Music and Fashion

Both fashion and music are known to be forms of free expression of one’s self. Both allow for a person’s individuality to come through whether it is from an unusual instrument choice or from a bold silhouette. Often, you now see a lot of musicians making the transition from the music industry to the fashion industry in one form or another. The most popular lines being Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. line, Beyonce Knowles’ House of Dereon, and Justin Timberlake’s William Rast. The coin flips both ways. Even couture fashion is sometimes influenced by what musicians are wearing. From hair, to clothes, makeup, and shoes, music and fashion work so close together that some would even say that music influences fashion trends more than fashion designers themselves influence fashion.

I think it would be safe to say that music influencing fashion first started with the Beatles in 1963 in London. From the second John, Paul, George, and Ringo put on their tailor-made collarless suits and black heeled leather ankle boots, they took their places as the reigning kings of fashion for almost the next decade. Arguably the most popular fashion trend was started by the Beatles in 1964 with what was called the ‘mop-top’. Before long, virtually everyone had the bowl shaped bangs combed over their foreheads and a guitar to match. . Still, today, everyday you see boys and even some girls copying the same haircut that the Beatles introduced nearly fifty years ago.

Every facet and genre of music has had its representation at one point or another in the fashion world. In the early 60’s it was the mop-top haircut and the mini skirt; the mid to late sixties brought the hippie/unwashed era. The sixties also introduced the music of greats like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Janis Joplin. The 70’s brought bell-bottoms, disco music, feathered hair, John Travolta and ABBA. The 80s introduced the world to styles such as grunge, punk, glam rock and disco glam along with Michael Jackson, Joan Jett, and Blondie. I think the most exciting thing about all the trends that music has brought fashion is that what they have contributed has been timeless. In the past two years, Dior brought back the big 80s hair and Chanel brought back the modernized version of the early-sixties beehive (as so un-glamorously copied by British singer, Amy Winehouse). Even further the cigarette (skinny) jeans and leggings from the eighties came back in a new and modern way revolutionizing 21st century style.

Now a new generation of fashion-obsessed musicians is making their way into the limelight. Like the Beatles before them, the Jonas Brothers captivated everyone with their innate sense of style from the start. From sporting plaid shirts, skinny jeans, and Ray Bans to custom-made Italian silk Dolce & Gabbana suits have made Kevin, Joe, and Nick fashion icons. Likewise the “Jo Bro’s” friend and collaborator Miley Cyrus even launched her own fashion line with designer Max Azria, called Miley and Max.

Musicians are artists. Their music is as much ear candy as a painting by da Vinci is a feast for the eyes. However, for most musicians their music is their real art; fashion is only a secondary priority. In a fall 2008, interview with Vogue, I think Justin Timberlake sums up this theory perfectly: “You think of Stevie [Wonder], you think of the glasses, the braids, and his voice. You think of the Beatles, you think mop-top, haircut, suits. You think of Prince, you think purple. You think of Marvin Gaye, you think skullcap with a pea coat. I don’t think you plan stuff like that. You sort of just are who you are.” Justin himself is singlehandedly credited for the comeback of the three piece suit.

Just like music, fashion is always evolving and new silhouettes and re-vamps of old ideas are being discovered every day. It’s the same with music. You think you’ve heard the same thing before but one thing – just like one accessory – can make all the difference.