MUSIC STYLE ICONS

Posted by Carmella Miller

People have been drawing parallels between music celebs and fashion trends for decades. With the recent onslaught of best and worst dressed musicians at the 2012 Grammys and the devastating news of diva Whitney Houston, the music industry’s getting more attention than ever.

From pop culture to hip hop, musician’s styles have always trickled down to the masses. Let’s look at some of the stars that have and continue to impact fashion today.

KURT COBAIN
With the recent release of the 20th anniversary edition of Nevermind, Nirvana’s front man, Kurt Cobain, was the face of grunge. At first, grunge was viewed as a music genre only until alternative rockers and depressed teens embraced the look. In fact, Kurt was voted as one of the most influential musicians on fashion of all time. The trend is still present today; just as the iconic singer once did and would likely say himself – shop at local vintage stores, keep an open mind, and always have a cardigan sweater close by.

AMY WINEHOUSE
Before her untimely death last July, Amy collaborated with British designer Fred Perry on a 17 piece collection including vintage-inspired looks like a trench coat, bowling dress, and argyle printed sweaters. Even Jean Paul Gaultier dedicated an entire collection to her style; the latest Paris fashion show had models emulating Amy in super high pumps and corset dresses. Her music played in the distance. On a side note, songbirds Adele and Duffy have given acclaim to Ms. Winehouse saying she’s been the largest influence on them lyrically (do you see similarities between Amy’s beehive and Adele’s ‘50s do)?

GWEN STEFANI
Gwen has her ruby-painted fingernails in everything these days: lead singer (when on tour as they haven’t released a new album for years) for ska band No Doubt, solo artist, fashion purveyor of her own line LAMB, and a full-time mom to two beautiful boys. Gwen has been a fashion favourite since the ‘90s. Popularizing the Indian bindi, starting the neon hair trends, and bench marking Madonna’s classic look, she has been an influence to girls around the globe and also other musicians (hello, Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj).

JAY-Z + BEYONCE
As one of the most consistent rap artists of the last decade, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has majorly impacted peers in his genre as much as fashion itself. After the highly anticipated Grammy win for best rap album, Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch The Throne continues to top the charts. Jay-Z cofounded Rocawear, an urban lifestyle brand, several years ago. He’s known for his savvy style sense and meticulously pressed suits. In an industry when tailoring is not prevalent, it’s a welcome break from baseball caps and baggy jeans. Plus his wife, superstar Beyone Knowles, is a well-celebrated and prominent fashion icon herself. House of Dereon, a RTW apparel brand and perfumery, was created years back by Beyonce and her mom/stylist. Looks like J+B are ready to take on their own throne.

LADY GAGA
Let's face it, Lady Gaga's taken fashion to the extreme. From whacky and controversial (remember the meat dress?) to classical and androgynous, she's constantly pushing boundaries on what it means to be stylish or even a woman. Gaga’s broadcasted interview with Jean Paul Gaultier won her fashion acclaim worldwide. By working closely with the creative directors of her shows and strongly monitoring everything from performance attire down to the lighting and makeup, Gaga has proved she can do it all. Love her or hate her – Gaga is truly one of the most influential music style icons of the times.