I could rattle off at least 5 of my favourite pop stars or groups that have influenced my appreciation of fashion.
I listen to lots of Rihanna, Beyonce and Rita Ora to name a few and although I don’t dress like them, I love knowing what they wear to the latest award shows or video clips – it’s so addictive.
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The synergy between fashion and music spans way back in time; the 60’s saw the invention of the bikini, and surf music was in full swing; the 70’s were all about punk clothes, rock music, and even urban culture – remember the partnership between Run DMC and Adidas? As for the 80’s, Cyndi Lauper was always on the radio, and big, bold and bright fashion was all the rage. And of course, the 90’s saw edgy style, and Madonna in the iconic Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra at her Blond Ambition Tour.
“Music and fashion have been inseparable since forever,” says Huw Araniego-Ellis, music curator of Guvera. “When the aristocracy used to go to classical performances, they dressed up to the nines, and both men and women wore all kinds of wigs, makeup and corsetry.”
And just like fashion, music trends make their way back again and again.
“Soul and funk has definitely made a comeback this year, and a lot of the EDM and pop music that’s out at the moment also has that soulful piano vibe going on that’s so reminiscent of 80s and early 90s House music,” continues Araniego-Ellis.
There are lots of music stars that ended up being huge fashion icons as well. Think Gwen Stefani and her fashion label L.A.M.B., Rihanna and her collaboration with River Island, Kanye West with his shoe collaborations with Nike and Adidas (and that ready to wear collection, if that counts) and of course, Pharrell Williams’ brand Billionaire Boys Club… just to name a few.
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And it doesn’t stop there – there are countless pop singers that have become ambassadors for beauty brands like MAC. People like Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and even Ricky Martin have graced the lively annual Viva Glam campaigns. Even Katy Perry even has her own line of false lashes now.
“Everyone aspires to look fabulous and even if you’re not able to pull off a full plaid suit like Andre 3000 [half of duo Outkast], there’s something to be said for these guys and girls challenging the idea of what it takes to look good,” says Araniego-Ellis.
Who is your favourite music artist, and why? Tell us in the comments below.
