Music’s impact on fashion: The evolution of design

Cultural influences come in many forms, such as social media influencers, sports stars, the movie industry or technology. Motor sports shape the cars of tomorrow, science inspires medications and health, and AI has begun to influence numerous industries and started to impact our daily lives. 

One of the greatest and most successful and symbiotic relationships around is between music and fashion. However, today’s music stars have taken it to another level thanks to the internet and social media. Tik Toks, Instagram posts, X, music videos, and more, all help spread the word and showcase their style to global fan bases.

American rapper, Asap Rocky, is famous for wearing stacked pants and creating the popular street trend that inspired the Rockstar stacked sweats. With over 20 million Instagram followers and 800,000 Tik Tok fans, the star continues to be a fashion leader, making his highly acclaimed debut at Paris Fashion Week this year. 

Iconic decades in music and fashion 

At their best, music and fashion combine to create exciting, transformative trends that can define eras. They work in tandem to sell both the music, the look, and a way of life that shapes generations. 

1950’s

The advent of Rock n Roll and Elvis Presley saw an incredible change in teenage fashion. The superstar heart throb was not afraid to experiment, and was famous for his stage suits, including a full gold lamé suit worn on his album cover.

Cuban collars, pink jackets, crop tops, all denim outfits, and leather jackets were all part of his impressive fashion repertoire. But, perhaps his most famous outfits were his jumpsuits adorned with embroidery and studs.

Just like his musical legacy, Presley’s fashion legacy continues to shape today’s generation of stars. Notable fans include Harry Styles and Bruno Mars, who’s wardrobes appear heavily inspired by the King of Rock ’n’ Rolls ground breaking clothing choices.

1960’s

The ‘60s saw multiple fashion trends appear as musical tastes splintered across several genres. Mods, hippies, and surfers were among a new wave of movements inspired by artists such as The Beatles, Beach Boys, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Grateful Dead, and Rolling Stones, to name a few.

Tie-dye, bold floral prints, fringes, crochet, and flared jeans were some of the most popular trends of the time. However, one of the biggest influencers during this psychedelic decade, was the American singer and guitarist, Jimi Hendrix.

His eclectic mix of feather boas, military jackets, satin shirts, scarves, velvet trousers, and paisley prints, made him a fashion icon that continues to shape trends today.

1970’s

Seen as an anti-establishment movement, punk music and fashion was a way of fighting back against societal norms. The music was loud, rude and often off the rails, while the clothes were studded leather and denim jackets, jeans, fishnet stocking, bondage pants, t-shirts and combat boots. Piercings and eccentric, brightly coloured spiky hair finished the look and was worn by bands such as the Sex Pistols, New York Dolls, and Ramones.

Science fiction was also a big influence in the 70’s, thanks to the moon landing and films such as Star Wars. Fashion and music reflected this trend with the advent of Glam Rock. Platform boots, glitter, make-up, space suits and feather boas were all part of the show, as artists such as David Bowie, Kiss, and Marc Bolan embraced the movement. The cover image to Bowie’s 1973 album Aladdin Sane remains the most iconic Glam Rock image.

Musicians that changed the fashion world:

• Lady Gaga
• Madonna
• Jimi Hendrix
• Elvis Presley
• Prince
• David Bowie
• Kurt Cobain
• Rihanna
• Taylor Swift
• Harry Styles

80’s

Madonna was a trendsetter and style icon in the 80’s. Her rebellious persona and style made the singer a global phenomenon. Leggings, corsets, crop tops, oversized jeans, lace, leg warmers, and bold jewellery were all part of her many legendary outfits. Style gurus claim many of her outfits were the forerunners to todays hugely popular streetwear. 

Today, the relationship between music and fashion comes to a head every year at the Grammy Awards. It allows artists to showcase their style to millions of fans and influence the fashion trends of the future. No doubt all eyes will be on next year’s awards at an Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb 2nd, 2025.