Fashion draws inspiration from social and cultural movements around. Celebrities influence fashion strongly, and their styles invariably become trends. When pop stars meet fashion, a dynamic and lethal combination arises, paving the way for new trends and culture. Pop stars over the years have become remarkable trendsetters for the fashion industry.

Pop stars influence the masses and a more commercial culture. In terms of fashion, a pop icon's looks and styles are emulated and embraced by a larger audience, hence encouraging designers to create similar clothes to create a wide appeal.

One of the most famous singers of the 1950s was Elvis Presley, who brought not just rock and roll in music but also in fashion. Bedazzled jumpsuits, detailed capes, pink shirts, and skin-tight leather pants screamed attention from all the fashionistas. The 1960s fashion trends popularized by the Beatles included mod suits, long kurta-styled paisley shirts, floral pants, and, needless to mention, a burst of bright colors and wide collars.

Michael Jackson had a huge fashion following besides his chartbusters. He got the rock star look going and made it extremely trendy. Studded jackets and capes, black spandex pants, glitter socks, and the signature single white glove made Michael a fashion icon. His off-stage look inspired the trend of leather jackets with zippers and chunky belts.

A female pop icon whose fashion style was mimicked by her fans as a chain reaction to her music was Madonna. She owned the looks of the 80s by making hipsters and lace tops popular, but fishnet stockings, calf-length black leggings, and knee-high leather boots remain her trademark styles. Even to this day, Madonna remains a fashion trendsetter for industry critiques and her fans.

Rock bands like AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, etc., fueled the trend of wearing rock band t-shirts and are popular among many of their fans even today. Kurt Cobain of Nirvana brought the grunge style in the 90s, which rubbed off on clothing along with their music. Ripped jeans, flannels, and worn-in plaid shirts were trends that he set, and many designers like Vivienne Westwood and Marc Jacobs came out with collections that portrayed the rebellious attitude of grunge in their collections.

The influence of pop stars' music is more emotional in fashion. Their work, philosophies, and themes are projected in their fashion sense. Rebellion revealed in leather, chains, and grunge style, while romantic in linen and lace, strength in denim and military jackets providing visual appeals to their music. The Punk style of fashion celebrates individuality, creativity, and being fearless. Torn clothes, safety pins, metal chains, tin studs did not only influence streetwear but also made rounds in couture wear by the likes of John Galliano, Zandra Rhodes, and Versace. The baggy t-shirts, chains, and cool caps became a growing fad because of famous rappers.

Among the latest sensational pop stars, Lady Gaga has a loud style of fashion and is not afraid to push the envelope. Designers like Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs have drawn inspiration from her unusual styles and showcased it in their collections. She has also given impetus to the revolting style of wearing jackets and tops with just underpants. This would normally be perceived outrageous, or so, one would like to believe! But it has received a positive impact and the spring 2010 collection of Alexander Wang and Prada not just displayed the trend in lingerie, but also in their main collection. Wet looking trousers and body suits have become a rage, thanks to Gaga, from runways to streets; everyone seems to be wearing them.


Many pop stars have come up with their own line of clothing in the past ten years. Gwen Stefani, Miley Cyrus, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Fergie, Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Katy Perry to name a few have ventured into the business of fashion. Jessica Simpson has made it big and is estimated to have made retail sales worth $ 750 million in the year 2010. The singer has more than 650 stores across America and an affordable line of fashion clothing.


Pop stars that have a flair for fashion and have become iconic are also teaming up with designers to bring up new collections. Jennifer Lopez after a not very successful attempt in fashion is trying to revamp a collection of clothes with Tommy Hilfiger. Kanye West, a fashion idol for many, plans to debut with a fully fledged women's wear line. The fashion of rising icons getting into clothing is also a step further to stay connected to their fans by making their look and style more accessible.


The symbiotic relationship of pop stars and fashion has always given the industry new trends. And with singers launching new clothing lines along with their albums, the fashion industry has new muses to admire and to display its craft in terms of clothes.



References:


1.      Theedgemalaysia.com

2.      Examiner.com

3.      Lovelyish.com

4.      Guardian.co.uk

5.      Clothingandsociety.com