November 16, 2024

David Bowie’s Influence On Fashion Is Undeniable

Chicago’s Mayor Rahm Emmanuel has declared September 23rd, David Bowie Day. Why? Well, for one, because David Bowie is an international treasure. But also, because the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is the site of the U.S. debut of David Bowie Is—a retrospective on the iconic artists career and his influence on a multitude of aspects of culture, from music and theater to design and of course fashion.

How great is Bowie’s impact? He’s been cited as a influence by almost everyone worth mentioning. He also happens to be continual well of inspiration for those in the fashion industry, where he’s served as muse for Keanan Duffty’s diffusion line for Target in 2007, a resource for Lady Gaga’s costumes while on tour in Japan, and even once stepped in to settle a dispute between two male models. He’s starred in a fashion film for Louis Vuitton where he seduces Arizona Muse. Kate Moss has even transformed into Bowie for Vogue twice—once in 2003 and again in 2012.

David Bowie & Kate MossGetty

So, it makes sense that Moss was on hand to receive Bowie’s award for British Male Solo Artist at the 2014 BRIT Awards.

In order to get you ready for the Bowie retrospective, we’ve compiled a small list of the best (and overt) Bowie references on the runway.

Givenchy Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear

David Bowie & GivenchyStyle.com / Getty

The first thing we immediately thought of was this blazer worn by Bowie in 1973, which later surfaced on Givenchy’s runway in 2010.

Balmain Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear

David Bowie & BalmainStyle.com / Getty

Balmain as Aladdin Sane.

Dries Van Noten Fall 2011 Menswear

David Bowie & Dries Van NotenStyle.com / Getty

Dries Van Noten as the “Thin White Duke” from Bowie’s Station To Station years.

Emilio Pucci Resort 2012

David Bowie & Emilio PucciStyle.com / Getty

David Bowie & Emilio PucciStyle.com / Getty

While a direct reference to Bowie hasn’t been made, you can’t deny that the Bowie’s colorful suits haven’t influenced Pucci in some way.

Alexander McQueen Resort 2013

David Bowie & Alexander McQueenStyle.com / Getty

Ever look at the back of Hunky Dory? That’s where you’ll find Sarah Burton’s inspiration.

Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear

David Bowie & Jean Paul GaultierStyle.com / Getty

“Ziggy Stardust” is alive and well on the runway at JPG.

Jonathan Saunders Spring 2013 Menswear

David Bowie & Jonathan SaundersStyle.com / Getty

Jonathan Saunders decided to reference Bowie’s “Plastic Soul” years instead. We recommend listening to Young Americans for peak plastic soul experience.

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Pre-Fall 2013

David Bowie & PreenStyle.com / Movieweb.com

The folks also decided to step out of the box by citing Bowie’s 1983 vampire film The Hunger as an influence. Did we mention that it’s also perfect for Halloween? Well it is.

Robert Geller Fall 2014 Menswear

David Bowie & Robert GellerStyle.com / Getty

While Robert Gellar decided to chanel the Man Who Fell To Earth.

About the author  ⁄ Jessie Peterson

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