Iconic fashion moments in music
PAST AND PRESENT WE TAKE A LOOK AT ARTISTS WHO HAVE SHAPED THE FASHION INDUSTRY
MADONNA
Madonna’s 1990 Blond Ambition tour was by far her most memorable in terms of fashion. Three decades on and Jean Paul Gaultier is still known for the conical bra corset. Popularising underwear as outerwear, this is the corset that revolutionised fashion. Underwear is now firmly on the fashion radar every season; we have Madonna and Gaultier to thank for that.
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND BRITNEY SPEARS
The denim-on-denim moment to conceive all denim moments made history in 2001. It’s like it was yesterday that JT and Britney waltzed into the American Music Awards in matching Canadian Tuxedos. Rolling Stone decreed at the time: It was “their own brand of formalwear.” This double dose of denim lives on – in 2017 Belgian designer Filles Papa designed a t-shirt with the two popstars in their denim looks reading “NEVER FORGET”. We can’t, Britney and Timberlake forever.
JENNIFER LOPEZ
How can we ever forget Jennifer Lopez’s iconic noughties Grammy Awards red carpet look? It was the dress that stole the entire show, when J.Lo strutted the red carpet with then-boyfriend, Puff Daddy. The Versace emerald green silk chiffon dress was an instant global hit, and a fashion-meets-music moment that’s forever etched in our memory. To mark this moment Versace's S/S20 show saw a revival of J.Lo sashaying down the runway in the iconic green dress, it went viral, naturally.
RIHANNA
Rihanna is high up on our style icon looks, surpassing our fashion beliefs of how a 21st century musician should dress. There are countless looks to applaud in the name of style, but one stands out amongst them all: a circa 2012 Vivienne Westwood black slip dress, with pearls and gloves to match. This look withstands the test of time. Rihanna stunned during her performance on the Victoria’s Secret runway and we can’t get enough of it.
BEYONCÉ AND JAY-Z
It was this year’s 2019 Roc Nation Brunch that saw power couple Bey and Jay strutting through the door looking happy as ever. The couple wore matching pastel ensembles and it was a celestial moment. Beyoncé’s S/S19 Balmain number had us gasping in awe at the neckline, while, dapper as ever, Jay wore a muted blue three-piece suit by Frère. A snapshot in time that we won’t forget from music royalty.
CELINE DION
Celine Dion decided to show off her impeccable taste at the Summer 2019 Haute Couture shows. The dramatic sleeves on this white Alexandre Vauthier gown gave plenty of drama to Dion’s entrance, as she took front seat at Vauthier’s show. The Canadian-French singer has had quite a year on the fashion scene, with viral images and sassy looks that prove she is officially fashion goals.
GRACE JONES
Disco was alive and well this S/ S19 when Grace Jones charged down the runway, 70 years young, and nothing stopped the musical legend from stealing the entire Tommy Hilfiger show. It was a social media frenzy, and we absolutely loved every minute of it. Jones proved to all of us that age ain’t nothing but a number.
TINA TURNER
Tina Turner’s style evolution made an everlasting impact on the fashion industry. To refresh our revelry, let’s go back to where it all began: 1985. Turner played opposite Mel Gibson in Mad Max, bringing the chain mail dress to life with her ostentatious costume. Paco Rabanne has been the most famous purveyor of chain mail, and it has become a fashion staple during party season.
LADY GAGA
Who can pull off four outfit changes on the red carpet? None other than Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta aka Lady Gaga. The queen of camp made the appearance of a lifetime this year in a hot pink balloon gown, designed by friend and stylist, Brandon Maxwell. She was flanked by a posse of men in tuxedos, holding the train of her flamboyantly-big dress. This tops the meat dress moment, ten-fold.
BARBRA STREISAND
On a warm summer’s day in 1969 the Academy Awards were held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. It was on this day, April 14, that Barbra Streisand won an award for her performance in Funny Girl, wearing an Arnold Scaasi pantsuit, that was shimmering in sequins, see-through and flared. This jumpsuit of dreams has since been documented as one of the most famous fashion moments, ever.