2012's rising trendsetters: Watch out for Azealia Banks, Rooney Mara, 'Hunger Games'

New York rapper Azealia Banks and actresses Rooney Mara and Shailene Woodley are among the names predicted to be 2012's biggest style icons, while films such as The Hunger Games will make a big sartorial impression.

A report published in WWD January 30 heard from a host of stylists and designers, offering their opinions on this year's biggest style influencers.

Hollywood stylist Phillip Bloch, who has dressed the likes of Halle Berry and Salma Hayek, predicts flamboyant singers Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga will continue to set trends thanks to a rise in "fantasy as fashion," although Helen Job, director of lifestyle and culture at global trend forecasting firm Stylesight, says the one to watch is hip-hop star Banks.

As well as her music providing the backdrop to Mugler's recent menswear show, the musician performed in Karl Lagerfeld's home during a dinner celebrating the launch of his Net-a-Porter clothing line last week -- watch the performance at http://youtu.be/4GIDvrRjkz4.

In terms of cinema, designer Betsey Johnson predicts films such as The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and My Week With Marilyn will impact style well into this year, while New York-based shoe line Loeffler Randall's creative director Jessie Randall cites the former's heroine Mara as a rising trend setter.

"[Mara's] blend of extreme toughness and feminine beauty is inspiring," explained Randall.

That said, celebrities who opt for a more low-key look, such as rising talent The Descendants star Woodley and The Help actress Emma Stone, are also expected to make an impact.

"[Stone] is getting a lot of coverage and interest," said Job.

"She is not super new, but she is moving up to the A-list. She is young and she doesn't have the traditional Hollywood look. She seems a little more attainable, and everyone likes it when there is someone fresh on the scene."

Hotly anticipated sci-fi movie The Hunger Games is also expected to be a big influencer, with a buzz already being generated over the Alexander McQueen peep-toe booties Elizabeth Banks's character Effie Trinket can be seen wearing in preview clips on the film's Capitol Couture Tumblr page -- launched in honor of Hunger Games-related fashion and beauty. A China Glaze nail polish line inspired by the picture will also go on sale to coincide with the film's release in March.

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