Singer who launched the glam-rock movement was at fashion’s cutting edge for decades
David Bowie was arguably fashion’s king of self-invention.
For almost 50 years he was both androgynous and highly sexual. His avant-garde guises launched the glam-rock movement, catapulting the fashion world into another orbit. From his metallic striped Ziggy Stardust bodysuit to his sharp-tailored ice-blue suit, his many images continue to resonate through popular culture today.
Designers including Raf Simons, Hedi Slimane, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Dries Van Noten have paid homage to the singer through the years (none more so than Gaultier’s spring 2013 collection, which gave a big nod to Ziggy Stardust). While Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust look is the most recognisable influence, his other personas – from Mod teenager to the hippy with dishevelled curls to the Thin White Duke – have all come to life on the catwalks.
His connection with fashion extended to his role in a 2013 ad campaign for Louis Vuitton. And who can forget when model Kate Moss morphed into Bowie for Vogue covers in 2003 and 2012?
So get out on your headphones, start playing Fashion – the track from Bowie’s 1980 album Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) – as we take a look at some of his memorable looks.
