Bateman, New York
It takes effort to stand out on the streets of New York. Kristen’s fearless use of color and her tendency for unexpected pairings is always head-turning.
How would you describe your personal style?
I would say eccentric, over-the-top, a little bit ironic, and I always like to experiment with accessories. I love wearing a lot of jewelry and I also love wearing a lot of makeup. Not a lot of makeup, but makeup that matches the look, which I think is kind of unique. I don’t think that many people do that, but I just love going all out.
How has your street style evolved over the years?
I consider myself a collector, so I’ve worked really hard to find really unique pieces. I’m staring at my closet right now, and there’s everything from a cat shaped Loewe bag to older Miu Miu pieces. I’m absolutely obsessed with finding those pieces and collecting them, then integrating them into my wardrobe. Also, a lot about street style is finding out how to dress in a way that works for you personally and makes you feel comfortable. For me, I can’t wear stuff that I feel uncomfortable in because I feel like it shows.
What are the biggest influences on your personal style?
My biggest style icon is my mom, because she’s always encouraged me to be very experimental with my style and express myself. She’s in her 60s and she has bright yellow hair, so I think that says a lot.
What’s your street style like off-season?
I think that definitely for the shows I’m going all out because it is a chance to celebrate street style and be around more like-minded people than randomly walking in Soho, for example. I think everyone is kind of like that. It’s definitely a moment to peacock. But I do definitely dress up in everyday life too, just for fun. Yesterday I was wearing Schiaparelli earrings and this huge knitted sweater, and I matched my eyeshadow to my look, and I just went out to get coffee. For me, dressing up and accessorizing and doing a whole look like that makes me feel happy, it’s just fun, it’s like a hobby.
Chiara Capitani, Milan
Chiara opts for looks that are contemporary and sleek. She brings runway attitude to street style, which is why she stands out to me.
How would you describe your personal style?
It’s always evolving. I’m constantly inspired by different experiences and my surroundings. At the moment, I like to contrast workwear with more feminine pieces.
How do you put together an outfit for fashion week?
I always want to feel confident in what I’m wearing-that’s my starting point when putting together a fashion week look. Sometimes designers give me outfits, which I then personalize using different pieces from my own wardrobe.
What are the biggest influences on your personal style?
The things that influence my personal style the most are the experiences I’ve had, especially when traveling. I really enjoy absorbing what people around me are wearing. Architecture is something I like to draw from, too-it helps me think about how different shapes and cuts can complement one another. And, of course, the pieces I come across in vintage stores.
How would you describe the street style scene in Milan?
To me, it has that chic, elegant European feel. You can often sense a little influence from American style, too.
