The worlds of fashion and music have long been creatively interconnected. And while it’s impossible to say which has more of an impact on the other, there’s also no denying that some of the most iconic moments in music history hold their place in our hearts because of the epic wardrobes that accompanied them. And if you want to see how closely tied fashion and music are, look no further than the stage at your nearest music festival, stadium show, or rock concert.
Musicians would be lacking a crucial branding tool—a method to communicate to the public more about themselves than only via their music and sound bites. The best tour costumes can etch a performer into your brain forever, something artists such as Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson knew intrinsically and Lady Gaga has considered since the start.
So to fill your mind, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most iconic fashion moments in music history. Scroll down for more details!
#1 Whitney Houston
Source: AFP / East News
Whitney Houston was known for wearing vibrant outfits and resembled Barbie up to the 1990s. But as the new decade started, everything was different.
Houston embarked on a global tour in 1991 to support her album, I’m Your Baby Tonight. On this trip, she wore virtually solely overalls, which were fashionable at the time and naturally glittered. For her show in Paris, she donned a straightforward yet famous ensemble: classic black overalls with a crystal-studded belt.
#2 Katy Perry
Source: John Shearer / Invision / AP / East News
Katy Perry unexpectedly emerged from a huge bucket of popcorn at one of her 2012 concerts wearing a movie-themed clothing. The singer’s attire was so well-liked that many admirers began to imitate it by creating and wearing identical gowns. Even a tutorial on how to make such an outfit is available.
#3 Kylie Minogue
Source: Wiese / face to face / FaceToFace / REPORTER / East News
A music video for Kylie Minogue‘s most well-known song, “Spinning Around,” was released in the year 2000. She’s dancing in it while wearing renowned golden shorts and a T-shirt.
These shorts cost less than a pack of gum because Minogue and her friend Katerina Jebb shared a love for antique fashion.
These shorts are thought to be owned by an Australian performing arts institution in Melbourne and are now valued at millions of dollars.
#4 Tina Turner
Source: © Tina Turner / YoutTube, © Pat Johnson / MediaPunch / Alamy Stock Photo
In the 1984 music video for her song “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” the singer wore a black leather dress, a denim jacket, and black stiletto heels. In addition, Tina Turner frequently performed while wearing this dress. Her hairstyle and clothes turned become era-defining fashion statements.
#5 ABBA
Source: OLLE LINDEBORG / AFP / East News
With their flashy, sparkly, and perhaps even a little absurd attire, ABBA made a splash. No one dressed as poorly for the stage as they did, according to band member Björn Ulvaeus, who reportedly remarked they even looked mad.
It’s interesting to note that these colorful outfits weren’t just picked to draw attention. The Swedish tax regulations had some influence on the band’s aesthetic. The cost of a costume was deducted from taxes if it couldn’t be worn outside due to its extreme impracticality.
#6 Cher
Source: © Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
For the music video for her song “If I Could Turn Back Time,” the singer donned one of her most illustrious ensembles. In the video, Cher is singing for the crew while aboard a ship.
She was decked out in a one-piece swimsuit, a leather jacket, and fishnet stockings. Even television was prohibited from airing the video, and only MTV would do so after nine o’clock. A less exposed version of the video was later produced.
#7 Madonna
Source: Gill Allen / ASSOCIATED PRESS / East News
The provocative cone-shaped bra was on display during Madonna‘s 1990 Blonde Ambition tour. It was created by Jean-Paul Gaultier.
He was specifically requested by the singer to design an attire for her concerts. The designer also came up with a unique corset in addition to the bra. Instead of making the waist narrower, it was loose. It was also startling.
Younger celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, reinterpreted the cone-shaped bra by substituting flamethrowers and whipped cream, respectively.
Source: © GagaMediaArchives / YouTube
#8 Britney Spears
Source: © Britney Spears: Oops!…I Did It Again / Jive
One of Britney Spears‘ most recognizable outfits is the red latex suit. She wore it in the music video for “Oops!.. I Did It Again.” Overnight, the costume designer came up with the famous ensemble. He was concerned that the singer might pass out while being filmed because she would be moving around a much in it.
When the filming was over and the suit was eventually unzipped, according to witnesses, a bucket of perspiration poured on the ground. Despite the difficult day, Spears performed well. It turned out to be a timeless video that continues to be well-known.
#9 Lady Gaga
Source: © Michael Loccisano / FilmMagic / Getty Images
Lady Gaga claimed that she frequently wore the same costumes at the beginning of her career because she didn’t have a lot of money. She also desired recognition.
For instance, her red overalls with a hood and red gloves outfit became recognized since she used it for both concerts and interviews. The singer said that she planned to wear the white wig nonstop.
#10 Jennifer Lopez
Source: © ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo
Low-rise jeans and crop tops are two iconic 2000s fashion items. The combination became well-known after Jennifer Lopez wore both at an MTV Awards event. When she accepted her Best Dance Video award, she also donned a bandana.
