When someone poses the question, ‘What is fashion?’ it’s a bit like asking someone to define love.
It’s personal and subject to changing opinions. But, take a moment to consider some of your favorite stars. Their wardrobe undoubtedly says something about their personas.
Take Steven Tyler, frontman for Aerosmith. His wardrobe is certainly unique. It’s free-flowing and artistic, down to the streamers raining from his mic. Would you believe he attributes a lot of his fashion sense to Janis Joplin?
Tyler’s made it very clear that Joplin influenced everything from his fashion sense to his music sense, even going so far as to call her his spirit animal. Let’s take a look at the many ways fashion influences the music industry.
Iconic Figures in the Music Industry
Fashion says as much about the artist as their song lyrics. Let’s start with someone like Rihanna. She’s about as edged out as an artist can be. And her songs walk the same line.
Remember her song, “Love the Way You Lie,” with Eminem? It was about abusive relationships. And, Eminem isn’t exactly known for his buttoned-up persona. As such, RiRi was ready to rock in that music video with short, edgy hair, bold lips, and scandalous outfits.
Let’s move on to Adele. Her focus is her instrument — that one-of-a-kind voice. Her dress is far more demure and monochromatic. You’ll notice a lot of black in her wardrobe. She loves a good, full dress, too.
There’s nothing risqué or overly-revealing about her wardrobe selection. And guess where all the attention goes to? To the power of her voice (or her fabulous makeup artist who has perfected the cat eye).
Movements in the Music Industry
Entire movements are also defined by fashion. Does anybody remember the grunge movement of the 90s? This movement came out of Seattle and featured saggy pants and, well, grungy looking t-shirts.
Nirvana was, to many, the face of the grunge movement. Replay all the Nirvana videos you’ve ever watched. It was jeans, sneakers, and a t-shirt of dubious origins.
How about rap, hip-hop, and R&B? This, too, is a freeing movement defined by its fashion. Take a look at some of the greats, including Kanye and Jay-Z.
It may appear as though they’re dressing casually for the streets but, underneath it all, you know they’re rocking Balenciaga sneakers, $500 t-shirts, and multi-million dollar chains. All the greatest artists from this genre have gone on to influence their fans to dress in a similar fashion.
What Is Fashion to You?
It’s worth asking yourself, “What is fashion?”
In truth, it’s a form of self-expression that borders on art. How we dress speaks to what we believe. And you can be sure all of our favorite artists focus on their fashion and the message they want to convey to their listeners.
Here’s a fashion icon: Madonna. Did you know her co-writer for “Vogue” is making a grab for $500,000 from Warner Music? Yup. They’re embroiled in a nasty lawsuit.
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