Glam Rock Showdown: Three Rock Icons and Their Influence on Fashion in the 1970s and Beyond

Looking back to the glitter-filled, glamorous world of the early 1970s, this was a time where music and celebrity became intertwined and an artist’s wardrobe was just as big and bold as their music. Characterized by androgyny, an excessive amount of sparkly jumpsuits, and a carefree flamboyance and absurdity, the era of Glam Rock came about during this era and challenged the landscape of fashion and music in a way that still continues to permeate modern culture.

Marc Bolan: Curls, Glitter, and Leopard Print

Marc Bolan, lead singer and guitarist of 1970’s band T.Rex, is often regarded as the pioneer of the Glam Rock movement. Once a mod folk singer, Bolan burst onto the rock scene with a new look that featured glitter makeup on his face, fur blazers, and boa scarves wrapped around his neck. Bolan took great inspiration from women’s clothing and was one of the first men in popular culture to introduce androgyny to men’s fashion. He was a trailblazer and directly inspired David Bowie, his personal friend, who mimicked and created similar glam rock styles throughout his career.

David Bowie: The Man Who Sold the World

Largely regarded as ‘the king of glam rock,’ David Bowie’s everchanging personas were as striking and exploratory as his music. Especially prominent during his Ziggy Stardust era, Bowie’s flashy orange hair, painted nails, and elaborate makeup looks alone were enough to turn heads, but he didn’t stop there. When it came to clothing, Bowie was a bit of a chameleon–he never shied away from a bold jumpsuit such as the iconic moment in 1973 when he was photographed wearing Kansai Yamamoto’s vinyl masterpiece. True to his nature, Bowie could just as easily be found in a more feminine look, like when he graced the cover of his 1970 studio album “The Man who Sold the World” in a ballgown. His presence in the glam rock scene provided an alternative to traditional masculinity and explored the uncharted territory of androgyny in regards to men’s fashion.

Mick Jagger: The Embodiment of Rock + Roll

Mick Jagger and his Rolling Stones bandmates began their careers sporting a more basic schoolboy look, which they chalked up to the fact that their school clothes were all that they had. That style quickly morphed into something monumental as they gained traction in the rock world. As Jagger’s success continued to skyrocket, so did the amount of glitter, leather, and velvet that graced the Stones’ leading man. Mick Jagger’s once preppy, conformist style was transformed into a beautiful pairing of romance and edginess, featuring a contrast of chokers and leather with flowy sleeves and silhouettes. One of Jagger’s favorite and most iconic looks was a gray velvet jumpsuit made specially for him by British designer Ossie Clarke. Jagger’s legacy lives on through rock stars that have passed through the mainstage and those whose careers continue to rock on. Harry Styles, arguably the most famous modern rock star, is often said to have taken a great deal of inspiration from Mick Jagger and his glam rock style.

Written by Hannah Weeks

Graphic by Lawton Harris