It was not just his creative streak, music genius, or the larger-than-life alter egos that made David Bowie a living legend. His theatrical and irreverent stage costumes as well as his androgyny made him the ultimate muse for fashion designers. Even before news of Bowie’s passing yesterday, designers have always been paying tribute to the style chameleon. Season after season, Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke land as inspiration for designers from the likes of Riccardo Tisci, Frida Giannini and Raf Simons. Imran Jalal charts through the times The Man Who Sold The World gave us some of fashion’s greatest hits.
Reminiscent of the glittery jumpsuit designed by Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto, which was the go-to name for Bowie’s elaborate costumes during his Ziggy Stardust tour.
Thanks to Bowie, Yamamoto became a household name for avant-garde creations in the ’70s and ’80s.
Former Gucci designer Frida Giannini was a die-hard Bowie fan girl and called him “‘the fashion icon for fashion icons”. Her collections often conjured the singer’s glam rock aesthetic.
Riccardo Tisci’s wide lapel jacket called to mind a similar look Bowie donned in 1973.
The designer’s homage to her personal friend took a leaf from a look he wore for the 1974 album Diamond Dogs.
Jean Paul Gaultier learnt from Bowie the ultimate art of self-expression: “He was in a dress for the sleeve of The Man Who Sold the World – there was a sense of ambiguity and originality that was incredible at the time.”
It was a throwback to Bowie’s fedora-wearing phase for the album The Man Who Fell to Earth.
Raf Simons’ version of the knitted jumpsuits by Kansai Yamamoto that Bowie owned.
Spotted: Aladdin Sane’s signature thunderbolt emblazoned on the blazer. ‘Nuff said.
Hedi Slimane once quipped he was born with a “David Bowie album in my hand” and referenced the Thin White Duke’s wardrobe for his men’s show last year.
Runway photos: Showbit.com
Like this? See other fashion muses like Audrey Hepburn at this photography exhibition in Singapore.