December’s British Vogue is a treasure chest of goodies, from the how-to on glitter to Lara looking very un-Lara-like in ballgowns and a stunning Doutzen editorial.

But the one article that really caught my eye was a beautifully written collection of stories by some perfectly appointed contributors. “The Seven Wonders of Fashion” is an examination of pieces that are just so incredible that they endure the test of time. (There are some seriously great collages of fashion images over the years, too.)

Charlotte Rampling starts it all off with the tuxedo, an item of clothing she declares “empowering” and statement making. Amanda Harlech muses on the ballgown, the dress of every girl’s dreams, while Alison Goldfrapp informs us of the power of the hat, praising milliners as artists and hats as sculptures.

The fourth wonder is the corset, and who better than Helena Bonham Carter to wax poetic about a piece so “pro-flesh, pro-curves, pro-womanly?” Joan Collins is all about earrings; she says, “[they] are the most flattering jewelry a woman can wear. Nothing looks more glamorous than a pair of glittering diamonds.”

Next up is Hayley Atwell on the pencil skirt, a fashion staple with a sexy man-pleasing silhouette. (Case in point: Mad Men’s Joan Holloway.) Last but not least is the high heel. Cheryl Cole dissects her obsession with both Brian Atwood and Rupert Sanderson.

So do you agree with British Vogue’s picks? Do you think they’ll stand the test of fashion time?