David Bowie was one of the most iconic figures in fashion and music history. If I had to give an ‘idol’ it would be him. He showed me that it’s okay for a guy to have a different fashion sense. Because of him, I’m living as myself now. I actually covered Life On Mars at a celebration evening in November of last year.
So today, one year on from his death I thought I’d take the time to go through some of my favourite Bowie styles. From platform boots to yellow suits. Bowie reshaped societies ideas of masculinity forever. He linked fashion and music in a way that could never be copied, right up until his final album Blackstar. He didn’t even stop with death, the extremely ace video for ‘No Plan’ was released just two days ago.
I listened to a bit of Bowie growing up but it wasn’t until I got a record player last year that I really discovered his music, and with that his fashion, multiple personas, just how iconic he was. One of my favourite photographs of Bowie is from when he was extremely young, with a crazy thick bob, knitted jacket, shirt and tie. There’s just something about the way he looks that no one else could do.
Ziggy Stardust.
The alter ego of Ziggy Stardust, the wacky rock-alien persona that boosted Bowie’s fame is more than iconic. Before Ziggy, he was fairly unknown. But this persona appealed to members of society seen as outcasts, those who do not fit the norms. They finally had a figure to look to, a man who was unapologetically himself. A man who slaughtered the norm that ‘men shouldn’t wear make up’. Ziggy Stardust with his vibrant red hair and outfits so different they could be described as alien, changed music and fashion in a way that will never be forgotten.
The Coat.
The album cover of Earthling featured a cigarette stubbed union jack coat designed by Alexander McQueen. The coat is one of my favourite fashion pieces ever. I just can’t get over how voguish it is.
Suits.
Another of my favourite Bowie photographs is of him in a yellow suit with a pair of scissors in his hands and a cigarette in his mouth. Bowie and suits are one of fashions greatest combinations, especially when he added a hat and his smile, as a passionate fashion photographer myself I would’ve given anything to photograph him.
He never once stopped looking fashionable and that’s one thing I hope to carry with me through life. Because even during his last years David Bowie remained a fashion icon.
Yes, he was arguably the greatest fashion/music icon ever and one year on from his death the whole world still misses the man who fell to earth. But his memeory lives on, in his hairstyles, outfits, music and films.
Please take a moment today to bless your ears with his music. You won’t regret it.
David Bowie: 8th January 1947 – 10th January 2016.
Out Of The Closet 