The Fashion of Music: Exploring the Symbiotic Relationship of Genre and Style

The dynamic relationship between music and fashion has remained prevalent for decades. When discussing stylistic differences, it is common to illustrate these variations through the distinct music associated with each style. Furthermore, many fashion aesthetics were born simply due to a certain genre of music. This occurs due to musicians constantly developing visual personas that reflect their creativity and belief system. Designers have continually been inspired by music artists and bands, such as Vivienne Westwood with the Sex Pistols, or Marc Jacobs’ iconic 1992 grunge collection inspired by Nirvana.

To begin with, there was the 1960 modernists, or mods for short. Unconventional patterns, vibrant colors, art-inspired graphics, tailored suits and sleek trench coats were some of the defining aspects of modernist fashion. With this style being extremely popular in London, The Who and The Small Faces were two key pioneers in this style. The Who, with a rebellious sound that drew youth in, was constantly seen in chic, tailored suits during their performances, but that did not mean they shied away from bold graphics. Pete Townshend’s union jack blazer is one of many of the band’s iconic looks. The Small Faces’s sound was a blend of rock, blues and soul that deeply resonated with the youth of this era. They were also constantly seen in tailored suits and renowned mod haircuts, often matching with one another to display their comradery.

Over in America in the 1960s, the hippie movement was occurring. This movement grew parallel with the United States’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Therefore musicians began writing music that echoed anti-establishment ideas. Along with this, the usage of psychedelics like LSD grew amongst musicians and their fans, and this experimentation was reflected in both the music and fashion of the time. This is seen with the decade’s well-known touches of crochet, fringe, bell-bottoms, florals and tie-dye. Artists such as the Grateful Dead, The Doors, Jefferson Airplane and Bob Dylan fueled the movement.

Next is 1970s punk, which by many is considered the first real music subculture. 1970s punk sound could be defined as aggressive, short-paced rock with raw, stripped-down instrumentation and loud vocals. This social and musical movement was known for its deep roots in freedom and individuality as its members constantly challenged authority. Trademarks of this look included leather, vibrant hair, piercings, chains, torn skinny jeans and loads of accessories. Pivotal bands in this movement were the Sex Pistols, Ramones, and The Clash. Specifically the Sex Pistols were led by the “mother of punk,” Vivienne Westwood. She helped the band form their iconic look by utilizing pieces such as ragged t-shirts, bondage pants, graphics of the Queen and even safety pin embellishments.

Another look popular in the 1970s was glam rock. Glam rock can be viewed as an extension of art and psychedelic rock. The look embraced multiple elements such as science fiction, 1930s Hollywood glamour, sexual and gender ambiguity and wearing bold hair or makeup looks. Two of the most well-known figures of this style are David Bowie and Lou Reed. Bowie is highly well known for his act of introducing the androgynous look into 70s culture. This was seen as he constantly chose to wear items such as platform boots and dainty blouses. Through this he was able to empower members of the LGBT+ community as this androgynous style was not commonly seen amongst prominent figures.

1980s goth music then emerged stemming from elements of glam rock. The sound of the era was characterized by heavy reverb, minor keys and slow to moderate tempos. The fashion was extremely DIY with elements of leather, lace and fishnets alongside dark eyeliner and spiked hair. Bands such as Bauhaus and Siouxsie & The Banshees were highly influential. Lead singer Siouxsie Sioux was even known as the “godmother of goth.”

Finally, 1990s grunge was known for its raw, gritty sound and DIY elements. It rejected common smooth production values and the commercialism of mainstream music. Bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden defined the genre. These bands advertised grunge clothing as oversized or disordered even, but that’s what made it stand out. Pieces such as flannels, plaid, combat boots, ripped jeans, massive sweaters and converse are associated with the era.

The symbiotic relationship between music and fashion continues to remain prevalent today, and it continues to shape both worlds. From the sleek, tailored suits of the 1960s mods to the distressed, rustic flannels of the 1990s grunge scene, music has not only defined the sound of each of these eras but also the fashion associated with them. Renowned bands and artists have utilized fashion to express their ideas and push boundaries, leaving a mark on the industry and their followers forever. As new music advances, so will fashion, and this cultural exchange will remain continuous. The dynamic relationship between music and fashion exemplifies the powerful influence of both art forms and their enduring creative impact on society. This connection highlights how these two artistic expressions shape cultural trends and inspire one another over time.

References

Generation, M. O. Y. (2023, December 26). Small faces: Revolutionising British fashion in the 1960s. Mods Of Your Generation. https://modsofyourgeneration.com/small-faces-revolutionizing-british-fashion-in-the-1960s/#google_vignette

MoD bands of the 60s that formed the fashion. Mazeys UK. (2024, October 16). https://us-mazeys.glopalstore.com/blogs/news/mod-bands-of-the-60s-that-formed-the-fashion

Graphic by Gabby Ma