It Girl

The Genesis and Evolution of the “It” Factor

The term originated with the 1927 American silent romantic comedy film It, starring Clara Bow. The film was based on a serialized story by Elinor Glyn, who wrote for Cosmopolitan magazine. Glyn herself defined “It” as “that quality possessed by some which draws all others with its magnetic force. With ‘It’ you win all men if you are a woman and all women if you are a man. ‘It’ can be a quality of the mind as well as a physical attraction.” Clara Bow was thus anointed the original “It Girl,” her on-screen persona and off-screen life embodying a vibrant, modern femininity that captivated audiences of the Roaring Twenties. She became a symbol of independence and sexual freedom, setting a template for future generations of stars.

Through the decades, the ‘It Girl’ archetype evolved to reflect the cultural zeitgeist. In the 1960s, Andy Warhol’s muse Edie Sedgwick became the ‘It Girl’ of the counter-culture art scene, known for her unique style and tragic glamour. The 1990s saw a different kind of ‘It Girl’ in Chloë Sevigny, who rose from New York’s skater scene to become an indie film darling and fashion icon, celebrated for her authentic and unconventional persona. The label shifted from being purely about cinematic magnetism to encompassing a broader cultural influence across fashion, music, and the social landscape.

The “It Girl” in Cinema

A cinematic “It Girl” is defined by more than just conventional beauty or acting talent. She possesses a unique, often indefinable screen presence—a je ne sais quoi—that makes her compelling to watch. This quality often translates into being a trendsetter, with her fashion choices and on-screen mannerisms being widely imitated. The label is typically bestowed upon an actress at a pivotal moment, often after a breakout role that captures the public’s imagination and signals a meteoric rise.

Several actresses throughout film history have epitomized the “It Girl” status:

• Clara Bow: The originator, whose bobbed hair and vivacious energy in silent films defined the look of the flapper.
• Audrey Hepburn: In the 1950s and ’60s, her gamine charm and elegant style in films like Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany’s created a new ideal of sophistication and grace.
• Jennifer Lawrence: After her Oscar-nominated role in the indie drama Winter’s Bone and her subsequent casting in The Hunger Games, Lawrence became the “It Girl” of the early 2010s, admired for her talent and relatable, unfiltered personality.
• Zendaya: A modern, multi-hyphenate “It Girl” who transitioned from a Disney Channel star to a critically acclaimed actress in projects like Euphoria and Dune. Her influence extends deeply into fashion, where she is a red carpet icon.

Industry Impact and Media Construction

Being labeled an “It Girl” can be a powerful catalyst for a young actress’s career, but it is not without its perils. The designation can open doors to high-profile roles, lucrative endorsement deals, and immense media attention. Studios and publicists strategically leverage the “It Girl” narrative to build buzz around a film, positioning the actress as the season’s must-watch star. This marketing strategy often involves a whirlwind of magazine covers, talk show appearances, and red carpet events designed to solidify her status.

However, the label carries immense pressure to maintain momentum. The media’s intense scrutiny can be unforgiving, and the fickle nature of fame means that today’s “It Girl” can quickly become yesterday’s news. The challenge lies in converting the initial hype into a sustainable, long-term career built on talent and smart role choices—transforming from an “It Girl” into a respected institution. Furthermore, the term has faced criticism for being reductive and gendered, often placing more emphasis on an actress’s trendiness and public image than on her craft. It highlights a persistent industry tendency to commodify young women, creating a cycle of discovering, celebrating, and ultimately discarding new stars.