Music and fashion have always gone hand-in-hand when it comes to influencing each other. From Elvis Presley’s definitive hairstyle that he helped make popular in the 1950s to Madonna’s cone-shaped bra in the 1990s, music has played a pivotal role in shaping pop culture in the fashion industry. For fashion designers in the 20th and 21st century, music has been an endless source of inspiration, with its influence stretching far beyond catwalk to streetwear, clubs, and festivals around the world. In this article, we examine the influence of music on fashion and pop culture over the years.
The 50s and 60s
Music and fashion intertwined in the 1950s and 60s to create a new cultural revolution. With the emergence of rock and roll, teenagers aimed to emulate their favorite musicians in fashion and style. Elvis Presley, one of the most iconic musicians of that time, drew inspiration from a combination of cowboy and rockabilly styles, both with tight-fitting trousers, boots, and leather jackets. The clothing styles that he popularized then can still be seen today in streetwear, with tight-fitting trousers and sleek, leather jackets being a major style staple in current fashion culture.
The Beatles, one of the most significant bands of all time, changed the game in the 60s when it comes to fashion. Their distinct matching suits and bowl haircuts became an iconic and memorable look that has inspired generations of beatniks, punks, and indie rockers alike. The popularity of the band also led to the rise of “mod” fashion, which favored mid-length hair, tailored suits, and a two-and-a-half-inch-cropped-trouser, sometimes worn with boots.
The 70s and 80s
The 70s saw the rise of disco music and fashion. Popularized by legendary musicians such as Donna Summer, these musical acts brought about a style of dressing that was characterized by metallic, glittery fabrics, and high-waist pants. Artists like Michael Jackson, with his red leather jacket, made an indelible imprint on the pop culture fashion scene, creating one of the most iconic looks to date.
In the 80s, music and fashion played an even more significant role in shaping pop culture. With artists like Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Prince dominating the charts, pop culture fashion experienced a massive shift. Pop icons were pushing boundaries in terms of clothing, hair, and makeup, often with bold and striking colors and elaborate hairdos.
Hip-hop, which also rose to prominence during the late 80s, brought baggy clothing to the forefront of fashion. Rappers like Dr. Dre, Run-DMC, and LL Cool J could be seen wearing oversized, loose-fitting pants paired with sneakers or Timberland boots.
The 90s and 2000s
The 90s saw a style evolution with grunge and alternative music. The popularity of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden in the early 90s led to a surge in the popularity of flannel shirts and Doc Martens. Rappers like Tupac and Biggie Smalls also influenced the fashion world with their tracksuits and gold chains and helped popularize streetwear as a legitimate fashion statement.
In the 2000s, the most significant influence on fashion came from the popularization of reality TV shows such as America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway. Hip-hop culture, with its emphasis on sneakers and baggy clothing, was still a major driver in fashion, but the sloganed t-shirts popularized by bands like AC/DC and the Rolling Stones became associated with a more rock-and-roll-influenced style.
Electronic dance music, which rose to popularity in the late 2000s and early 2010s, has now become a dominant force in fashion. Its influence has been felt with festival fashion, with neon, glitter, and flamboyant styles seen at places like Coachella and Tomorrowland.
Conclusion
Music and fashion have always been two interwoven cultural expressions that frequently feed off each other. From Elvis Presley to electronic dance music, they have influenced fashion in various ways, from the tight-fitting leather jackets of the 1950s to the neon, glittery festival wear of today. Musicians have always been at the forefront of the latest fashion trends, with fashion designers looking to them for inspiration to create new clothing staples. The influence of music on fashion and pop culture has been and will continue to be an ever-evolving, vital driving force.