Who is the most influential person in the world? It's a hard question to answer, but bless TIME magazine's hearts for giving it their best shot year after year. The 2012 TIME 100 Poll is now live, allowing readers to vote for their favorite celebs, politicians, artists and other "influencers."
In the past, reader-selected winners have included Korean pop star Rain, video-game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, and Christopher Poole, founder of the online community 4chan.org -- in other words, less-than-famous figures who are beloved by their fans.
So as fashion fans, we had to take a look: which of our favorite innovators made the list? Who are we going to vote for? Here are the style makers who earned themselves a spot on the 2012 TIME 100 Poll:
Sarah Burton: The British designer not only stepped into the intimidatingly large shoes of Alexander McQueen after he died; she also created the most important wedding dress of the century.
Jessica Simpson: As a business mogul, Jessica's created a billion-dollar fashion business and is now doling out industry advice on NBC's "Fashion Star."
Sara Blakely: The inventor of Spanx became the youngest female self-made billionaire to appear on Forbes' annual billionaires list this year.
Laura and Kate Mulleavy: The brains behind Rodarte have elevated ready-to-wear to an art form, creating clothing for the street, the screen ("Black Swan") and the stage (Los Angeles Philharmonic's "Don Giovanni" production, coming this May).
Kate Middleton: Her official duties may be more of the charitable type, but let's be honest: Catherine's main job is to power the British fashion industry and launch unknown designers and brands into the stratosphere.
Pippa Middleton: She didn't need to say a word, letting her form-fitting bridesmaids dress and that perky derriere do all the talking -- and influencing. Pippa's posterior has inspired women to head to the plastic surgeon to get their own.
Of course, we'd be remiss if we left off a few HuffPost Style faves, not exactly fashion insiders but beloved by industry members nonetheless. That means Beyonce (who else packs more high fashion into their music videos?), Hillary Clinton (for proving that being a powerful woman doesn't require a skirtsuit), Lana Del Rey (because let's face it, fashion is having a Lana Moment), Melissa McCarthy (for showing the world that a Hollywood actress need not be a size 2), Lady Gaga (who owes much -- if not all -- of her fame to her eye-catching ensembles), Michelle Obama (four years in, she's still a fashion influencer) and last but not least, Queen Elizabeth II (because, well, we adore her).
So which stylish influencer gets your vote? Head to TIME.com now to make your selection -- the voting ends April 6 and the winner will be included in the TIME 100 issue. The complete TIME 100 list will be chosen by editors and revealed on TIME.com on Tuesday, April 17!
In the meantime, take a look back at the Top 11 Fashion Moments of 2011:
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