It's always refreshing when fashion jumps out of the fashion world and onto mainstream society, even if it's through public figures that we hardly are ever going to run into on the street. That's why I thoroughly enjoyed the news this week about Vanity Fair magazine naming three so-called fashion icons. The list was diverse and their sense of fashion varied, but what they have in common seems to be a strong sense of personal style that comes through no matter what they wear.

The name of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice jumped out from the list right away. The magazine cited her mainly for a "renegade" fashion sense that is best exemplified by the "dominatrix" boots that she seem to have grown on her. Vanity Fair noted that Rice was always "immaculately groomed" and exuded "an audacious renegade streak, not to mention her black knee-high dominatrix boots." It marks the first time that a US secretary of state has ever been included in an international best-dressed list.

Of course, Rice has always exhibited diverse talents not only in politics or on the world stage. Since she assumed office in January last year, she has impressed many with her concert-level piano-playing, dawn fitness routine, and an appearance in the aforementioned knee-high "dominatrix" boots. Her image is one that boasts of competence and power. Let's hope she can wield her talents for a quick solution to the problems in the Middle East.

It was easy to see how the best-dressed pair of actress Renee Zellweger and British royalty Prince William were on the list. Both of them have so much personal flair and are certified head-turners anywhere.

Other prominent women who made Vanity Fair's top 10 list are talk show icon Oprah Winfrey, actress Selma Blair, filmmaker Sofia Coppola, rock singer Gwen Stefani and Charlotte Casiraghi, the daughter of Monaco's Princess Caroline, as well as model Kate Moss who graces the cover of the September issue of the magazine.