On rare occasions, artistic impressions can reverberate throughout an entire culture, influencing the trends and topics of the time. Inevitably, fashion and music go hand in hand, with idolatry and emulation closely tied to musical immersion.
Through their own leaps of artistic expression or attention-seeking, a number of artists have used video and visual design to create an impression far beyond their own personal style. Below, we celebrate a handful of musicians who have had a profound impact on the style community.
Michael Jackson “Thriller”
Everyone had the jacket, or wanted the jacket. The 14-minute cinematic soft-horror short is an all-time classic, driven in part by the fashion impact of Jackson’s futuristic zipper-packed red-leather jacket – an evolution from his iconic red wrap from the previous year’s “Beat It”. It was beyond appeal, and the few who possessed one when the craze first hit were instantly promoted a full letter grade in cool.
Janet Jackson “Rhythm Nation”
Ah, the bold-shoulder fashion of the 80s. Janet Jackson cornered the market on the T-frame design, with a commanding military flare to boot. Always a pointedly sharp dresser, Jackson followed in her brother’s footsteps in building a radiant style around the presentation of her sound.
Run-DMC “My Adidas”
Culture-cornerstone rap trio Run-DMC went hard at the early-industry endorsement money with sportswear brand Adidas in their 1986 hit track “My Adidas,” and the fans followed. Classic track suits and shell-top sneakers, topped with Cazal sunglasses remains a fashion pivot-point, and frequently refreshed callback to that beloved ’80s hip-hop era.
Britney Spears “…Baby One More Time”
There may have been more salacious high school style anthems of the ’90s, but Britney Spears’ 2003 video for “…Baby One More Time” was certainly among the top in terms of pushing the Lolita envelope. Along the way, Britney Spears almost singlehandledly brought back schoolgirl chic, and made track pants fashionable as actual pants. We’re still trying to work that one down.
Madonna “Vogue”
Fashion anthem “Vogue” is more than that thing you try in the mirror and during more regrettable moments at karaoke. The video features the stylized dancing created by African American and Puerto Rican ball culture in the late 80s. Madonna brought the dance and culture to mainstream attention, using self-involved arm contortions as a launching pad for self-expression, much like her “Express Yourself” clip the year before. But here she doubles down on Marilyn style through a 1920’s fashion lens, a classiness that took hold in 1990.
Lady Gaga “Bad Romance”
Sure, she wouldn’t be Gaga without Madonna’s influence, but the former Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta used the video for ”Bad Romance” as more than a launching pad for next-level weird. She integrated Alexander McQueen Plato’s Atlantis look, fresh off the runway from the Spring 2010 ensemble.
Fiona Apple “Fast As You Can”
The waifish queen of disheveled angst, Fiona Apple amplified the casual-beauty evolution in ”Fast as You Can” with her spaghetti-strapped, makeup-free radiance.
