The Fanning sisters are have grown up to become a powerful sartorial force - and there is still so much more to go. So adorable and stylish are the young actresses that they could be potential style rivals to the sisterhood of the munchkin-faced Olsen twins. They might not have their own fashion empire just yet, but if their unique and age-appropriate designer choices are anything to go by, these blonde baby-faced porcelain dolls have great potential to influence the fashion realm in a big way.
Unlike the Olsens, Dakota and Elle have enjoyed rather separate yet equally successful careers. Their individual style is also just as distinctive and admirable. But who is the supreme sister? Who shows the most sartorial promise? Who will have us clapping at the Oscars in a bold couture piece while surrounded by a sea of pageant gowns? Let the fashion smack-down begin.
Considering the track record of Hollywood child stars, Dakota seems to be an exception to the off-the-rails rule. She has managed to take the high road less traveled, growing up in the spotlight free of drug scandals and full of smiles and stylish dresses. Always one to dress appropriately for her age (*cough* Miley *cough*) Dakota already seems to have her signature red carpet style down pat. The 17 year old has a preference for pale shades and strapless dresses that emphases her flawless decolletage and alabaster complexion. Lace has also become a part of the Dakota evening signature along with labels such as Valentino, Ellie Saab and Marchesa . On the casual front Dakota mixes preppy styles with a splash of rebellion - no doubt influenced by the glam leather costumes she wore in The Runaways. Skinny jeans, leather jackets, tailored blazers and printed t-shirts seem to be her day-to-day uniform and she carries it off with care-free aplomb.
Elle on the other hand is a little bit more eclectic in her approach to fashion and despite being only 13 years old, she is already taking mature and brave risks left usually to Cate Blanchet, Chloe Sevigny and Charlotte Gainsbourg. With natural model-of-the-moment looks, Elle starred in a Rodarte-costumed short film by director Todd Cole earlier this year.
Sure, I was bored by the one minute mark, but buy golly how gorgeous is she! Since the video Elle has paraded a few Rodarte pieces on the red carpet. She has also been following in her sisters footsteps and donning a few Valentino numbers too. At the recent MET Gala, while Dakota wore a cream floral Valentino gown fit for a princess, Elle surprised most by wearing a very unusual Valentino Couture white lace and black silk mini dress with flat shoes. The dress' voluminous layers weren't exactly the most flattering proportions on the planet, but somehow Elle pulled it off effortlessly. Earlier this year she told Teen Vogue that Alexa Chung was her style icon, but I think Elle's style is far more interesting than the collared dress and pea-coat formula that Alexa has made her mark with. Elle's current penchant for high collars, sculptural panels and textual clashes is refreshingly unexpected for most people, let along a 13 year old.
So while Dakota is onto a good thing with her strapless frocks and leather jackets, it's Elle's unpredictable and quirky style that makes her the more exciting sister to watch. Just imagine what lies in the future for Elle? What will happen once she discovers Givenchy? Meets Karl? Or becomes the face for Miu Miu (you know its only a matter of time). If her older sis can hold it together during her teens scandal-free then there is a strong chance she can too. Fingers crossed!