Music and fashion are old friends who share an often organic and symbiotic relationship – there’s often a mutual influence that one has on the other. Theirs is a connection that has evolved over time. What a musical artist wore wasn’t always heavily emphasized just a few decades ago, when rock and roll was simply about the music – and hit icons like Blondie dressed themselves, did their own hair, and applied their own makeup on almost nonexistent budgets.
Today, more emphasis is placed on artist development and marketing; this reflects in the stylings of musical artists and their direct influences on both emerging and leading fashion designers. Following are a few examples of the inspiration that some of today’s designers glean from musicians.
Lead performer of Florence and the Machine, Florence Welch caught the attention of several designers as soon as the band debuted in 2009. Among her admiring designers is Fria Giannini, creative director at Gucci who designed Welch’s costumes for her tour currently underway.
DJ Diplo (Peter Wentz) was handpicked by Alexander Wang to be featured in advertisements for Wang’s T clothing line for men. Wang selected Diplo because of his whimsical and unpredictable fashion sense.
Yoko Ono is a woman who has consistently marched to the beat of her own drum. That independent flare and rejection of anything trendy are what inspire the designers of Proenza Schouler, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough.
Burberry didn’t have to look any further than George Craig of the rock band, One Night Only, to find someone who personifies the modern British fashion sense. In fact, Craig was featured in Burberry’s ad campaign in 2010.
Winning the 2011 Grammy award for best new artist may have surprised millions, but Esperanza Spalding is winning fans both for her music and for her fashion stylings. Count Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein among them. He admires the unpredictable and soulful nature of this jazz singer and bass player, as well as her passion and genuine self-confidence.
American singer Janelle Monáe knows how to perfect a blend of soul, jazz, funk, rock and even symphonic tunes; but she opts for the classic black and white tux, presenting a simple style that works. That simplicity appeals to fashion giant, Karl Lagerfeld who also appreciates the fine art of classic and simple attire.
Rapper Kanye West reigns supreme when it comes to constantly changing the landscape of rap music. His ever-evolving style is what attracts designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, who recognize West as an artist both musically and visually.
Pushing the music envelope to new heights, British singer M.I.A. stands out in every way – donning bright and varied colors, textures, and looks that all say innovation. This one-of-a-kind artistry inspires designer Donatella Versace who values the uniqueness and boldness that M.I.A. represents so well.
