6 Things Kate Moss Did Before (and Better Than) Everyone Else

Today is Kate Moss's 40th birthday, and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate that milestone — or her 25-year domination of the modeling industry — than by taking a closer look at what makes her so iconic.

For us, an icon isn't just someone who does a lot of celebrated work or has museum exhibits and auctions dedicated to them (though Kate's had plenty of both!). An icon is usually an innovator, and Kate, more than being a great model and an incredibly stylish dresser, has been bringing fresh material to the table for decades. In fact, Kate's style is so fantastic that other equally famous women have only been too happy to copy her style and moves. It's all a tribute to her greatness, and we're analyzing a few standout examples of Kate's pioneering spirit right here.

Wearing a Black Sequined Gown to the Golden Globes
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Wearing a Black Sequined Gown to the Golden Globes

Camila Alves looked really, really good at this year's Golden Globe Awards — her date, Matthew McConaughey, wasn't half bad either. But she was wearing essentially the same thing that Kate wore to the Golden Globes in 1995. That was 19 years ago. Oh, and she was on the arm of Johnny Depp.

Being Marc Jacobs's Date to the CFDA Awards
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Being Marc Jacobs's Date to the CFDA Awards

Victoria Beckham looked fairly sexy when she attended the 2008 CFDA Awards with Marc Jacobs. But Kate stood out just as well when she went to the same show with the designer in 2005.

Wearing a Motorcycle Jacket Over a Gown
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Wearing a Motorcycle Jacket Over a Gown

Sarah Jessica Parker kept warm at the amfAR Gala in New York in February 2012 by layering a black leather motorcycle jacket over her floor-length evening gown. Moss did the same edgy-evening styling trick at the 2009 opening of the first Topshop store in New York City.

Collaborating With Topshop
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Collaborating With Topshop

Speaking of Topshop, Kate Bosworth released a collaboration with the brand called The Collection last October. Kate Moss, however, has been collaborating with Topshop on and off since 2007.

Being a Sassy Flapper
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Being a Sassy Flapper

Taylor Swift wore a sparkly dress with fringe to the Time 100 Gala in 2010. Naturally, Kate made the look work three years earlier at a party in London.

Going Incognito at a Music Festival
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Going Incognito at a Music Festival

Fergie wore a pair of dark sunglasses, cutoff shorts, boots, and a few other bohemian pieces at Coachella in 2013 — but would she have gone down that road if Kate hadn't pioneered the look at the Glastonbury Festival in 2010?