The Upcoming
  • Culture
    • Art
    • Cinema & Tv
      • Movie reviews
      • Film festivals
      • Shows
    • Food & Drinks
      • News & Features
      • Restaurant & bar reviews
      • Interviews & Recipes
    • Literature
    • Music
      • Live music
    • Theatre
  • Fashion & Lifestyle
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • News & Features
    • Shopping & Trends
    • Tips & How-tos
    • Fashion weeks
  • What’s On
    • Art exhibitions
    • Theatre shows
  • Tickets
  • Join us
    • Editorial unit
    • Our writers
    • Join the team
    • Join the mailing list
    • Support us
    • Contact us
  • Interviews
  • Competitions
  • Special events
    • Film festivals
      • Berlin
      • Tribeca
      • Sundance London
      • Cannes
      • Locarno
      • Venice
      • London
      • Toronto
    • Fashion weeks
      • London Fashion Week
      • New York Fashion Week
      • Milan Fashion Week
      • Paris Fashion Week
      • Haute Couture
      • London Fashion Week Men’s
  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • Instagram

  • YouTube

  • RSS

Fashion & LifestyleNews & Features

How David Bowie influenced the fashion industry

How David Bowie influenced the fashion industry
18 January 2016
Sally Wijers
Avatar
Sally Wijers
18 January 2016

On 10th January, two days after his 69th birthday and the release of his final album Blackstar, David Bowie passed away. Though he has left this world, it will be a long time before we stop feeling his influence on music, popular culture and, yes, even fashion. Bowie was a master of disguise – not to mention gender fluidity. Take a look below at two of his most famous alter egos and how they influenced fashion. 

Ziggy Stardust 

Ziggy Stardust came to life on Bowie’s fifth studio album. The story of Ziggy portrays an alien rock star who comes to earth with a message of peace and love. He is the epitome of the 70s glam rocker. Everything about Ziggy Stardust screams fashion and we are still seeing this style today: the jumpsuits, the colours and, especially, the androgyny. Bowie embodies the androgyny that is loved in high fashion, with his high cheekbones and fine features, combined with a strong jaw line.

The Thin White Duke 

His next alter ego was born in America but had all the bearings of a British Aristocrat – The Thin White Duke. The Duke’s wardrobe was simple and sophisticated in stylish black and white. His physical appearance was increasingly emaciated due to his heavy drug use. The look inspired fashion designer Keanan Duffty and could easily be worn today.

Numerous fashion designers have been inspired by Bowie, from Givenchy to Gaultier, and he continues to inspire the fashion world. You only need to look at Kate Moss on the cover of Vogue in 2003 and 2012, to watch a Lady Gaga performance or to consider Marina Diamandis’ alter ego Electra Heart to appreciate the continuous hold Bowie has on popular culture.

Sally Wijers
Photo: Kimberley Archer

Related Itemsdavid bowiefashionfeatured

More in Fashion & Lifestyle

Spotlight: Lauren Everet and Soup Kitchen London, striving for food security and social equality

Ezelle Alblas
Read More

15 mistakes newlyweds always make

The editorial unit
Read More

Ways to support Heart Month this February

Rebekah Absalom
Read More

10 romantic dresses for your Valentine’s night in

Sophie Cook
Read More

Five London areas to go for a romantic walk this Valentine’s weekend

Lilly Subbotin
Read More

The best beauty launches to treat yourself to this Valentine’s Day

Alexandra Davis
Read More

Valentine’s Day 2021: Gift guide for her

Rebekah Absalom
Read More

Interior design trends you’ll see everywhere in 2021

Sophie Cook
Read More

Six books perfect for beating the winter blues

Alexandra Davis
Read More
Scroll for more
Tap
  • Popular

  • Latest

  • TOP PICKS

  • Detroit Stories – Alice Cooper
    ★★★★★
    Album review
  • Judas and the Black Messiah
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • Laura Mvula – Under a Pink Moon
    ★★★★★
    Live music
  • The Toll
    ★★★★★
    Film festivals
  • Black Bear
    ★★★★★
    Film festivals
  • Big vs Small
    ★★★★★
    Film festivals
  • No táxi do Jack (Jack’s Ride): An interview with director Susana Nobre
    Berlinale
  • I’m Your Man (Ich bin dein Mensch): An interview with stars Dan Stevens and Maren Eggert
    Berlinale
  • I’m Your Man: An interview with Maria Schrader and Jan Schomburg
    Berlinale
  • I’m Your Man (Ich bin dein Mensch) press conference
    Berlinale
  • Moxie
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • Souad
    ★★★★★
    Berlinale
  • We (Nous)
    ★★★★★
    Berlinale
  • Bicep at Saatchi Gallery Online
    ★★★★★
    Live music
  • The Winter Lake
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
The Upcoming
Pages
  • Contact us
  • Join mailing list
  • Join us
  • Our London food map
  • Our writers
  • Support us
  • What, when, why

Copyright © 2011-2020 FL Media

Jaden Smith models for Louis Vuitton womenswear
What to wear in spring 2016