Harry Styles is a musical artist who is well known for his daring and fluid fashion. As a result of this, Harry Styles has grown to be a very influential figure in today's fashion industry. However, long before Harry Styles, there have been music icons who broke through the gender norms of the fashion industry. Artists like David Bowie and Prince became trailblazers in the fashion industry by transforming their original and androgynous style from being seen as costumes into mainstream fashion.
David Bowie: 1960s and 70s
David Bowie is known to be one of the most influential and iconic musical artists of the 1960s and 70s and from the pictures shown it is clear to see why. In a time where it was the very beginning of people
steering away from conservative and traditional ideals, Bowie broke through the gender barriers of fashion in a way that has never been seen before. His explorations with adrogynous fashion debuted on the cover of his third album titled The Man Who Sold the World. In the initial release in 1970, the album cover was a cartoon of a man holding a shotgun in front of an asylum. After his disapproval, the cover was revived and released in 1971 as a groundbreaking image. This featured Bowie laying on a bed covered in blue silk with long hair, a silver bangle bracelet, high black leather boots and the legendary blue silk dress designed by Micheal Fish. Despite the controversy, Bowie’s fashion sense only begins
to grow and become even more revolutionary through different personas. Bowie’s most famous alter ego is “Ziggy Stardust”, who identified as an androgynous alien rock star. “Ziggy” would be known for
presenting himself in fiery red hair, pale skin, a bold lip, knee high platform boots and bright colored jumpsuits. In a world of traditional norms, Bowie used “Ziggy Stardust'' as his way of breaking the barrier of gender norms. After the release of his album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars in 1972,Rolling Stone reporter Richard Cromelin wrote “we should all say a brief prayer that his fortunes are not made to rise and fall with with the fate of “drag-rock” syndrome.” However, not only has “Ziggy Stardust'' become iconic in the music industry, but he also influenced fashion for years to come. Bowie’s fashion has proven to be highly impactful in the fashion industry through the success of collections inspired by his style such as Dior and Saint Laurent, just to name a few. Karl Lagerfeld told The Associated Press that Bowie “was a great artist and a timeless fashion icon… who will remain a reference.”
Prince: 1980s and 90s
During the 1980s and 90s, Prince was well known for his high pitched vocals and his great musical talent.
However, in addition to his talent, Prince also stood out for his vibrant and flamboyant fashion sense. The 1980s was the start of music videos and the peak of MTV. Therefore, Prince would use MTV as a platform to build a brand for himself. Prince would take advantage of his visual presence ensuring that he would stand out from other artists. He accomplished this through his looks that included bold eyeliner. platform boots, tassels, sequins and lace. In one of his most well known looks, which is presented on the album cover Purple Rain, Prince is featured on a motorcycle wearing a white ruffled shirt, purple studded trench coat and lace white gloves. Despite his non-traditionally masculine style, Prince was seen as a sexual figure and quite a ladies man. He would wear high-heeled boots, trousers and no shirt as he would sing his passionate and sensual lyrics. In the Vanity Fair article “Prince’s “Tough” Interview and the Power of Mystique,” when Chris Rock asked Prince if his adrogynous fashion was a way of connecting with his sexual identity, he responds by saying “I think I was just . . . being who I was. Being the true Gemini that I am. And there’s um, there’s many sides in that as well.” With that being said, as he was embracing his feminine flare, he continuously proved that charm and sex appeal does not come from traditional masculinity, but rather the confidence that comes from within.
Harry Styles: Present Day
Harry Styles got his start in a popular boy band named “One Direction” in 2010. Nonetheless, anyone
remotely aware of pop culture is able to see that Styles has come a long way since he left the world of wearing sport jerseys and singing boy band pop tunes. From his staple pearl necklace to his feather boas,
Styles has proven to break gender barriers in today’s fashion industry. One way this was recognized was when he was on the cover of Vogue magazine in their December 2020 issue. This was considered groundbreaking not only because he was the first man ever to be on the cover of Vogue but also because he was featured wearing a long ruffled dress. When asked about his inspirations in the Vogue article, he mentions David Bowie and Prince as well as Stevie Nicks. Therefore, if it were not for these trailblazing fashion legends, Styles would not be the iconic artist he is today. In the article, Gucci stylist Alessandro Michele also commented that “He’s really in touch with his feminine side because it’s something natural, and he’s a big inspiration to a younger generation–about how you can be in a totally free playground when you feel comfortable. I think that he’s a
revolutionary.”
With that being said, Styles is continuing the legacy of Bowie and Prince by being a confident and extravagant role model for today’s generation.
Sources:
Comments