He may not be the biggest celebrity in the world, but if you ask us, Robert Pattinson is definitely one of the most influential.
The British actor took the world by storm with his portrayal of vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight Saga — and since then, he’s become a style icon, an influential celebrity, and a powerful brand. But how did he become so iconic and successful? Let’s dive into his life and career.
A Career In Music, Fashion, And Style
Pattinson was born in London, but raised in the United Kingdom’s Lake District, where he went to school. As a child, he showed a natural talent for mimicking voices, and was encouraged to pursue a career in music by his parents. After appearing in an episode of the popular BBC show, Blue Planet, as a young boy, the camera crew followed his family to their Lake District home, where it was filmed. It was then that they saw his unique ability to imitate voices and accents — a skill he would later perfect while acting in films set in the U.K. His love for music and acting led him to study at the London acting school, the Webber Academy, where he met his future wife, FKA Twigs. Together, they have one daughter, Apple. After graduating from Webber, he began his acting career in 2013, with guest appearances on shows like London Bridge and the comedy-drama series, Stella. In 2015, he made his feature film debut in the romantic comedy Blockers. In 2017, he starred alongside Michael Caine and Thandie Newton in the action thriller Triple 9.
Pattinson Is A Style Icon
Pattinson is often credited with popularizing the “goth” look, which is defined by the use of black clothing and dark makeup. When speaking with Elle magazine, the fashion designer Mihara Yasuhiro said, “If it wasn’t for Robert Pattinson, goths wouldn’t be what they are today. He kind of made that scene.” In 2016, the British actor opened up about his influence, telling Elle, “People say I’ve done a lot to influence fashion and style. From a young age, I’ve loved wearing black and hanging out with my friends. Just being different.” He went on to say, “I think a lot of what I do is influence fashion — not only style but also the way I relate to the world.”
He Influenced A Generation Of Twihards
While we’re talking style, it’s important to note that Pattinson did more than help popularize the goth look; he helped create a whole generation of Twihards. If you’ve ever watched or read one of the Twilight Saga movies or the graphic novels that inspired them, you know exactly what we’re talking about. After playing the iconic role of Edward Cullen, Pattinson became a symbol of the vampire lifestyle, and his fans — called “Twihards” — followed suit, with many sporting an eerie resemblance to the man himself. One fan, Megan O’Reilly, wrote in an article for the style site Miele.com that she saw the Twilight films “multiple times because they were always talking about Edwards [sic] and Bella’s curves.” When asked about his impact on the Twihard community, Pattinson responded, “I think it’s wonderful. If I did something right as an actor, it’s really made some difference.” The difference he made is clear to see — and now, so is he.
A Rising Brand
In the wake of the Twilight craze, Pattinson took advantage of the cultural phenomenon to establish himself as a brand. In 2015, he released his first clothing collection for men — and it was an immediate success. The actor designed a range of men’s suits, with the brand Mihara Yasuhiro, and the line regularly selling out. He’s also designed clothing for Mika Miko, an online retailer. The designer behind the label has said that his celebrity “seems to be the driving force behind sales.” Meanwhile, in 2016, it was announced that Pattinson would be releasing a fragrance called “Forces of Nature” — with a range of products designed using natural and eco-friendly materials. Finally, he’s released a self-help book, entitled Confident, in which he shares his fashion and style tips. It was published in August 2017 and has already become a bestseller, peaking at number three on the New York Times bestseller list.
The list of famous people that have endorsed and worn Ralph Lauren is so extensive that it could take a lifetime to fully appreciate it. But here’s a small sample of what you could see if you were to walk down the runway at the Polo Ralph Lauren fashion house: Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Barbara Hutton, and more! Now, it’s your turn to make your mark on the world — whether you are an actor, a musician, a fashion designer, or an authority on style. Whatever your industry, you can bet that Ralph Lauren will be in need of someone to endorse their products. So, take a good look at your life — the good, the bad, and the ugly — and decide what you want to do with it. Then, begin pursuing your dreams.