My top 10 music-inspired trends.

The relationship between music and fashion is one of longstanding interdependance, with fashion differentiating the identities of the many genres. So, inspired by my work in the music industry, and as designers continue to blur the line between the two, i have compiled a list of influential fashion moments and the musical movements that inspired them:

Punk (1976-1979)

Punk fashion, hairstyles and body modifications sprang up in the late seventies to form one of the most memorable movements of last century. Typified by bands such as The Clash, The Sex Pistols and The Ramones, its effect still resonates today, with “Punk Luxe” appearing hither and thither on the catwalks of 2011.

Teddy Boys (1950s)

A look strongly influenced by the American Rock ‘n’ Roll scene. The term “teddy” is an abbreviation of “Edwardian”, the style that influenced the post-war trend for Drape jackets, velvet collars and sock-exposing drainpipe trousers.

Hippy (1960s)

Another movement that originated on the wrong side of the pond, hippy was a distorted entrance into the experimental world of free love, hallucinogenics and anti-war protest. Artists sporting the mandatory headbands and psychedelic vibes included Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, The Who and Jefferson Airplane.

The Beatles (1964)

These guys had a tremendous impact on rock music and popular culture, in general. Their suits, Beatle shoes and mop-top haircuts were imitated worldwide, with sales of “The Authentic Beatle Wig” going through the roof.

Mods and rockers (1960s)

Motorbike and leathers vs. Scooters and skinny ties, to a soundtrack of Elvis Presley and The Kinks.

Glam/Glitter-Rock (1970s)

This was rather a confused time in which androgyny and overt sexual ambiguity reigned supreme. Think David Bowie, during his Ziggy Stardust tour, complete with appallingly skintight, silver all-in-one.

Ska/Rude Boy

A precursor to Reggae, Ska combined Caribbean mento and calypso with American rhythm and blues. It originated in fifties Jamaica and the mandatory pork pies hats, slim suits and skinny ties saw revivals in both the seventies and the eighties (Madness, The specials and 2 Tone).


New Romantics (‘Peacock Punk’)

This flamboyant era flourished in the London nightclubs of the early eighties. See the frilly-shirted bodies in Adam and the Ants’ video for “Stand and Deliver” for an example of these Libertine-esque delights.

Madonna’s Blonde Ambition Tour (1990)

Jean Paul Gaultier’s gravity defying cone bra. Need I say more?

Lady Gaga (2010)

She may divide opinions with her questionable choice of, well, everything, but Lady Gaga’s impact on the fashion world is, unfortunately, undeniable. Spring/Summer 2010, in particular, saw a multitude of designers naming her as their muse.